Socialism in Europe and the Russian Revolution

A political ideology advocating for social ownership and democratic control of the means of production, distribution, and exchange.

A political party formed in Britain in 1905 by socialists and trade unionists, aiming to represent working-class interests.

The absolute ruler of Russia from 1894 to 1917, facing considerable social and economic challenges, which ultimately led to the Russian Revolution.

An area of land that includes current-day Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, parts of Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, Central Asian states, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the territory outside Moscow.

A major religion in Russia, based on Eastern Orthodox Christianity, with a significant influence on society and culture.

A system of communal land ownership and management in Russia, where peasants pooled their land and divided it according to the needs of individual families.

Working class strikes in Russia in 1896-1897, demanding better conditions and wages in the textile industry.

A strike in 1902 by workers in the Russian metal industry, highlighting the growing labor unrest and discontent.

A political ideology advocating for secularism, individual rights protection against government, and a representative government structure.

A political ideology supporting women's suffrage, challenging the privileges of aristocracy and factory owners, and advocating for a more equitable distribution of power.

A political ideology emphasizing the importance of tradition, respecting the past, and accepting some necessary changes.

A social and economic system where workers, brought together by industrialization, experienced poor working conditions, long hours, low wages, unemployment, inadequate housing, and inadequate sanitary conditions.

A political and economic ideology that rejects private property and advocates for social ownership of the means of production.

Groups of individuals who work together to produce goods, share profits equally, and are often promoted by socialist ideologies like that of Robert Owen and Louis Blanc.

A central figure in socialist thought, arguing that capitalism exploits workers and advocates for a radical socialist society where all property is socially controlled.

An organization of socialist groups and individuals from various countries, formed to promote international solidarity and socialist ideals.

A socialist political party founded in Russia in 1898. It was illegal due to government repression, and it aimed to mobilize workers and organize strikes.

A socialist political party founded in Russia in 1900. It focused on peasants' rights and advocating for land redistribution from nobles to peasants.

A group within the Russian Social Democratic Workers Party, led by Vladimir Lenin. They believed in a disciplined party structure and strict membership control.

A group within the Russian Social Democratic Workers Party. They advocated for a more open and inclusive party structure, welcoming a wide range of members.

The 1905 uprising in Russia, sparked by widespread discontent with Tsarist rule and spurred by events like Bloody Sunday.

An incident in 1905 where Russian soldiers fired on a peaceful demonstration of workers, killing over 100 people. This sparked outrage and fueled the 1905 Revolution.

A consultative legislative body established in Russia in response to the 1905 Revolution.

The First World War, a major conflict from 1914-1918, involving alliances of European powers. Russia was one of the major belligerents.

The Bolsheviks took control of government offices and arrested ministers, marking the start of their rule in Russia.

The Bolsheviks, opposed to private property, nationalized most industries and banks in Russia.

The Bolsheviks made peace with Germany in 1918, despite opposition from their allies, to end Russia's involvement in WWI.

The Bolsheviks established a one-party state in Russia, suppressing opposing views and controlling trade unions.

The Russian Civil War erupted between the Bolsheviks and their opponents, including the 'Whites' and 'Greens,' with foreign powers also involved.

The Bolsheviks, alongside non-Russian nationalists and Muslim jadidists, consolidated their control over most of the former Russian empire.

The Bolsheviks created the Soviet Union (USSR) out of the former Russian Empire.

The Bolsheviks implemented centralized planning through Five-Year Plans to transform Russia into a socialist society.

The Russian government's effort to manage food shortages during wartime led to widespread unrest and dissatisfaction among the population.

The February Revolution of 1917 was a pivotal moment in Russian history, triggered by food shortages, labor unrest and the Tsar's attempt to dissolve the Duma.

The Petrograd Soviet, formed during the February Revolution, represented a council of workers and soldiers, challenging the authority of the Tsarist government.

The Provisional Government, established after the Tsar's abdication, aimed to establish a democratic system in Russia. It comprised a coalition of liberals, socialists, and influential figures from various sectors.

Lenin's April Theses, outlining his vision for Russia, called for an end to the war, land redistribution among peasants, and nationalization of banks.

The October Revolution marked the Bolsheviks' successful seizure of power in Russia, led by Lenin and Trotsky, and the establishment of a socialist state.

The Military Revolutionary Committee, appointed by the Petrograd Soviet, played a crucial role in orchestrating the Bolsheviks' successful seizure of power in the October Revolution.

The Bolshevik Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, played a key role in the October Revolution, leading the socialist seizure of power in Russia.

The first two Soviet Five-Year Plans (1927-1938) aimed to rapidly industrialize the country, leading to increased production, new factories, and a focus on development.

While industrialization brought progress, it also came at the cost of poor working conditions and hardships for workers due to rapid construction and prioritization of development.

The Soviet government aimed to improve the lives of factory workers and peasants through education, healthcare, and social services like crèches and model living quarters.

The collectivization of agriculture in the Soviet Union during the 1920s and 1930s involved the government forcibly abolishing private ownership of land and replacing it with collective farms.

The collectivization policy was met with resistance from peasants, particularly those classified as 'kulaks' or wealthy farmers, who were targeted by the government and often faced deportation or exile.

The forced collectivization and subsequent grain seizures led to widespread famine in the Soviet Union from 1930 to 1933, resulting in the deaths of millions of people, a period now known as 'The Holodomor'.

The Russian Revolution and the creation of the Soviet Union inspired the formation of communist parties globally and influenced socialist movements worldwide.

The USSR's success in industrialization and social welfare was countered by the suppression of individual freedoms, forced collectivization, and the use of repressive measures to achieve its goals, leading to a decline in its socialist vision over time.