226
The Russian The Russian Revolution Revolution
The Russian The Russian RevolutionRevolution
Characteristics of Revolutions (American & Characteristics of Revolutions (American &
French) French) Inequality- Inequality- Vast majority of citizens were Vast majority of citizens were
poorpoor
Individual RightsIndividual Rights-- Common citizens wanted a voice Common citizens wanted a voice in government.in government.
Taxation-Taxation- Majority of the population Majority of the population shoulders the tax burden; most shoulders the tax burden; most
often the poorest citizens. often the poorest citizens.
“ “Taxation without Taxation without representation.”representation.”
Characteristics of Revolutions (American & Characteristics of Revolutions (American & French)French)
Financial Problems-Financial Problems- Louis XVI bankrupted Louis XVI bankrupted gov.; gov.; King George III King George III burdened burdened with debt from with debt from protecting the protecting the colonies.colonies.
Stage One---Conditions for a Stage One---Conditions for a RevolutionRevolution
Czar Nicholas II and FamilyCzar Nicholas II and Family
Alexander Alexander IIIIII
Nicholas IINicholas II
OlgaOlga MarieMarie
Alexandra, Alexandra, wife of wife of
NicholasNicholas
TatianaTatiana AnastasiaAnastasia AlexieAlexie
How the East fell behind the WestHow the East fell behind the West
Western Europe begins modernization (16Western Europe begins modernization (16thth –17th –17th centuries)centuries)
Eastern Europe as the West’s defence barrierEastern Europe as the West’s defence barrier Eastern Europe as the West’s agricultural baseEastern Europe as the West’s agricultural base The West: The West:
– IndustrializingIndustrializing– Global tradeGlobal trade– CapitalismCapitalism– Nation-state Nation-state
The East:The East:– Farming (with pockets of industry)Farming (with pockets of industry)– Regional tradeRegional trade– FeudalismFeudalism– EmpireEmpire
THE RUSSIAN SYSTEMTHE RUSSIAN SYSTEM
The stateThe state is huge, costly, militarized is huge, costly, militarized Society (especially the peasantry) is Society (especially the peasantry) is exploitedexploited heavily by heavily by
the statethe state The state is a highly centralized autocratic hierarchy, with The state is a highly centralized autocratic hierarchy, with
bureaucracy controlling the economybureaucracy controlling the economy Society has Society has very little autonomyvery little autonomy from the state from the state Individual rights and liberties are circumscribedIndividual rights and liberties are circumscribed Market economyMarket economy has very limited potential for has very limited potential for
developmentdevelopment When reforms become necessary, When reforms become necessary, the statethe state acts as the acts as the
main agent of reformsmain agent of reforms Society influences the state mostly by Society influences the state mostly by resistanceresistance to it to it
(passive or active)(passive or active)
•Clergy – Russian Orthodox ChurchClergy – Russian Orthodox Church
•Nobility – owned most of the land, Nobility – owned most of the land, and held most gov’t and military and held most gov’t and military positionspositions..
•4/5 of Population = Peasants4/5 of Population = Peasants
•City workers (factories)-City workers (factories)-SovietsSoviets
•Low wagesLow wages
•Poor working conditionsPoor working conditions
•Middle ClassMiddle Class
•Very fewVery few
•Resented the nobilityResented the nobility
What is a Czar What is a Czar
CzarCzar A male monarch or emperor A male monarch or emperor (similar to a King or (similar to a King or
Queen); Queen); Ruled Russia prior Ruled Russia prior to the to the revolution of revolution of 1917. 1917.
The last Czars The last Czars
Alexander III. Alexander III. Rule Rule 1881 – 1894 1881 – 1894
Nicholas II Nicholas II Rule Rule 1894 – 19171894 – 1917
Tsar or Czar Nicholas IITsar or Czar Nicholas II
► In 1894, the last In 1894, the last Russian Czar, Russian Czar, Nicholas II came to Nicholas II came to power. power.
► He was committed He was committed to keeping total to keeping total control over control over Russia.Russia.
Romanov Dynasty: Rise & Romanov Dynasty: Rise & FallFall
Czar Nicholas II came to power Czar Nicholas II came to power in 1894in 1894
Ruled like his ancestorsRuled like his ancestors– autocraticautocratic
Did not see changesDid not see changes
around himaround him– ModernizationModernization– IndustrializationIndustrialization
Russian Government Before Russian Government Before RevolutionRevolution
Monarchy: The Czar (Tsar) Monarchy: The Czar (Tsar)
Until 1905 the Tsar's powers were unlimited. Until 1905 the Tsar's powers were unlimited.
Russia had no constitution, Russia had no constitution,
No political party system to check the Tsar's No political party system to check the Tsar's power power
A strong secret police which terrorized the A strong secret police which terrorized the people.people.
Tsar Nicholas IITsar Nicholas II Only true autocracy Only true autocracy
left in Europeleft in Europe No type of No type of
representative representative political institutionspolitical institutions
Nicholas II became Nicholas II became tsar in 1884tsar in 1884
Believed he was the Believed he was the absolute ruler absolute ruler anointed by Godanointed by God
Russo-Japanese War Russo-Japanese War (1904) – defeat led (1904) – defeat led to pol. instabilityto pol. instability
Czarist Rule under Nicholas II Czarist Rule under Nicholas II
Policies Policies Hard-line (Autocratic)Hard-line (Autocratic)
CensorshipCensorship Anti-government activities Anti-government activities were were not allowed; no right to not allowed; no right to protest protest the Czar. the Czar.
Pogroms Pogroms Mob attacks on Jewish Mob attacks on Jewish citizens; citizens; less rights and less rights and freedoms for freedoms for Jews.Jews.
Czarist Rule under Nicholas IICzarist Rule under Nicholas II
RussificationRussification : : Non-Russians forced to use Non-Russians forced to use the the Russian language, and learn Russian language, and learn
Russian history. Russian history.
Over ½ population was not Over ½ population was not Russian. Russian.
(Finns, Germans, Mongols, Ukrainians (Finns, Germans, Mongols, Ukrainians etc.)etc.)
Czarist Rule under Nicholas Czarist Rule under Nicholas II II
Gov. Corruption Gov. Corruption Bribery; dissidents sent to Bribery; dissidents sent to Siberia.Siberia.
Peasant Life Peasant Life Poverty, heavily taxed, Poverty, heavily taxed, limited limited access to education.access to education.
Weak character of Nicholas Weak character of Nicholas II:II:
AutocracyAutocracy
the divine right of kings,the divine right of kings,
the continued support of the Russian the continued support of the Russian Orthodox ChurchOrthodox Church
the hatred of Jews into Nicholas. the hatred of Jews into Nicholas.
