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Questions and Answers

What was the primary economic effect of the 1861 emancipation of serfs in Russia?

  • Increased economic dependence of peasants on landowners.
  • Contribution to urban industrial growth through increased labor mobility. (correct)
  • A reduction in urban industrial growth due to decreased rural labor mobility.
  • Immediate and substantial improvement in peasants' living conditions.

Which of the following best describes Tsar Nicholas II's response to the October Manifesto?

  • He dissolved the Duma multiple times when its decisions challenged his authority. (correct)
  • He expanded the powers of the Duma to include control over the military and foreign policy.
  • He fully embraced the constitutional monarchy and shared power willingly with the Duma.
  • He ignored the manifesto and continued to rule as an absolute autocrat.

What was the main goal of Stalin's policy of 'Socialism in One Country'?

  • To rapidly spread communism worldwide through military intervention.
  • To integrate the Soviet Union's economy fully with capitalist nations.
  • To promote and support communist revolutions in other European countries.
  • To consolidate Soviet power and develop its economy independently. (correct)

Which event directly triggered the 1905 Revolution in Russia?

<p>The defeat in the Russo-Japanese War and Bloody Sunday. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of War Communism during the Russian Civil War?

<p>To consolidate Bolshevik power and supply the Red Army through nationalization and requisitioning. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the key difference between the February and October Revolutions of 1917?

<p>The February Revolution was a spontaneous uprising leading to the Tsar's abdication, while the October Revolution was a planned Bolshevik seizure of power. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a factor that contributed to the February Revolution?

<p>The success of Stolypin's land reforms. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of Stalin's collectivization policy in the late 1920s and early 1930s?

<p>To modernize agriculture and increase food production through consolidated state control. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of the Cheka during the Russian Civil War?

<p>Suppressing opposition and dissent through terror and executions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Kronstadt Rebellion in 1921?

<p>It was a protest by formerly loyal sailors against Bolshevik policies, highlighting widespread discontent. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Russia's involvement in World War I contribute to the February Revolution?

<p>It exacerbated existing economic and social stresses due to military defeats and shortages. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a key feature of War Communism?

<p>Nationalization of large industries and forced food requisitioning. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the October Manifesto, issued by Tsar Nicholas II in 1905?

<p>It promised a constitution and the establishment of a parliament (Duma). (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason foreign powers supported the White Army during the Russian Civil War?

<p>To prevent the spread of communism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguished Stalin’s Five-Year Plans from the New Economic Policy (NEP)?

<p>The Five-Year Plans emphasized rapid industrialization and state control, while the NEP allowed for some private enterprise. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributed most to the Bolshevik victory in the Russian Civil War?

<p>The Bolsheviks' control of key central areas and a well-organized Red Army. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the long-term impact of the Great Purge on the Soviet military?

<p>It weakened the military due to the execution and imprisonment of experienced officers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which policy was introduced by Lenin as a 'pragmatic retreat' from socialist policies in 1921?

<p>The New Economic Policy (NEP) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate trigger for the February Revolution of 1917?

<p>Severe food shortages and protests in Petrograd. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Grigori Rasputin's involvement in royal affairs affect the Tsarist regime?

<p>It undermined the credibility of the monarchy due to his influence over Tsarina Alexandra. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main impact of the Brest-Litovsk treaty on Russia?

<p>It resulted in significant territorial losses and discontent among military veterans. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Bolsheviks capitalize on the failures of the Provisional Government to gain support?

<p>By promoting the slogan 'Peace, Land, and Bread' and promising to address pressing issues. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the Red Army during the Russian Civil War, under the leadership of Leon Trotsky?

<p>Strong cohesion and loyalty fostered by harsh measures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did collectivization lead to widespread famine, particularly in Ukraine?

<p>Because it faced resistance, leading to the destruction of crops and livestock, along with forced requisitions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one crucial difference in the strategic approach between Lenin and Trotsky versus Stalin regarding the spread of communism?

