Russian Revolution of 1917

The Russian Monarchy and Revolution

Romanov Dynasty

• The Romanov family ruled Russia as Czars or emperors for three centuries.

Life Before Emancipation

• Before 1861, the average Russian was a serf, living in poverty and forced to work for the nobility.
• They were not freed until 1861, when serfdom was abolished.

Assassinations and Crackdown

• Revolutionaries hoped to achieve change through assassinations, targeting high-ranking officials and royalty.
• In 1881, Czar Alexander II was successfully assassinated by revolutionaries.
• This led to a severe crackdown on all forms of revolution in Russia.
• Czar Alexander III attempted to enforce order after the assassination of his father.

Czar Nicholas II and the Russian Revolution of 1905

• Czar Nicholas II became the ruler of Russia in 1894.
• When he took power, the Russian people were poised for reform and revolution.
• The Bloody Sunday Massacre in 1905 marked the beginning of the Russian Revolution of 1905.
• In response to the protests, Czar Nicholas II announced the October Manifesto, which granted civil liberties and created the Duma, a legislative assembly.
• The Russian people and nobles disliked Nicholas II's wife, Alexandra, due to her German heritage and perceived influence on her husband.

Rasputin's Influence

• Rasputin was a mystic and faith healer who gained influence over Nicholas and Alexandra.
• He was able to manipulate the royal couple's decisions, further isolating them from the Russian people.

World War I and Nicholas II's Mistakes

• Nicholas II made a critical mistake in September 1915 by taking personal command of the Russian army.
• Russia's poor performance in World War I was due to a combination of factors, including inadequate military leadership, economic strain, and lack of industrialization.
• Nicholas II's decision to take control of the army undermined the power of the Duma and further eroded his popularity.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 and Its Aftermath

• The 1905 Russian Revolution ended with the creation of the Duma, but it failed to bring about significant change.
• The event sparked the Russian people's response to Bloody Sunday, but ultimately, it did not achieve the desired reforms.

Personal Life and Rule

• Nicholas II's love for his children had a significant impact on his rule, as he made decisions based on their interests and well-being.
• This focus on family over state affairs contributed to his downfall and the eventual collapse of the Romanov dynasty.