To understand this cartoon you must know that Nicholas made a speech just To understand this cartoon you must know that Nicholas made a speech just after he became Tsar in which he pledged to defend autocracy. This is part of after he became Tsar in which he pledged to defend autocracy. This is part of
the speech. "I intend to protect the principle of autocracy as firmly and the speech. "I intend to protect the principle of autocracy as firmly and unswervingly as did my late and never to be forgotten fatherunswervingly as did my late and never to be forgotten father
Alexandra: The Power Behind Alexandra: The Power Behind the Thronethe Throne
Even more blindly Even more blindly committed to committed to autocracy than her autocracy than her husbandhusband
She was under the She was under the influence of influence of RasputinRasputin
Origins of Origins of
Rasputin’s power - ?Rasputin’s power - ?
Scandals Scandals surrounding surrounding Rasputin served to Rasputin served to discredit the discredit the monarchymonarchy
Influence of Rasputin on Royal Influence of Rasputin on Royal FamilyFamily
Rasputin entered the Verkhoture Monastery but decided against Rasputin entered the Verkhoture Monastery but decided against becoming a monk.becoming a monk.
He returned to Pokrovskoye and at the age of 19 married Proskovia He returned to Pokrovskoye and at the age of 19 married Proskovia Fyodorovna. Over the next few years the couple had four children. Fyodorovna. Over the next few years the couple had four children.
Rasputin eventually left home and traveled to Greece and the Middle Rasputin eventually left home and traveled to Greece and the Middle East.East.
He claimed he had special powers that enabled him to heal the sick and He claimed he had special powers that enabled him to heal the sick and lived off the donations of people he helped.lived off the donations of people he helped.
Rasputin also made money as a fortune teller. Rasputin also made money as a fortune teller. Soon after arriving in St. Petersburg in 1903, Rasputin met Hermogen, Soon after arriving in St. Petersburg in 1903, Rasputin met Hermogen,
the Bishop of Saratov.the Bishop of Saratov. He was impressed by Rasputin's healing powers and introduced him to He was impressed by Rasputin's healing powers and introduced him to
Nicholas II and his wife, Alexandra Fedorovna.Nicholas II and his wife, Alexandra Fedorovna. The Tsar's only son, Alexis, suffered from hemophilia (a disease whereby The Tsar's only son, Alexis, suffered from hemophilia (a disease whereby
the blood does not clot if a wound occurs). the blood does not clot if a wound occurs). When Alexis was taken seriously ill in 1908, Rasputin was called to the When Alexis was taken seriously ill in 1908, Rasputin was called to the
royal palace.royal palace. He managed to stop the bleeding and from then on he became a He managed to stop the bleeding and from then on he became a
member of the royal entourage.member of the royal entourage.
RasputinRasputin
Alexis: Alexandra’s Son with Alexis: Alexandra’s Son with HemophiliaHemophilia
Rasputin’s Influence on the Rasputin’s Influence on the GovernmentGovernment
In September, 1915, Nicholas II assumed supreme command In September, 1915, Nicholas II assumed supreme command of the Russian Army fighting on the Eastern Front. of the Russian Army fighting on the Eastern Front.
As he spent most of his time at GHQ, Alexandra Fedorovna As he spent most of his time at GHQ, Alexandra Fedorovna now took responsibility for domestic policy. now took responsibility for domestic policy.
Rasputin served as her adviser and over the next few months Rasputin served as her adviser and over the next few months she dismissed ministers and their deputies in rapid succession. she dismissed ministers and their deputies in rapid succession.
Rumours began to circulate that Rasputin and Alexandra Rumours began to circulate that Rasputin and Alexandra Fedorovna were leaders of a pro-German court group and Fedorovna were leaders of a pro-German court group and were seeking a separate peace with the Central Powers in were seeking a separate peace with the Central Powers in order to help the survival of the autocracy in Russiaorder to help the survival of the autocracy in Russia
Rasputin with AdmirersRasputin with Admirers
Russian cartoon Russian cartoon showing how showing how Rasputin Rasputin dominated the dominated the Royal Court Royal Court (1916) (1916)
Czar Nicholas II Dancing To Czar Nicholas II Dancing To Rasputin’s TuneRasputin’s Tune
RasputinRasputin
““Tsar of the land of Russia, if you hear the Tsar of the land of Russia, if you hear the sound of the bell which will tell you that sound of the bell which will tell you that Rasputin has been killed, you must know thisRasputin has been killed, you must know this…………. if it was your relations who have wrought . if it was your relations who have wrought my death then no one of your family, that is to my death then no one of your family, that is to say, say, none of your children or relations will none of your children or relations will remain alive for more than two years.remain alive for more than two years. They will be killed by the Russian people...They will be killed by the Russian people...I shall be killed. I am no longer among the living.”I shall be killed. I am no longer among the living.”
The Evil MonkThe Evil Monk
The Tsarevitch, Alexie, fell ill, the attack was severe and bothThe Tsarevitch, Alexie, fell ill, the attack was severe and both the Tsar and the empress were frantic.the Tsar and the empress were frantic. Alexie’s illness became Alexie’s illness became Rasputin’s way to get privileges.Rasputin’s way to get privileges.
""I believe in Rasputin!!I believe in Rasputin!!""
""It is necessary to have Faith. God alone is thy help……a man It is necessary to have Faith. God alone is thy help……a man can do much." can do much." (The Real Tzaristar, LiliDehn)(The Real Tzaristar, LiliDehn)
The “man” was referred to Rasputin by AlexandraThe “man” was referred to Rasputin by Alexandra
""Tell me, Rasputin, are you really powerful enough to dissolve Tell me, Rasputin, are you really powerful enough to dissolve the Duma? How would you go about it?"the Duma? How would you go about it?"
Said by Prince Felix Yussupov.Said by Prince Felix Yussupov.
""Why, my dear fellow, it's perfectly easy; when you become my Why, my dear fellow, it's perfectly easy; when you become my friend and ally, you'll be told everything. For the time being, I'll friend and ally, you'll be told everything. For the time being, I'll tell you this much: the Tsarina has a wise, strong mind and I can tell you this much: the Tsarina has a wise, strong mind and I can get anything and everything from her. As for him (Nicholas II), get anything and everything from her. As for him (Nicholas II), he's a simple soul. He was not cut out to be a sovereign; he is he's a simple soul. He was not cut out to be a sovereign; he is made for family life, to admire nature and flowers, but not to reign. made for family life, to admire nature and flowers, but not to reign. That's beyond his strength. So, with God's blessing, we come to That's beyond his strength. So, with God's blessing, we come to his rescue."his rescue."