<p>Lenin and Trotsky envisioned continuous global revolution, whereas Stalin focused on building 'Socialism in One Country'. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of Stalin’s First Five-Year Plan (1928-1933)?

<p>Developing heavy industry at the expense of consumer goods (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which plan of Stalin's was disrupted by WWII, leading to a shift in focus towards military production?

<p>The Third Five-Year Plan (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the ideological division between the Mensheviks and the Bolsheviks?

<p>The Mensheviks favored a gradual approach to socialism, while the Bolsheviks supported a more revolutionary approach. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason Tsar Nicholas II decided to dissolve the Duma multiple times?

<p>Because the Duma's decisions often conflicted with his interests. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the emancipation of serfs in 1861 impact Russia's industrial growth?

<p>It created a mobile workforce that contributed to urban industrial growth. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the 'kulaks' play in Stalin's collectivization efforts?

<p>They were considered class enemies and were repressed through dispossession, deportation, or execution. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the 'April Theses' that Lenin presented upon his return to Russia in 1917?

<p>A call for immediate peace with Germany and withdrawal from WWI. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the show trials held during the Great Purge?

<p>To eliminate perceived enemies of Stalin through staged accusations and confessions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Russian Civil War affect the country's economy and society?

<p>It resulted in widespread devastation, famine, and social upheaval. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider the confluence of factors leading to the Russian Revolutions. If the Tsar had successfully implemented comprehensive land reform, which of the following outcomes is LEAST likely?

<p>Continued widespread support for the Bolsheviks among urban industrial workers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Imagine you are an economic planner during Stalin's era tasked with maximizing industrial output while minimizing costs. Which of the following strategies would you LEAST likely implement, given the prevailing political climate and ideological constraints?

<p>Encouraging innovation and efficiency improvements through decentralized decision-making and market-based incentives. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterized Russia's political structure in the 19th century?

<p>An autocratic empire under the Tsarist regime. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of rapid industrialization in Russia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

<p>Growth of an urban proletariat and rising dissatisfaction due to harsh working conditions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ideological concept gained traction among Russian urban workers and intellectuals, providing a framework for revolutionary thought?

<p>Marxism, emphasizing class struggle and the dictatorship of the proletariat. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate trigger for the 1905 Revolution in Russia?

<p>The Bloody Sunday massacre of peaceful protestors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary concession made by Tsar Nicholas II in response to the 1905 Revolution?

<p>The establishment of a constitutional monarchy and the Duma. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Russia's involvement in World War I affect the Tsarist regime?

<p>It exacerbated existing economic and social stresses, leading to widespread discontent. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What slogan did the Bolsheviks use to gain popular support during the period leading up to the October Revolution?

<p>&quot;Peace, Land, and Bread&quot;. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor significantly weakened the Provisional Government in Russia after the February Revolution?

<p>Its inability to address key issues like land reform and continued involvement in WWI. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary difference between the February and October Revolutions of 1917 in Russia regarding their nature and execution?

<p>The February Revolution was spontaneous, while the October Revolution was a planned seizure of power by the Bolsheviks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Grigori Rasputin's involvement in the Tsarist court play in the lead-up to the February Revolution?

<p>It undermined the credibility of the monarchy through his influence over Tsarina Alexandra. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a major economic consequence of Russia's involvement in World War I?

<p>Severe shortages of food and essential goods, leading to widespread hardship. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the actions of the military garrison in Petrograd influence the February Revolution?

<p>They mutinied against orders and joined the protesters, escalating the revolution. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the Bolsheviks during the October Revolution?

<p>To establish a socialist state under Bolshevik control. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the state of the Russian military during World War I that contributed to revolutionary sentiment?

<p>Demoralized by catastrophic losses and harsh conditions, increasing support for revolutionary ideas. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors most contributed to the outbreak of the Russian Civil War?

<p>Opposition to Bolshevik policies from various internal groups and external support for anti-Bolshevik forces. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event led to the end of War Communism and the introduction of the New Economic Policy (NEP)?

