Russian Revolution Notes PDF
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This document provides an overview of the Russian Revolution. It covers the events leading up to the revolution, key figures like Lenin and Stalin, the civil war, and the Stalinization of the USSR. The notes include the causes, events, and consequences of this pivotal period in history.
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Before the Revolutions: K arl Marx – The Communist Manifesto (1848) Karl Marx, a German philosopher, argues that economic changes shape society, leading to social changes. He believes that capitalism will fail because it creates inequality, and a vi...
Before the Revolutions: K arl Marx – The Communist Manifesto (1848) Karl Marx, a German philosopher, argues that economic changes shape society, leading to social changes. He believes that capitalism will fail because it creates inequality, and a violent revolution by the proletariat (working class) is necessary to establish socialism. 19th Century Industrialization Industrialization creates a large working class (proletariat), who are dissatisfied with the poor working conditions imposed by the wealthy (bourgeoisie). This leads to social unrest. Tsar Nicholas II (1894-1917) Tsar Nicholas II, the last Romanov ruler, faced significant issues, including the failure to solve problems like the Russo-Japanese War (1904), Bloody Sunday (1905), and growing discontent with his leadership. Key Events Leading to Revolution: 1 905:Russo-Japanese War Russia loses the war to Japan, humiliating the country and exposing the weaknesses of Tsar Nicholas II. 1905:Bloody Sunday Peaceful protests in St. Petersburg are met with violence by Tsar's troops, killing hundreds. This sparks more unrest. 1914-1917:World War I Russia's involvement in World War I further exacerbates issues, including food shortages, poor morale, and lack of military victories. Rasputin’s Influence Grigori Rasputin, a mystic with close ties to the royal family, becomes a controversial figure, contributing to the declining trust in Tsar Nicholas II. B ackground: In the wake of the 1905 Revolution and growing unrest, Tsar Nicholas II was forced toacknowledge the need for reformstoappease the protesters and avoid further uprisings. One of the key reforms was the creation of aparliamentary body called theDuma(Russian: "assembly" or "parliament"). The 1917 Revolutions: * *Feb/Mar 1917:February Revolution Conditions in Russia worsen—strikes, food shortages, and desertions. Tsar Nicholas II's troops join the protests, leading to his abdication. A Provisional Government takes over, led by Alexander Kerensky (Menshevik). April 1917: Lenin’s April Thesis Lenin returns to Russia and presents his "April Thesis," calling for "Peace, Bread, and Land" and promising to end the war and give land to peasants. August 1917: The Kornilov Movement General Kornilov attempts to overthrow the Provisional Government but fails, with Bolsheviks (led by Lenin and Trotsky) defending the government. The Bolsheviks gain more support and weapons. Oct/Nov 1917: October Revolution Lenin and the armed Bolsheviks take control of key government buildings in Moscow and Petrograd. The Provisional Government collapses, and Lenin's Bolsheviks take power. Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (March 1918) Lenin negotiates peace with Germany to withdraw Russia from World War I, despite the West’s disapproval. Russian Civil War (1917-1922): T he Reds vs. The Whites The Bolshevik Red Army fights against the White Army (anti-Bolshevik forces) in a brutal civil war. The Reds are supported by the Cheka (secret police) and use "War Communism" to supply their army. The Whites are supported by foreign powers like the USA, Japan, Britain, and France. The Reds Win the Civil War (1922) The Bolsheviks defeat the Whites, solidifying their power. Russia becomes theUnion of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)in 1922, with Leninas the leader. Stalinization of the USSR: L enin’s Death (1924) Lenin dies in January 1924, leading to a power struggle between Leon Trotsky (Lenin’s right-hand man) and Joseph Stalin. Stalin’s Rise to Power Stalin outmaneuvers Trotsky and consolidates power. Trotsky is exiled, and Stalin becomes the leader of the USSR. The Five-Year Plans (1928) Stalin introduces a series of Five-Year Plans aimed at rapidly industrializing the Soviet Union, focusing on heavy industry, while sacrificing consumer goods. These plans involve forced collectivization of agriculture. F orced Collectivization (Late 1920s-1930s) Stalin forces small farms to merge into large collective farms, hoping to increase agricultural production. This results in widespread famine and suffering, particularly in Ukraine. The Purges (1930s) Stalin becomes paranoid and conducts purges, executing thousands, including former allies, military leaders, and ordinary citizens, to eliminate perceived threats. The Great Purge results in the creation of theGulags(forcedlabor camps). The Rise of the Soviet State Under Stalin, the USSR becomes a totalitarian state, with centralized control over the economy and strict political repression. Stalin’s regime solidifies the principles of socialism but at the cost of millions of lives. Key Terms and Concepts: W ar Communism: Economic policies during the CivilWar that centralized control, banned private trade, and requisitioned food for the army, causing widespread hardship. New Economic Policy (NEP): Lenin’s compromise withcapitalism, allowing some private trade and land ownership in the 1920s to stabilize the economy. Stalin’s “Socialism in One Country”: Stalin's focuson strengthening the Soviet Union rather than seeking worldwide revolution, contrasting with Trotsky’s vision. The Great Purge: Stalin’s campaign to eliminate politicalrivals and perceived threats, resulting in the execution of thousands and the imprisonment of many more. his timeline covers the major events leading up to, during, and after the Russian Civil War, as T well as Stalin's rise to power and the major changes he imposed on the Soviet Union.