Problems for Nicholas IIProblems for Nicholas II
►Russia was far behind in Russia was far behind in industrialization.industrialization.
►Most people wanted reforms to limit Most people wanted reforms to limit the Czar’s power.the Czar’s power.
►Massacre at Bloody Sunday looked very Massacre at Bloody Sunday looked very bad.bad.
►Russo-Japanese defeat looked very Russo-Japanese defeat looked very bad.bad.
►World War I defeats looked very bad.World War I defeats looked very bad.
Russo-Japanese WarRusso-Japanese War
►Russia and Japan were rivals for Russia and Japan were rivals for Korea and parts of Manchuria. Korea and parts of Manchuria.
►Russia broke treaties and tried to Russia broke treaties and tried to take the landtake the land
► Japan attacked and easily wonJapan attacked and easily won►This was a big embarassment for the This was a big embarassment for the
Czar.Czar.
Russo-Japanese WarRusso-Japanese War
Expansion Expansion Into Eastern Europe and Asia – Into Eastern Europe and Asia – CostlyCostly
Russo-JapaneseRusso-Japanese Battle for the Korean PeninsulaBattle for the Korean Peninsula
War (1904)War (1904)
Consequence Consequence Russia unprepared, Russia unprepared,
embarrassed embarrassed by peace treaty.by peace treaty.
Russo Japanese WarRusso Japanese War
At the start of the war, Russia had an enormous army of some 6 At the start of the war, Russia had an enormous army of some 6 million soldiers. million soldiers.
• Outbreak of fighting caused Outbreak of fighting caused patriotism, rush to join patriotism, rush to join militarymilitary
• Otherwise Russia ill-prepared Otherwise Russia ill-prepared for warfor war
– Factories unable to Factories unable to produce supplies quicklyproduce supplies quickly
– Transportation system Transportation system weakweak
– Equipment outdatedEquipment outdated
Preparations for WarPreparations for War• Many Russian officers Many Russian officers
advanced on connections, not advanced on connections, not abilityability
• Some initial successes on Some initial successes on battlefield battlefield
• Losses soon outnumbered Losses soon outnumbered victoriesvictories
• Millions of Russian soldiers Millions of Russian soldiers wounded, killed during early wounded, killed during early battlesbattles
On the BattlefieldOn the Battlefield
Russia in World War IRussia in World War I
August 1914August 1914 World War I started. Russia declared warWorld War I started. Russia declared war on Germany and troops were mobilised. Theon Germany and troops were mobilised. The Tsar was very popular.Tsar was very popular.
Events 1914 – March 1917Events 1914 – March 1917
September 1914 September 1914 The two main Russian armies were The two main Russian armies were defeated in the battles of Masurian Lakesdefeated in the battles of Masurian Lakes and Tannenberg.and Tannenberg.
End of 1914 End of 1914 Over 1 million Russian soldiers were now dead. Over 1 million Russian soldiers were now dead. Russia’s industry could not produce enoughRussia’s industry could not produce enough weapons to supply all the soldiers. The armyweapons to supply all the soldiers. The army lacked supplies, and the officers were lacked supplies, and the officers were sometimes incompetent.sometimes incompetent.
1914 – 1915 1914 – 1915 There were shortages of food, coal and industrialThere were shortages of food, coal and industrial materials in the cities. Prices rose and factoriesmaterials in the cities. Prices rose and factories closed. The government was blamed. closed. The government was blamed.
September 1915 September 1915 The Tsar decided to leave Petrograd and go toThe Tsar decided to leave Petrograd and go to the Western Front to run the Russian Army.the Western Front to run the Russian Army. The Tsarina and Rasputin were left in charge,The Tsarina and Rasputin were left in charge, and were very unpopular, even among theand were very unpopular, even among the aristocracy. Rasputin persuaded the Tsarinaaristocracy. Rasputin persuaded the Tsarina to replace ministers that he did not like withto replace ministers that he did not like with his friends. The organisation of the supply ofhis friends. The organisation of the supply of food to the cities broke down.food to the cities broke down.
Winter 1916 Winter 1916 The winter was a bad one. Hardly any food orThe winter was a bad one. Hardly any food or fuel got into Petrograd. Huge bread queuesfuel got into Petrograd. Huge bread queues formed and prices rocketed.formed and prices rocketed.
World War I: “The Last Straw”World War I: “The Last Straw” War revealed the War revealed the
ineptitude and ineptitude and arrogance of the arrogance of the country’s country’s aristocratic elitearistocratic elite
Corrupt military Corrupt military leadership had leadership had contempt for contempt for ordinary Russian ordinary Russian peoplepeople
Average peasants Average peasants had very little had very little invested in the invested in the WarWar
World War I (cont)World War I (cont) Ill-trained, ineffective Ill-trained, ineffective
officers, poorly equipped officers, poorly equipped (Russ. was not ready for (Russ. was not ready for ind. war) – the result was ind. war) – the result was mass desertions and 2 mass desertions and 2 million casualties by million casualties by 19151915
RResult: Chaos and esult: Chaos and Disintegration of the Disintegration of the Russian ArmyRussian Army
Battle of Tannenberg Battle of Tannenberg (August, 1914) – massive (August, 1914) – massive defeat at hands of defeat at hands of Hindenburg and Ger.Hindenburg and Ger.
World War IWorld War I
►The Russians had to fight because of The Russians had to fight because of commitments to France, England and commitments to France, England and Serbia.Serbia.
►The limited industry and rail lines The limited industry and rail lines made victory impossible.made victory impossible.
►Soldiers became unhappy and refused Soldiers became unhappy and refused to fight. Felt the fight was hopeless to fight. Felt the fight was hopeless and the Czar was responsible.and the Czar was responsible.