<p>Widespread economic disarray and popular discontent, including the Kronstadt Rebellion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Stalin's interpretation of Marxism-Leninism differ from that of previous Bolshevik leaders?

<p>Stalin advocated for 'Socialism in One Country,' focusing on internal development before supporting foreign revolutions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of Stalin's policy of collectivization in the late 1920s and early 1930s?

<p>To consolidate individual landholdings into collective farms to increase agricultural production. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of collectivization on the 'kulaks'?

<p>They were labeled as class enemies and subjected to deportation or execution. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a primary focus of Stalin’s Five-Year Plans?

<p>The rapid development of heavy industries like steel, coal, and machinery. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of Stalin's Five-Year Plans regarding consumer goods?

<p>Poor living conditions for many workers and a focus on quantity over quality in consumer goods. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the Great Purge under Stalin primarily designed to eliminate?

<p>Perceived enemies within the Communist Party, military, and general population. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Great Purge affect the Soviet military in the late 1930s?

<p>It weakened the military by purging experienced leaders, impacting its readiness for WWII. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Soviet organization played a crucial role in carrying out arrests, show trials, and executions during the Great Purge?

<p>The NKVD (Soviet secret police). (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Russian Civil War, what was the key strategic advantage held by the Bolsheviks' Red Army?

<p>Control of key central areas including Petrograd and Moscow, vital for governance and communication. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Following the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly, what best describes the political environment established by the Bolsheviks?

<p>A one-party state committed to Marxism, alienating groups with differing ideologies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects a key difference between the Red and White Armies during the Russian Civil War?

<p>The Red Army was well-organized and disciplined under Trotsky, while the White Army was divided with differing goals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of Stalin's five year plans was directly impacted by the outbreak of World War II?

<p>The Third Five-Year Plan. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If Tsar Nicholas II had successfully implemented comprehensive land reform before World War I, which of the following outcomes is LEAST likely?

<p>Increased military defeats in World War I due to a lack of peasant conscripts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the dissolution of the Duma by Tsar Nicholas II ultimately contribute to the February Revolution?

<p>It demonstrated the Tsar's autocratic tendencies and disregard for representative government, fueling discontent. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the policies of War Communism during the Russian Civil War, which action would LEAST align with its goals and principles?

<p>Encouraging small-scale private trade to stimulate local economies and reduce black market activity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which action by the Provisional Government most directly contradicted the desires of a significant portion of the Russian populace in 1917?

<p>Continuing Russia's involvement in World War I despite widespread war-weariness and economic hardship. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During Stalin's collectivization period, if a village resisted joining a collective farm, what would be the LEAST likely course of action taken by the Soviet authorities, based on historical accounts?

<p>Offering substantial financial incentives and increased autonomy to the village in exchange for continued independent farming. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A historian researching the Red Terror might LEAST expect to find evidence of which phenomenon?

<p>Extensive public trials with legal representation to ensure due process for the accused. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Envision yourself as a factory manager during Stalin's First Five-Year Plan. You've consistently exceeded production quotas but have done so by cutting corners on safety and quality, leading to several accidents and defective products. What would be the MOST probable outcome for you, given the political climate?

<p>You would be denounced as a saboteur, arrested by the NKVD, and likely face imprisonment or execution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios presents the LEAST accurate depiction of life in the Soviet Union during Stalin's Great Purge?

<p>Despite widespread fear and suspicion, citizens openly debate and criticize government policies in public forums without fear of reprisal. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Prior to 1905, what best characterizes Russia's political structure?

<p>An autocratic empire under the Tsar. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary ideology influenced Russian revolutionary thought by articulating history as a class struggle?

<p>Marxism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate cause of the 1905 Revolution?

<p>The defeat in the Russo-Japanese War and Bloody Sunday. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the manifesto issued by Tsar Nicholas II in response to the 1905 Revolution?

<p>The October Manifesto (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did Russia's involvement in World War I have on the Tsarist regime?

