Russian Revolution Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What happened during the Russian Revolution of 1905?

The working class had been oppressed, treated like slaves, with no voice or rights, and suffered from the losses in many wars.

What happened during Bloody Sunday?

A young priest marched through St. Petersburg with a petition, but Czar Nicholas's soldiers fired on the peaceful crowd, leading to riots and strikes.

What changes did Czar Nicholas II make after the Russian Revolution of 1905?

He promised civil freedom and established a Duma for the working classes' voice, but he ignored it.

Describe the social class system of Russia prior to the Russian Revolution of 1917.

The social class system was highly stratified, with a clear divide between the aristocracy, middle class, and working class. Signup and view all the answers

What happened in the February Revolution of 1917?

Czar Nicholas II left the throne and was replaced by the Provisional Government; women rioted due to rising bread prices. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Provisional Government?

It declared Russia a republic and aimed to end social classes, yet struggled with control and resources. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Vladimir Lenin?

He formed the Russian Social Democratic Workers Party, opposed WWI and capitalists, and eventually took control of Russia. Signup and view all the answers

What happened in the October (Bolshevik) Revolution of 1917?

Riots occurred, workers and soldiers joined in protest, and the Bolsheviks took over the Winter Palace, beginning communist rule led by Lenin. Signup and view all the answers

What are the important points of the Declaration of the Rights of the Toiling and Exploited Peoples?

It supported the working class and peasants, advocated for red army empowerment, and opposed propertied and parasitic classes. Signup and view all the answers

How did Lenin use communism once he took control of Russia?

He established a policy of war communism, taking control of everything and forcing everyone to work. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Russia under Lenin considered a one-party state?

The Communist Party was the only political party allowed, effectively controlling the state. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Leon Trotsky?

He was the leader of the Red Army and a key figure in the Russian Revolution. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?

It was a peace treaty between the Bolshevik government and the Central Powers, ending Russia's involvement in WWI. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Russian Civil War fought?

It was fought between the Red Army (communists) and the White Army, who wanted to restore the Czar. Signup and view all the answers

What was war communism?

It was a policy implemented by the Bolshevik government during the civil war to consolidate control over the economy. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Red Terror?

A campaign of political repression where communists executed enemies, carried out by the Cheka. Signup and view all the answers

What was the New Economic Policy?

Established by Lenin, it took a step back from total communism, allowing some private property and market mechanisms. Signup and view all the answers

Did Lenin and the communists follow through on their promise of 'peace, land, bread'?

False Signup and view all the answers

Who is Joseph Stalin?

He became the head of the communist party and leader of the Soviet Union after Lenin's death. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Five-Year Plan?

It was a government plan that decided what goods should be produced and in what quantities. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Russia under Stalin considered a totalitarian state?

It has no limit on power, attempting to regulate all aspects of public and private life. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Ukrainian Famine?

A man-made famine in Ukraine during the early 1930s that led to the deaths of millions due to starvation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Russian Revolution Overview

The Russian Revolution of 1905 was fueled by oppression of the working class, high casualties in wars, and lack of rights.
Major unrest began with Bloody Sunday, where soldiers opened fire on peaceful protesters led by a young priest in St. Petersburg.

Impact of Czar Nicholas II's Reforms

After the 1905 Revolution, Czar Nicholas II issued the October Manifesto, promising civil freedoms and the establishment of the Duma, though he later ignored its power.

February Revolution of 1917

The February Revolution led to the abdication of Czar Nicholas II and the formation of a Provisional Government.
Widespread riots, especially among women protesting bread prices, indicated severe discontent.

Provisional Government Challenges

Established as a republic seeking to dismantle social classes, the Provisional Government faced issues such as public discontent, resource shortages, and ongoing involvement in WWI.

Vladimir Lenin's Role

Lenin, an exiled revolutionary leader of the Russian Social Democratic Workers Party, opposed WWI and capitalists, seizing control post-October Revolution.

October (Bolshevik) Revolution of 1917

A series of riots led by angry workers and soldiers culminated in the Bolshevik takeover of the Winter Palace, marking the start of communist rule in Russia.

Declaration of the Rights of the Toiling and Exploited Peoples

This declaration supported the working and lower classes and rejected social classes and imperialism, established by the Soviet Socialist Republic.

Lenin's Implementation of Communism

Lenin enforced war communism, a policy that meant collective control over resources and forced labor.

One-Party State Under Lenin

Russia became a one-party state, where the communist party held absolute power without political opposition.

Leon Trotsky and the Red Army

Leon Trotsky led the Red Army, which fought against the White Army during the civil war, representing communist interests.

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

The treaty marked Russia's exit from WWI, imposing harsh terms on Russia but allowing the Bolsheviks to consolidate power.

Russian Civil War

Fought between the Red Army (communists) and the White Army (anti-Bolshevik), resulting in severe famine and repression against those opposing Bolshevik rule.

War Communism

A policy where the Bolshevik government took control of all means of production and enforced mandatory labor.

Red Terror and the Cheka

The Red Terror involved the execution of perceived communist enemies, orchestrated by the Cheka, the secret police of the Soviet regime.

New Economic Policy (NEP)

Introduced by Lenin after the civil war, this policy allowed some private ownership and aimed to boost the struggling economy through state capitalism.

Lenin's Promises

The Bolshevik promises of “peace, land, bread” were largely unfulfilled by the communist regime.

Joseph Stalin's Rise

Stalin succeeded Lenin to lead the communist party and Soviet Union, implementing policies like collectivization and establishing Gulags for dissenters.

Five-Year Plan

Stalin's economic initiative aimed to govern production goals and resource distribution to propel industrialization.

Totalitarian State Under Stalin

The regime characterized Russia as a totalitarian state, exerting total control over public and private life with constant surveillance.

Ukrainian Famine

A man-made famine inflicted by Stalin's policies resulted in widespread starvation, leading to millions of deaths.

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Description

Explore the key events and figures of the Russian Revolution, including the significant events of 1905 and Bloody Sunday. These flashcards will help you understand the causes of unrest among the Russian working class and the impact of Czarist repression. Perfect for students and history enthusiasts alike.