Czar Nicholas II took personal command of forces, 1915Czar Nicholas II took personal command of forces, 1915
• Move made little sense since he knew little of military mattersMove made little sense since he knew little of military matters• Czar’s fate became linked with fate of Russian armed forcesCzar’s fate became linked with fate of Russian armed forces• Bad situation grew worse under Czar’s commandBad situation grew worse under Czar’s command
Conditions in Russia worse than on battlefieldConditions in Russia worse than on battlefield
• Food, goods scarce; peasants grew desperateFood, goods scarce; peasants grew desperate• Unpopular Czarina relied on Unpopular Czarina relied on Grigory RasputinGrigory Rasputin, viewed as corrupt, , viewed as corrupt,
immoralimmoral• Shaky support for Russian monarchy dipped even lowerShaky support for Russian monarchy dipped even lower
Russian army seemed doomedRussian army seemed doomed
• Central Powers were able to stop Russian offensiveCentral Powers were able to stop Russian offensive• Destroyed Russian soldiers’ faith in leadershipDestroyed Russian soldiers’ faith in leadership• Army had little strength, even less confidenceArmy had little strength, even less confidence
World War One Conditions Grow World War One Conditions Grow WorseWorse
Impact of WWIImpact of WWI
Criticism of the Criticism of the TsarTsar
•Poor military Poor military commandercommander
•Poor political leaderPoor political leader
•Left the Tsarina in Left the Tsarina in charge of the charge of the governmentgovernment
•Refused to accept Refused to accept advice from the advice from the DumaDuma
Criticism if the Criticism if the TsarinaTsarina
•Inexperienced Inexperienced and incompetent and incompetent rulerruler
•Under the Under the influence of influence of RasputinRasputin
•Unpopular Unpopular because she was because she was GermanGerman
Role of RasputinRole of Rasputin
•Claimed to be a Claimed to be a healer.healer.
•Disliked by many Disliked by many yet held influence yet held influence over both the Tsar over both the Tsar and Tsarinaand Tsarina
EconomyEconomy
► Russia’s huge Russia’s huge population still left population still left many people poor.many people poor.
Industry Causes ProblemsIndustry Causes Problems Poor working conditionsPoor working conditions Low wagesLow wages Child laborChild labor
To improve conditions workers formed To improve conditions workers formed strikes and reform movements. strikes and reform movements.
These reform movements grew and These reform movements grew and competed for power competed for power
Economic problemsEconomic problems
Over 15 million men joined the armyOver 15 million men joined the army not enough workers in factories and not enough workers in factories and
farmsfarms caused shortages of food and materialscaused shortages of food and materials Railway system very poorRailway system very poor
– could not supply the troopscould not supply the troops– could not supply the townscould not supply the towns– food prices rosefood prices rose
Impact WWIImpact WWIImpact WWIImpact WWI
Social discontentSocial discontent
Food shortages and price rises Food shortages and price rises caused widespread discontentcaused widespread discontent
The war had seen the population The war had seen the population move from the countryside to the move from the countryside to the citiescities
The cities soon became overcrowded The cities soon became overcrowded and people lived in terrible conditionsand people lived in terrible conditions
Impact WWIImpact WWI Impact WWIImpact WWI
•The discontent of the Peasants: The discontent of the Peasants: Russia was a rural Russia was a rural society with society with over 90% of the people being poor over 90% of the people being poor peasantspeasants..
• Until 1861 the peasants had belonged to their Until 1861 the peasants had belonged to their masters, who could buy and sell them like animals.masters, who could buy and sell them like animals.
• When the peasants were freed in 1861 they were When the peasants were freed in 1861 they were given small amounts of land for which they had to given small amounts of land for which they had to pay back the government.pay back the government.
• As a result most farmers were in absolute poverty. As a result most farmers were in absolute poverty. Agriculture was in desperate need of modernisation.Agriculture was in desperate need of modernisation.
•In contrast, a small number of upper-class people In contrast, a small number of upper-class people held most of the wealth and power. held most of the wealth and power.
•This aristocracy had large town houses and country This aristocracy had large town houses and country estates.estates.
Very often the peasants do not have enough Very often the peasants do not have enough allotment land. They cannot feed themselves, allotment land. They cannot feed themselves,
clothe themselves, heat their homes, keep clothe themselves, heat their homes, keep their tools and livestock, secure seed for their tools and livestock, secure seed for
sowing and lastly pay their taxes.sowing and lastly pay their taxes.Police report into country conditions 1905Police report into country conditions 1905
The discontent of the WorkersThe discontent of the Workers
•Industrialisation began much later in Russia than in Western Industrialisation began much later in Russia than in Western Europe. Europe.
•Huge iron foundries, textile factories and engineering firms were Huge iron foundries, textile factories and engineering firms were set up. set up.
•Most were owned by the government or foreigners, and were Most were owned by the government or foreigners, and were located in the big cities such as St Petersburg or Moscow.located in the big cities such as St Petersburg or Moscow.
• By 1900 20% of Russians were workers living in cities.By 1900 20% of Russians were workers living in cities.
•Working conditions in the new industrial towns were hard.Working conditions in the new industrial towns were hard.
• Pay was very low. Although strikes and demonstrations were Pay was very low. Although strikes and demonstrations were illegal, they often took place. illegal, they often took place.
•Strikers were frequently shot by the Tsar’s soldiers or secret Strikers were frequently shot by the Tsar’s soldiers or secret police.police. ‘‘The whole day we pour The whole day we pour
out our blood and out our blood and sweat. Every minute we sweat. Every minute we are exposed to danger.’are exposed to danger.’