<p>It exacerbated existing economic and social stresses, contributing to its downfall. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which slogan did the Bolsheviks use to rally support before the October Revolution?

<p>Peace, Land, and Bread (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor that weakened the Provisional Government after the February Revolution?

<p>Its inability to address key issues like land reform and continued involvement in WWI. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did mutiny by the Petrograd military garrison play in the February Revolution?

<p>The garrison sided with the protesters, escalating the revolution. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary result of the October Revolution?

<p>Establishment of a communist state under Bolshevik control. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What best describes a cause of the Russian Civil War?

<p>Opposition to Bolshevik policies and the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a crucial difference between the 'Red' and 'White' armies during the Russian Civil War?

<p>The Red Army was well-organized and disciplined, while the White Army lacked cohesion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the Cheka's function during the Russian Civil War?

<p>To suppress opposition through terror and executions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes 'War Communism'?

<p>A policy adopted by the Bolsheviks to control the economy during the Civil War. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a key feature of War Communism?

<p>Forced food requisitioning from peasants. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant result of the policies enacted during War Communism?

<p>Economic disarray, plummeting industrial output, and insufficient agricultural production. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What prompted the end of War Communism and the beginning of the New Economic Policy (NEP)?

<p>Widespread discontent and economic challenges, including the Kronstadt Rebellion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Stalin's 'Socialism in One Country' differ from traditional Bolshevik ideology?

<p>It prioritized consolidating socialism within the Soviet Union rather than focusing on global revolution. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the intended outcome of collectivization?

<p>To modernize agriculture and increase food production through consolidated landholdings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did Stalin's collectivization policy have on the 'kulaks'?

<p>They were deported, executed, or otherwise repressed as class enemies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of Stalin's Five-Year Plans?

<p>Rapid industrial growth, particularly in heavy industry. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which most accurately reflects a consequence of Stalin's Five-Year Plans?

<p>There was great progress at the expense of consumer goods and living standards. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Great Purge carried out by Stalin in the late 1930s?

<p>To eliminate perceived enemies within the Communist Party, military, and society. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Great Purge affect the Soviet military?

<p>It weakened the military due to the purge of experienced officers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organization played a significant role in carrying out arrests, show trials, and executions during the Great Purge?

<p>The NKVD. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a factory manager during Stalin's First Five-Year Plan knowingly falsified production numbers to meet quotas but compromised product quality, what action would MOST likely be taken against them?

<p>Severe punishment, including imprisonment or execution, for undermining the Plan. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Imagine you are a historian analyzing the long-term strategic outcomes of the Russian Civil War. Which of the following circumstances would be LEAST likely to find substantial evidence supporting it?

<p>A substantial increase in economic output across all sectors due to War Communism’s efficiency. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Envision yourself as a peasant farmer during Stalin's collectivization. You and your fellow villagers are ordered to pool your land and resources into a collective farm, resisting is not an option. What would be the MOST probable course of events dictated to you by the authorities to enforce collectivization?

<p>Forcible confiscation of land and livestock, deportation of perceived 'kulaks,' and imposition of strict quotas. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the strategic significance of the Bolsheviks controlling key central areas, including Petrograd and Moscow, during the Civil War?

<p>It gave them control over vital governance and communication hubs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the Russian Civil War, which foreign powers supported the White Army, and why?

<p>Britain, France, and the USA, fearing the spread of communism. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event directly led to Russia's exit from World War I?

<p>The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the era of War Communism, the policy of forced food requisitioning from peasants MOST directly resulted in which outcome?

<p>Reduced agricultural output and widespread resentment among the peasantry. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the initial stages of collectivization, if a village was identified as harboring 'kulaks' who resisted surrendering their property, what would be the MOST likely immediate action taken by the Communist Party officials?

<p>Initiating propaganda campaigns vilifying the 'kulaks' as enemies of the people, followed by confiscation of property. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of Stalin's Five-Year Plans shifted focus from consumer goods to increasing military production in response to rising international tensions?