Union leaflet 1898Union leaflet 1898
By the end of the 19By the end of the 19thth century, the flaws of the century, the flaws of the Russian system become manifestRussian system become manifest
The The gap between Europe and Russiagap between Europe and Russia widens widens fast, the Russian system is too inefficient, too fast, the Russian system is too inefficient, too rigid, resistant to reformrigid, resistant to reform
The 1904-05 war with Japan and then World The 1904-05 war with Japan and then World War I exhaust the Russian stateWar I exhaust the Russian state
1917: the entire state collapses, leaving 1917: the entire state collapses, leaving society to its own devices. REVOLUTIONsociety to its own devices. REVOLUTION
Stage Two: Rising Stage Two: Rising Discontent---Writers and Discontent---Writers and
ThinkersThinkers
ProletariatProletariat
Followers of Karl Followers of Karl MarxMarx
Believed workers Believed workers would rule countrywould rule country
Became known as Became known as Russian Marxists Russian Marxists
• Adaptation of Marxist ideas of Adaptation of Marxist ideas of overthrow of capitalismoverthrow of capitalism
• Wanted elite group to keep Wanted elite group to keep much of power over Russiamuch of power over Russia
• As Russia’s problems grew As Russia’s problems grew more serious, Bolsheviks more serious, Bolsheviks gained more followersgained more followers
• Czar Nicholas hoped World Czar Nicholas hoped World War I would cause people to War I would cause people to rally to his leadershiprally to his leadership
Bolshevik PlanBolshevik Plan
• Russia a troubled nationRussia a troubled nation
• Czar Nicholas II had promised Czar Nicholas II had promised reform after 1905 revolution, reform after 1905 revolution, but delivered little real but delivered little real changechange
• BolsheviksBolsheviks sought to change sought to change life through revolution, life through revolution, wanted to overthrow czarwanted to overthrow czar
• Led by Lenin, wanted Led by Lenin, wanted proletariat to rule Russia as proletariat to rule Russia as socialist countrysocialist country
The Years Before the The Years Before the WarWar
Russia and World War IRussia and World War I
conditions deteriorated, rev. conditions deteriorated, rev. became possible, especially became possible, especially with Lenin’s involvementwith Lenin’s involvement
he had gravitated towards he had gravitated towards the the Social Dem. Workers’ Social Dem. Workers’ PartyParty of of George PlekhanovGeorge Plekhanov
they believed in dialectical they believed in dialectical materialism and thus materialism and thus favoured favoured modernization/capitalism modernization/capitalism (which the czars also (which the czars also favoured as a measure to favoured as a measure to catch up w/ the w. Europe, catch up w/ the w. Europe, esp. after the Crimean and esp. after the Crimean and Russo-Japanese Wars)Russo-Japanese Wars)
Russian Marxists SplitRussian Marxists SplitMensheviksMensheviks
Moderate Moderate Wanted a broad base of Wanted a broad base of
popular supportpopular support
BolsheviksBolsheviks RadicalRadical Supported a small Supported a small
number of deeply number of deeply committed people committed people willing to sacrifice willing to sacrifice anythinganything
Led by Vladimir Led by Vladimir LeninLenin
Ruled from exile Ruled from exile
Stage Three: Public Stage Three: Public DissatisfactionDissatisfaction
Russian Revolution Part IIRussian Revolution Part IIFrom 1904 – 1917 a series of crisis From 1904 – 1917 a series of crisis showed the Czar’s weakness and paved showed the Czar’s weakness and paved the way for a revolutionthe way for a revolution
Bloody SundayBloody Sunday
The Revolution of 1905The Revolution of 1905 Rapid growth of Rapid growth of
(discontented) working (discontented) working classclass
Vast majority of workers Vast majority of workers concentrated in St. concentrated in St. Petersburg and MoscowPetersburg and Moscow
Little help from the Little help from the countryside: impoverished countryside: impoverished peasants – Populist peasants – Populist Movements of the 1870s Movements of the 1870s and later had done little to and later had done little to improve their lotimprove their lot– No individual land No individual land
ownershipownership– Rural FamineRural Famine
Bloody SundayBloody Sunday
►200,000 protesters peacefully march to 200,000 protesters peacefully march to Czar’s winter palace in St. Petersburg.Czar’s winter palace in St. Petersburg.
►Czar was not there. Soldiers and Czar was not there. Soldiers and guards thought it was a revolt. They guards thought it was a revolt. They opened fire.opened fire.
►Almost a Almost a thousandthousand people killed. people killed.
Bloody SundayBloody Sunday
Bloody Sunday (1905)Bloody Sunday (1905)
Public DissatisfationPublic Dissatisfation
Opposition GroupsOpposition Groups Intelligentsia Intelligentsia (Democratic)(Democratic)
Bolsheviks (Socialism)Bolsheviks (Socialism)
Population Growth Population Growth 50 – 100 million 1860-50 – 100 million 1860-1900.1900.
Duma Duma Parliament was dissolved Parliament was dissolved (1907).(1907).
Conservatism Conservatism Continues:Continues:1905-19171905-1917
Tsar paid no Tsar paid no attention to the attention to the Duma; it was Duma; it was harassed and harassed and political parties political parties suppressed – only suppressed – only token land reform token land reform was passedwas passed
Nicholas was Nicholas was personally a very personally a very weak man; he weak man; he became became increasingly increasingly remote as a rulerremote as a ruler
Numerous Numerous sovietssoviets thus began to thus began to appearappear
Failure of the DumaFailure of the Duma
•In 1905 Russia lost a war with Japan.In 1905 Russia lost a war with Japan.
• This defeat caused strikes in the This defeat caused strikes in the Russian cities, the Tsar nearly lost Russian cities, the Tsar nearly lost control.control.
• Nicholas II offered to call a Duma, or Nicholas II offered to call a Duma, or parliament, with free elections.parliament, with free elections.
• This was accepted by the This was accepted by the demonstrators. demonstrators.
•When the Duma met, it began to When the Duma met, it began to criticise the Tsar and demanded criticise the Tsar and demanded changes. changes.
•Nicholas II did not like this at all.Nicholas II did not like this at all.
• The Duma was dismissed and new The Duma was dismissed and new elections, controlled by the Tsar, were elections, controlled by the Tsar, were called.called.
•It became clear that the Duma would It became clear that the Duma would be shut down if it criticised the Tsar. be shut down if it criticised the Tsar.
•As long as the Tsar had control of the As long as the Tsar had control of the army, his power could not be broken.army, his power could not be broken.
The Collapse of the Imperial The Collapse of the Imperial GovernmentGovernment
Nicholas left for the FrontNicholas left for the Front—September, 1915—September, 1915
Alexandra and Rasputin Alexandra and Rasputin throw the government throw the government into chaosinto chaos
Alexandra and other high Alexandra and other high government officials government officials accused of treasonaccused of treason
Assassination of RasputinAssassination of Rasputin Rasputin was also suspected of financial corruption and Rasputin was also suspected of financial corruption and
right-wing politicians believed that he was undermining right-wing politicians believed that he was undermining the popularity of the regime. the popularity of the regime.
Felix Yusupov, the husband of the Tsar's niece, Vladimir Felix Yusupov, the husband of the Tsar's niece, Vladimir Purishkevich, the leader of the monarchists in the Duma, Purishkevich, the leader of the monarchists in the Duma, and Grand Duke Dmitri, formed a conspiracy to murder and Grand Duke Dmitri, formed a conspiracy to murder Rasputin. Rasputin.
On 29th December, 1916, Rasputin was invited to On 29th December, 1916, Rasputin was invited to Yusupov's home where he was given poisoned wine and Yusupov's home where he was given poisoned wine and cakes. cakes.
When this did not kill him he was shot by Yusupov and When this did not kill him he was shot by Yusupov and Purishkevich and then dropped through a hole in the Purishkevich and then dropped through a hole in the frozen canal outside the house.frozen canal outside the house.
Rasputin and ScandalRasputin and Scandal
•While Tsar Nicholas II was absent While Tsar Nicholas II was absent commanding Russian forces during commanding Russian forces during the First World War, he left the day the First World War, he left the day to day running of Russia in the to day running of Russia in the control of his wife Tsarina control of his wife Tsarina Alexandra.Alexandra.
•Alexandra came increasingly Alexandra came increasingly under the influence of Gregory under the influence of Gregory Rasputin, a ‘holy man’ who Rasputin, a ‘holy man’ who appeared to be able to heal the appeared to be able to heal the haemophilia of Prince Alexis, the haemophilia of Prince Alexis, the heir to the throne.heir to the throne.
•Rasputin used his power to win Rasputin used his power to win effective control of the Russian effective control of the Russian government. government.
•But this aroused envy and he was But this aroused envy and he was murdered in 1916. Rasputin’s murdered in 1916. Rasputin’s influence undermined the prestige influence undermined the prestige of the royal family, but his murder of the royal family, but his murder came too late to save them.came too late to save them.
““Mad Monk”Mad Monk” Alexandra relied on a Alexandra relied on a
“holy man” Rasputin for “holy man” Rasputin for advise on ruling Russiaadvise on ruling Russia
Rasputin wasn’t trusted Rasputin wasn’t trusted by the government or by the government or people and had many people and had many enemiesenemies
Prince Felix Yussoupov Prince Felix Yussoupov poisoned and shot poisoned and shot Rasputin and fellow Rasputin and fellow assassins threw him into assassins threw him into a lake (12/29/1916)a lake (12/29/1916)
The Collapse of the Imperial The Collapse of the Imperial Government (cont)Government (cont)
Rasputin assassinated in Rasputin assassinated in December of 1916December of 1916
Complete mismanagement Complete mismanagement of the wartime economyof the wartime economy
ind. production ind. production plummeted, inflation and plummeted, inflation and starvation were rampant, starvation were rampant, and the cities were and the cities were overflowing w/ refugeesoverflowing w/ refugees
they became a hotbed for they became a hotbed for pol. activism, and this was pol. activism, and this was ignited by serious food ignited by serious food shortages in March 1917, shortages in March 1917, esp. in St. Petersburgesp. in St. Petersburg
77thth March 1917 March 1917 The situation was desperate. 40,000 workersThe situation was desperate. 40,000 workers at the Putilov factory went on strike.at the Putilov factory went on strike.
88thth March 1917 March 1917 International Women’s Day. Thousands ofInternational Women’s Day. Thousands of women joined the demonstrations. Thewomen joined the demonstrations. The protestors demanded food, fuel and a newprotestors demanded food, fuel and a new government. government.
Stage Four: Power is Stage Four: Power is TransferredTransferred
Fall of the MonarchyFall of the Monarchy In February 1917, rioting broke out in Saint In February 1917, rioting broke out in Saint
Petersburg, renamed Petrograd in 1914Petersburg, renamed Petrograd in 1914
The riots grew out of hand quickly which prompted The riots grew out of hand quickly which prompted the formation of an emergency committee of the the formation of an emergency committee of the DumaDuma
This committee took governmental powers and This committee took governmental powers and became the Provisional Government of Russia on became the Provisional Government of Russia on March 1March 1
The political body known as the Petrograd Soviet of The political body known as the Petrograd Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies also surfaced during Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies also surfaced during this timethis time
On March 2, the emperor abdicated and the monarchy On March 2, the emperor abdicated and the monarchy collapsedcollapsed
March Revolution (1917)March Revolution (1917)
1917- protests spread through St. 1917- protests spread through St. Petersburg and the Royal palace is taken Petersburg and the Royal palace is taken over.over.
Czar abdicatesCzar abdicates
Provisional government (Duma) takes Provisional government (Duma) takes control lead by Alexander Keresnkycontrol lead by Alexander Keresnky
Provisional government unpopular after Provisional government unpopular after decision to stay in WWIdecision to stay in WWI
1515thth March 1917 March 1917 The Tsar tried to get back to Petrograd butThe Tsar tried to get back to Petrograd but the railway workers stopped him. He wasthe railway workers stopped him. He was forced to flee.forced to flee.
1212thth March 1917 March 1917 The Tsar ordered that the army fire on theThe Tsar ordered that the army fire on the protestors. Many soldiers refused and joinedprotestors. Many soldiers refused and joined the demonstrations. Soldiers and workersthe demonstrations. Soldiers and workers marched to the Duma to demand that it tookmarched to the Duma to demand that it took control of Russia.control of Russia.
Stage Five: Reforms Carry Stage Five: Reforms Carry Out Their IdeasOut Their Ideas
By the end of 1916, Russia was once again on the edge of a By the end of 1916, Russia was once again on the edge of a revolution. As the new year began and conditions in Russia revolution. As the new year began and conditions in Russia continued to worsen, the Russian people clearly wanted a change.continued to worsen, the Russian people clearly wanted a change.
• Citizens protested Citizens protested in streets of in streets of Petrograd, March Petrograd, March 8, 19178, 1917
• Police, soldiers Police, soldiers refused to shoot refused to shoot riotersrioters
• Government was Government was helplesshelpless
Revolution BeginsRevolution Begins
• Ordered Ordered legislature to legislature to disbanddisband
• His order defiedHis order defied
• Citizens, Citizens, government, government, military refused to military refused to obey Czarobey Czar
• Forced to Forced to abdicate, March abdicate, March 15, 191715, 1917
Czar Nicholas IICzar Nicholas II
• March revolution March revolution known as known as February February RevolutionRevolution
• Russian calendar Russian calendar at time 13 days at time 13 days behindbehind
• New calendar New calendar adopted, 1918adopted, 1918
Calendar ChangeCalendar Change
The Russian Revolution: Moderates in The Russian Revolution: Moderates in PowerPower
Russian Revolution Part I.Russian Revolution Part I. Provisional Gov Provisional Gov established Civil rights, free elections established Civil rights, free elections
promised. promised.
Soviets Councils..were set up throughout Soviets Councils..were set up throughout Russia to speak for the needs of Russia to speak for the needs of
workers and workers and soldiers. soldiers.
New Leader Alexander Kerensky (Moderate New Leader Alexander Kerensky (Moderate Socialist)Socialist)
WWI WWI Continued involvement in WWI. Continued involvement in WWI.
Ramifications Ramifications Lost support from many peasants Lost support from many peasants and workers.and workers.