<p>The Third Five-Year Plan (1938-1941). (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ideological reason did the Bolsheviks provide for dissolving the Constituent Assembly shortly after it convened in January 1918?

<p>The Assembly represented bourgeois interests and undermined the authority of the Soviets. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Imagine an alternate history: If Tsar Nicholas II implemented comprehensive land reforms before 1905, giving ownership to the peasants, which scenario is LEAST probable?

<p>An immediate end to calls for political reform and representation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which policy enacted during the period of War Communism would LEAST align with its fundamental goals, had it been thoroughly and consistently enforced?

<p>Permitting limited private trade and small-scale entrepreneurship. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which action of the Provisional Government most directly undermined its popular support and contradicted the desires of a large segment of the Russian populace in 1917?

<p>Continuing Russia's involvement in World War I despite widespread war-weariness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the Civil War, what long-term advantage MOST helped the Bolsheviks secure victory despite facing substantial opposition?

<p>Control of key industrial centers and strategic geographic locations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the period of collectivization under Stalin, if a village resisted joining a collective farm, which scenario would the Soviet authorities be LEAST likely to implement?

<p>Offering resistant villages incentives such as tax breaks and access to modern agricultural equipment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Russia Pre-1905

Russia was an autocratic empire ruled by the Tsarist regime.

Russian Industrial Revolution

Rapid growth led to poor conditions and a lack of political power for workers.

Marxist Ideas

A philosophy that views history as a class struggle.

Bloody Sunday (1905)

The Tsar's troops fired on peaceful protesters, killing hundreds.

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October Manifesto

Promised a constitution and parliament (Duma), but failed to address the deeper issues

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WWI's Impact on Russia

War defeats exposed government incompetence and corruption.

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February 1917 Revolution Trigger

Severe food shortages and discontent triggered strikes and demonstrations.

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Provisional Government

Seized power after Nicholas II's abdication.

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Bolshevik Slogan

Promised 'Peace, Land, and Bread'.

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October 1917 Revolution Result

Led to the establishment of a communist state.

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Autocratic Rule

Nicholas II's autocratic style and suppression of opposition caused widespread discontent.

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Influence of Rasputin

Rasputin's involvement undermined the monarchy's credibility.

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Provisional Government's Failure

Failed to address key issues like land reform and continuing the war.

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WWI's Impact on Russia

War disrupted the economy, causing shortages of food and essential goods.

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Economic Discontent

Led to poor urban conditions and an underdeveloped agricultural sector.

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Social Disparities

Fueled discontent due to harsh living conditions.

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Low Soldier Morale

Troops were demoralized by war failures.

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February Revolution Result

The Tsar was forced to abdicate.

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October Revolution's Goal

The Bolsheviks planned to establish a socialist state.

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Opposition to Bolsheviks

Opposed harsh methods and dissolution of the Constituent Assembly

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Ideological Opposition

Alienated groups with nationalist, monarchist, or democratic leanings.

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Foreign Support for White Army

Foreign nations feared the spread of communism.

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Red Army Strength

The Red Army was well-organized and disciplined.

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Cheka's Role

Suppressed opposition through terror and executions.

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Bolshevik Geography

Controlled Petrograd and Moscow

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War Communism Aim

Consolidate power and meet the demands of war through radical economic measures.

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Nationalization

Industries and banks were nationalized.

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Food Requisitioning

Peasants were forced to surrender their produce to the state.

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Trade Abolition

Private trading was banned, leading to a black market.

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Lenin's NEP

Introduced NEP to revitalize the economy.

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"Socialism in One Country"

Focused on consolidating power and developing the Soviet Union's economy independently.

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Stalin's Economic Goal

Transform the Soviet Union into a selfsufficient industrial superpower.

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Collectivization

Consolidated land and labor into collective farms.

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Kulaks

Enemies of the people and the working class

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Five-Year Plans

Focused on rapid industrial growth.

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First Five-Year Plan

Massive increases in heavy industry.