The March The March RevolutionRevolution Origins: Food riots/strikesOrigins: Food riots/strikes
Duma declared itself a Duma declared itself a Provisional GovernmentProvisional Government on on March12March12
Tsar ordered soldiers to Tsar ordered soldiers to intervene; instead they joined intervene; instead they joined the rebellion…the Tsar thus the rebellion…the Tsar thus abdicated abdicated on March 17 on March 17
the the Menshevik Alexander Menshevik Alexander KerenskyKerensky headed the headed the Provisional Government, along Provisional Government, along w/ w/ Prince LvovPrince Lvov– Very Popular RevolutionVery Popular Revolution– Kerensky favoured gradual Kerensky favoured gradual
socialist reform/ saw the war socialist reform/ saw the war effort as #1 priorityeffort as #1 priority
Stage Six: Reforms Divide Stage Six: Reforms Divide Nations Into Rival GroupsNations Into Rival Groups
Kornilov AffairKornilov Affair General Kornilov General Kornilov
attempted to attempted to overthrow Provisional overthrow Provisional Government with Government with military takeovermilitary takeover
To prevent this To prevent this takeover, Kerensky takeover, Kerensky freed many Bolshevik freed many Bolshevik leaders from prison leaders from prison and supplied arms to and supplied arms to many revolutionariesmany revolutionaries
Lenin Leaves RussiaLenin Leaves Russia After arriving in Petrograd, Lenin argued in his “April After arriving in Petrograd, Lenin argued in his “April
Thesis” that the Bolshevik Party must topple the Provisional Thesis” that the Bolshevik Party must topple the Provisional GovernmentGovernment
In July, Lenin was associated with an armed uprising in In July, Lenin was associated with an armed uprising in Petrograd, and he was forced to leave for FinlandPetrograd, and he was forced to leave for Finland
Lenin’s primary goal was still a seizing of power by forceLenin’s primary goal was still a seizing of power by force During his time spent in Finland, he wrote his famous During his time spent in Finland, he wrote his famous
pamphlet State and Revolution in 1918pamphlet State and Revolution in 1918
The Petrograd SovietThe Petrograd Soviet leftists in St. Petersburg leftists in St. Petersburg
formed the Petrograd formed the Petrograd Soviet, which they Soviet, which they claimed to be the legit. claimed to be the legit. gov’t gov’t
Ger. was aware of the Ger. was aware of the Russ. situation and Russ. situation and began to concentrate on began to concentrate on the W. Frontthe W. Front
Ger. even played a role Ger. even played a role in returning Lenin to in returning Lenin to Russia, so he could Russia, so he could foment rev.foment rev.
– Having been granted Having been granted “safe passage”, “safe passage”, Lenin returned in Lenin returned in April 1917April 1917
Lenin Returns to RussiaLenin Returns to Russia Up until this time, Lenin was in Up until this time, Lenin was in
SwitzerlandSwitzerland He believed that the revolution He believed that the revolution
should not stop its efforts with the should not stop its efforts with the assumption of power of theassumption of power of the Provisional GovernmentProvisional Government
He wanted it to proceed to the final stages of He wanted it to proceed to the final stages of Marxist theoryMarxist theory
In his attempts to return to Russia, the French and In his attempts to return to Russia, the French and Italian governments refused to let him passItalian governments refused to let him pass
Germany, however, aided Lenin in his return in Germany, however, aided Lenin in his return in hopes of him provoking politically instability in hopes of him provoking politically instability in RussiaRussia
He arrived in Petrograd in early AprilHe arrived in Petrograd in early April
Lenin Takes ControlLenin Takes Control Lenin had been living in Lenin had been living in
hiding, outside of Russiahiding, outside of Russia Germany helped arrange Germany helped arrange
for his returnfor his return He and the Bolsheviks He and the Bolsheviks
take control of the take control of the sovietssoviets
Rallied supporters with Rallied supporters with the slogan, “Peace, the slogan, “Peace, Land, and Bread!”Land, and Bread!”
•Divisions Amongst the Russian People:Divisions Amongst the Russian People:
•Many middle-class Liberals and Social Revolutionaries (who Many middle-class Liberals and Social Revolutionaries (who supported the peasants) opposed the rule of the Tsar, but the most supported the peasants) opposed the rule of the Tsar, but the most revolutionary were the Social Democrats or Communists.revolutionary were the Social Democrats or Communists.
•The Communists believed in the ideas of Karl Marx. Marx claimed The Communists believed in the ideas of Karl Marx. Marx claimed that history is all about the struggles between the classes. that history is all about the struggles between the classes.
•He claimed that the capitalist system was unfair because the factory He claimed that the capitalist system was unfair because the factory owners (bourgeois) made profits from the toils of the workers owners (bourgeois) made profits from the toils of the workers (proletariat).(proletariat).
• Marx predicted that the proletariat would violently overthrow the Marx predicted that the proletariat would violently overthrow the bosses and take control of the country on behalf of the people. bosses and take control of the country on behalf of the people.
•The Russian Communists were divided into the Bolsheviks led by The Russian Communists were divided into the Bolsheviks led by Lenin and the Mensheviks led by Trotsky. Lenin and the Mensheviks led by Trotsky.
•Lenin believed that the small party of Bolsheviks should seize power Lenin believed that the small party of Bolsheviks should seize power and control Russia on behalf of the people. and control Russia on behalf of the people.
•Before 1917 Lenin and many of the other Communist leaders were in Before 1917 Lenin and many of the other Communist leaders were in exile abroad, plotting to bring about a revolution in Russiaexile abroad, plotting to bring about a revolution in Russia
Soviet Political IdeologySoviet Political Ideology More radical and More radical and
revolutionary revolutionary than the than the Provisional Provisional GovernmentGovernment
Most influenced Most influenced by Marxist by Marxist socialismsocialism
Emulated Emulated western socialismwestern socialism
Two FactionsTwo Factions
-- “Mensheviks”-- “Mensheviks”
-- “Bolsheviks”-- “Bolsheviks”
Provisional GovernmentProvisional Government• Duma established temporary Duma established temporary
government government
• Led by Aleksandr KerenskyLed by Aleksandr Kerensky
• Many unhappy with new Many unhappy with new leadership leadership
BolshevismBolshevism
• Abolish private propertyAbolish private property
• Enforce social equalityEnforce social equality
• Later known as Later known as Marxism-Marxism-LeninismLeninism
BolsheviksBolsheviks• Led opposition to Kerensky’s Led opposition to Kerensky’s
provisional government provisional government
• Wanted fundamental change in Wanted fundamental change in government and societygovernment and society
• Planned Marxist revolutionPlanned Marxist revolution
Vladimir LeninVladimir Lenin• Bolshevik leader forced to live Bolshevik leader forced to live
outside Russiaoutside Russia
• Returned, April 1917Returned, April 1917
• Germany hoped Lenin would Germany hoped Lenin would weaken Russian war effort weaken Russian war effort
The Russian RevolutionThe Russian Revolution
Bolshevik RevolutionBolshevik Revolution Lenin returned to Lenin returned to
Petrograd in OctoberPetrograd in October He was able to convince He was able to convince
a majority of the a majority of the Bolsheviks to seize Bolsheviks to seize power by force in the power by force in the name of the sovietsname of the soviets
On October 25, 1917, On October 25, 1917, armed workers and armed workers and soldiers stormed the soldiers stormed the Winter Palace and Winter Palace and arrested the members of arrested the members of the Provisional the Provisional GovernmentGovernment
The next day, the second The next day, the second Congress of Soviets Congress of Soviets declared Soviet powerdeclared Soviet power
October (Bolshevik) October (Bolshevik) Revolution-1917Revolution-1917
-Lead by VI Lenin “Peace, Land, -Lead by VI Lenin “Peace, Land,
and Bread”and Bread”
-Won support of people -Won support of people
(especially peasants)(especially peasants)
Russian Revolution Part II. BolshevikRussian Revolution Part II. BolshevikRevolution - November, 1917 - 1921Revolution - November, 1917 - 1921
The Bolsheviks The Bolsheviks Became the communist Became the communist party; party; Early Early on a relatively small on a relatively small party party 1917 less than 1 percent of 1917 less than 1 percent of the population.the population.