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Second Five-Year Plan

Improved transport networks.

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Third Five-Year Plan

Shifted focus to military production.

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NKVD's Role

Carrying out arrests, show trials, and executions.

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Show Trials

Bolsheviks and leaders were accused of treason.

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Emancipation of Serfs (1861)

Allowed mobility contributing to urban industrial growth.

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Mensheviks vs. Bolsheviks

The split of the Russian socialist movement.

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WWI's Impact

Exacerbated existing economic and social stresses in Russia

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Military defeats

Highlighted government inefficiency and corruption during WWI.

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February Revolution Start

Triggered by food shortages and dissatisfaction with war.

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Lenin's Return (April 1917)

Galvanized to prepare for a second revolution.

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Political Repression

Lack of reforms and suppression led societal groups to revolt

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Rasputin's Meddling

His influence eroded trust in ruling class..

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Uprising in Petrograd

The city garrison mutinied against the army.

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October Revolution

Planned takeover to establish a socialist state.

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Brest-Litovsk Treaty

Treaty and subsequent withdrawal from WWI.

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War Communism

Implemented to control and direct the economy during the Civil War.

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Economic Disarray

Damaged the Russian economy.

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Harsh Policies

Led to uprisings.

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Consolidate and develop!

Stalin focused on consolidation and Soviet economic development.

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Collectivization Aims

Boost food production & modernize.

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First Five-Year Plan Results

Massive increases in heavy industry at expense of living standards.

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Purge Military Impact

Weakened the military and impacted initial ability to respond effectively

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The Duma

A parliament established after the 1905 Revolution, with limited power under the Tsar.

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New Economic Policy (NEP)

Private ownership of small businesses was allowed and peasants could sell surplus goods on the open market

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Kronstadt Rebellion

Showed deep-seated dissatisfaction with Bolshevik methods in 1921. Uprising led by previously loyal sailors.

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“Socialism in One Country”

Stalin focused on building the Soviet Union's economy independently of global revolutionary movements.

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Kolkhozes

State-controlled farms where peasants worked and shared the produce.

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Sovkhozes

State-owned farms.

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Study Notes

Issues and Events Leading to the 1917 Revolutions

  • The 1917 Russian Revolutions led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the rise of the Bolshevik-led Soviet state.
  • Political, social, economic, and ideological factors all contributed to the revolutions.
  • These revolutions can be traced through critical events and shifts within Russian society, beginning in the late 19th century.
  • Russia was an autocratic empire under the Tsarist regime in the 19th century, exerting strict control over diverse ethnicities and social classes.
  • The majority of the population were peasants and many were serfs tied to the land until their emancipation in 1861 by Tsar Alexander II.
  • Emancipation allowed mobility, contributing to urban industrial growth, but did not substantially improve living or economic conditions.
  • Rapid industrialization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to the growth of an urban proletariat.
  • Dissatisfaction arose from harsh working conditions, low wages, and a lack of political power for the growing working class.
  • Marxist ideas provided a theoretical foundation for revolutionary thought.
  • Karl Marx's theories depicted history as a class struggle leading to the dictatorship of the proletariat.
  • A division emerged within the Russian socialist movement between those favoring a gradual approach to socialism (Mensheviks) and those supporting a revolutionary approach (Bolsheviks) in 1903.
  • The defeat of Russian forces in the Russo-Japanese War exposed the incompetence of the Tsarist regime and ignited nationalistic and liberal sentiments, sparking the 1905 Revolution.
  • Bloody Sunday in January 1905, where the Tsar’s troops fired on a peaceful protest led by Father Georgii Gapon, sparked widespread strikes, uprisings, and mutinies.
  • Tsar Nicholas II issued the October Manifesto, promising a constitution and parliament (Duma) but these concessions failed to address deeper issues.
  • The 1905 Revolution exposed the weaknesses of the autocracy and allowed revolutionary leaders like Lenin and Trotsky to gain experience.
  • Real power remained with the Tsar, who dissolved the Duma multiple times when its decisions did not align with his interests.
  • Russia's involvement in World War I exacerbated existing economic and social stresses.
  • The war brought immense hardship, with military defeats highlighting government inefficiency and corruption.
  • Severe food shortages and general discontent with the war effort triggered the February 1917 Revolution, leading to strikes and demonstrations in Petrograd.
  • The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, capitalized on the Provisional Government's unpopularity with the slogan "Peace, Land, and Bread."
  • Lenin’s return from exile in April 1917 and his April Theses galvanized his supporters to prepare for a second revolution.
  • The Bolsheviks successfully seized power in October 1917, establishing a communist state and withdrawing Russia from WWI.

February and October Revolutions of 1917

  • The February and October Revolutions of 1917 led to the downfall of the Russian monarchy and the establishment of the Soviet Union.
  • Political, economic, and social factors, intensified by World War I, drove these revolutions.

Political Causes

  • Tsar Nicholas II's autocratic governance and suppression of opposition created widespread dissatisfaction.
  • The Tsar's reluctance to share power and the brutal repression of protests contributed to revolutionary sentiment.
  • Grigori Rasputin's influence over Tsarina Alexandra undermined the credibility of the monarchy.
  • His meddling in government appointments eroded trust in the ruling class.
  • The Tsar's decision to dissolve the Duma multiple times and the ineffectiveness of the Provisional Government under Alexander Kerensky destabilized the nation.
  • Key issues like land reform and continued participation in WWI were not addressed by the Provisional Government.

Economic Causes

  • World War I severely disrupted Russia’s economy, leading to shortages of food and essential goods.
  • The heavy toll on Russian soldiers demoralized the population and depleted national resources.
  • Rapid industrialization led to poor working conditions, while the agricultural sector remained underdeveloped.
  • The government’s inability to distribute land reforms and manage food supplies exacerbated the plight of workers and peasants.

Social Causes

  • Stark disparities between the wealthy and the poor, along with harsh living conditions for urban workers and peasants, fueled discontent.
  • Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and exploitative labor conditions were rampant in major urban centers like Petrograd.
  • The Russian military’s failures in World War I demoralized the troops.
  • Catastrophic losses on the front and harsh conditions contributed to declining morale and increased support for revolutionary ideas.
  • Triggered by food shortages and general dissatisfaction with the war, the February Revolution began spontaneously with protests in Petrograd.
  • The military garrison in the city mutinied against orders to suppress the riots, siding with the protesters.
  • Tsar Nicholas II was forced to abdicate, ending centuries of Romanov rule, and the Provisional Government took power.
  • The October Revolution was a planned event by the Bolsheviks, keen to establish a socialist state.
  • The Provisional Government could not meet the needs of the populace such as ending the war and instigating land reforms.
  • This created a power vacuum that the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky, exploited.
  • Lenin’s return from exile and his aggressive push for a second revolution galvanized the Bolsheviks and their supporters.
  • The takeover in October involved the seizure of key installations and government facilities in Petrograd by Bolshevik Red Guards and sympathetic military units.

Civil War and War Communism in Russia

  • After the Bolsheviks seized power in October 1917, they faced substantial opposition, culminating in the Russian Civil War from 1918 to 1921.

Causes of the Civil War

  • Many opposed the Bolsheviks' harsh methods and the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly.
  • The Bolsheviks' commitment to Marxism and the establishment of a one-party state alienated various social groups.
  • The Brest-Litovsk treaty and withdrawal from WWI displeased many, especially within the military.
  • The White armies, opposing the Bolsheviks, received backing from foreign nations fearing the spread of communism, including Britain, France, and the USA.

Dynamics of the Civil War

  • The Red Army, led by Leon Trotsky, was well-organized and disciplined, employing strict measures to ensure loyalty and order.
  • The White Army lacked cohesion and was divided by differing goals and leadership styles.
  • The Cheka, the Bolsheviks' secret police, suppressed opposition through terror and executions, maintaining Bolshevik control.
  • The Bolsheviks controlled key central areas including Petrograd and Moscow, vital for governance and communication.

War Communism

  • War Communism was a policy adopted by the Bolsheviks to control the economy during the Civil War.
  • It aimed to consolidate power and meet the demands of war through radical economic measures.

Key Features of War Communism

  • Large industries and banks were nationalized to control production and finance.
  • Peasants were forced to surrender produce to the state, leading to resentment and reduced agricultural output.
  • Workers were militarized, with strikes forbidden and work conditions strictly regulated.
  • Private trading was banned, leading to an increase in black market activities.

Impact and Opposition

  • The Russian economy was severely damaged; industrial output plummeted, and agricultural production was insufficient.
  • The harsh policies led to widespread suffering and discontent, culminating in uprisings like the Kronstadt Rebellion in 1921.
  • The Kronstadt Rebellion, led by previously loyal sailors, indicated deep-seated dissatisfaction with Bolshevik methods.
  • The economic and social challenges led to War Communism's replacement by the New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1921.
  • Lenin introduced NEP as a retreat from socialist policies to revitalize the economy by reintroducing private enterprise elements.

Russia under Stalin

  • Stalin's interpretation of Marxism-Leninism, "Socialism in One Country," differed from the Bolshevik emphasis on international revolution.
  • Stalin focused on consolidating power and developing the Soviet Union’s economy independently of global revolutionary movements.
  • This approach allowed the USSR to strengthen internally and coexist with capitalist states without immediate conflict.
  • Stalin's policy was pragmatic and nationalist, aiming to build socialism within the Soviet Union before instigating revolutions abroad.

Collectivization and Industrialization under Stalin

  • Stalin's economic reorganization aimed to transform the Soviet Union into a self-sufficient industrial superpower.

Goals of Economic Reorganization

  • Mechanizing agriculture to increase productivity and support industrialization.
  • Replacing NEP with state control over industry, moving away from capitalist tendencies.
  • Introducing advanced technologies to rebuild and modernize the economy.

Collectivization

  • Introduced in 1929, collectivization aimed to consolidate landholdings and labor into collective farms (kolkhozes) and state farms (sovkhozes).
  • The objectives were to modernize agriculture, increase food production, and accumulate capital through the sale of surplus food abroad.
  • This program met resistance from peasants, leading to repression, including the deportation or execution of "kulaks".
  • Despite its aim to boost agricultural productivity, collectivization led to widespread famine, notably in Ukraine (1932-1933), resulting in millions of deaths.

Industrialization: The Five-Year Plans

  • Stalin's Five-Year Plans focused on rapid industrial growth, emphasizing heavy industries.
  • The first plan (1928-1932) set ambitious production targets, partially met at the cost of human suffering.
  • Workers faced intense pressure to meet quotas, with failure often resulting in severe penalties.
  • The first Five-Year Plan (1928–1933) targeted massive increases in heavy industry, with successes in output and infrastructure at the expense of consumer goods.
  • The second Five-Year Plan (1933–1937) continued emphasis on heavy industry while attempting to improve quality and efficiency, focusing on transportation and communication.
  • The third Five-Year Plan (1938–1941) aimed to enhance consumer goods production but was disrupted by WWII, shifting focus to military production.
  • These plans led to poor living conditions for many workers and a focus on quantity over quality in consumer goods.

Political Repression and the Great Purge

  • The late 1930s under Stalin were marked by intense political repression, known as the Great Purge.
  • Perceived enemies within the Communist Party, military, and general population were targeted
  • The Soviet secret police, NKVD, played a role in carrying out arrests, show trials, and executions.
  • Prominent Bolsheviks and military leaders were accused of treason in publicized trials, leading to executions and imprisonments.
  • The purge of the Red Army's leadership weakened the military, impacting its ability to respond effectively during WWII.
  • Prime Minister Stolypin contributed to brewing revolutionary sentiment through the brutal repression of protests and political dissent.

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