Ideology Ideology Abolish capitalism, create a Abolish capitalism, create a
classless society.classless society.
Russian Revolution Part II (Bolshevik Russian Revolution Part II (Bolshevik
Revolution)Revolution)
Gained popularityGained popularity -Promised to get Russia -Promised to get Russia out out of WWI of WWI
-Land to peasants -Land to peasants
-Food for workers -Food for workers
Red Guard Red Guard Workers’ militia Workers’ militia (Supported (Supported Lenin)Lenin)
Founder of Bolshevism: Vladimir Founder of Bolshevism: Vladimir LeninLenin His Early YearsHis Early Years
--Exiled to Siberia in 1897--Exiled to Siberia in 1897
Committed to Class Struggle Committed to Class Struggle and Revolutionand Revolution
Moved to London in 1902 and Moved to London in 1902 and befriended Leon Trotskybefriended Leon Trotsky
What is to be Done?What is to be Done?– vanguard is required to
lead the rev. (thus rev. from above) this split the SDWP in 2
Lenin Steps into This VacuumLenin Steps into This Vacuum Amnesty granted to all political Amnesty granted to all political
prisoners in March of 1917prisoners in March of 1917
Lenin’s arrival in PetrogradLenin’s arrival in Petrograd
A tremendously charismatic A tremendously charismatic personalitypersonality
““Peace, Land, Bread”Peace, Land, Bread”
““All Power to the Soviets”All Power to the Soviets”
He preached that the war was a He preached that the war was a capitalist/imperialist war that offered capitalist/imperialist war that offered no rewards for the peasants/workers; no rewards for the peasants/workers; he also felt the war was over w/ the he also felt the war was over w/ the czar’s abdicationczar’s abdication
Bolshevik party membership Bolshevik party membership exploded; their power was exploded; their power was consolidatedconsolidated
Lenin formed the Lenin formed the Military-Military-Revolutionary Revolutionary CouncilCouncil and in May and in May 1917 he urged the 1917 he urged the Pet. Soviet to pass Pet. Soviet to pass Army Order # 1Army Order # 1– This gave control This gave control of the army to the of the army to the common soldiers; common soldiers; discipline thus discipline thus collapsed, and collapsed, and Kerensky was Kerensky was underminedundermined
Kerensky’s final offensiveKerensky’s final offensive• Kerensky ordered final military offensive against Central Powers Kerensky ordered final military offensive against Central Powers
along Eastern Front, mid-1917along Eastern Front, mid-1917
• Drive failed and led to widespread rebellion in Russian armyDrive failed and led to widespread rebellion in Russian army
• Weakened Russian army collapsedWeakened Russian army collapsed
• Conditions ideal for LeninConditions ideal for Lenin
• Armed Bolshevik factory Armed Bolshevik factory workers, Red Guard, attacked workers, Red Guard, attacked provisional government, provisional government, November 1917November 1917
• Known as October RevolutionKnown as October Revolution
• Kerensky’s government Kerensky’s government collapsed after nearly collapsed after nearly bloodless strugglebloodless struggle
Bolshevik takeoverBolshevik takeover
• Established radical Communist Established radical Communist programprogram
• Made private ownership of land Made private ownership of land illegalillegal
• Land given to peasantsLand given to peasants
• Control of factories given to Control of factories given to workersworkers
Lenin became leaderLenin became leader
The Bolshevik RevolutionThe Bolshevik Revolution
Kerensky OverthrownKerensky Overthrown Lenin takes over provisional governmentLenin takes over provisional government
– Orders farm land to be divided among Orders farm land to be divided among peasantspeasants
– Gives control of factories to workersGives control of factories to workers– Signs a truce with Germany to end WWI Signs a truce with Germany to end WWI
(Treaty of Brest-Litovsk)(Treaty of Brest-Litovsk)
November RevolutionNovember Revolution Lenin’s 1st task was to Lenin’s 1st task was to
get Russia out of the get Russia out of the war so he could war so he could concentrate on internal concentrate on internal reform…reform…
The The Treaty of Brest-Treaty of Brest-LitovskLitovsk negotiated with negotiated with the Germans, the Germans, giving giving them much Russian them much Russian territory, population, territory, population, and resourcesand resources
Civil War followed, Civil War followed, 1917-19201917-1920““Reds” versus Reds” versus “Whites”“Whites”
Complete breakdown of Complete breakdown of Russian economy and Russian economy and societysociety
After the RevolutionAfter the Revolution
Lenin sought to end Russian Lenin sought to end Russian involvement in World War I involvement in World War I
Sent Sent Leon TrotskyLeon Trotsky to negotiate peace with to negotiate peace with Central PowersCentral Powers
Russia’s army virtually powerlessRussia’s army virtually powerless
Trotsky had to accept agreement harsh on RussiaTrotsky had to accept agreement harsh on Russia
Russia gained peace, gave up large parts of Russia gained peace, gave up large parts of empireempire
•The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk 1918The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk 1918
•To successfully impose Communist control in Russia, Lenin realised To successfully impose Communist control in Russia, Lenin realised that he would have to bring Russia out of the First World War. that he would have to bring Russia out of the First World War.
•He feared that the war might bring about an end to Communist He feared that the war might bring about an end to Communist rule.rule.
•By this time the Russian army was weakened by poor morale, By this time the Russian army was weakened by poor morale, desertions and a break down in discipline. desertions and a break down in discipline.
•It was incapable of resisting the Germans.It was incapable of resisting the Germans.
•In March 1918 Russia signed a humiliating peace treaty with In March 1918 Russia signed a humiliating peace treaty with Germany. Russia lost a huge amount of land in the West. Germany. Russia lost a huge amount of land in the West.
•This included about one-sixth of the population (60 million people), This included about one-sixth of the population (60 million people), three-quarters of its iron and coal and over a quarter of the best three-quarters of its iron and coal and over a quarter of the best farmland in Russia.farmland in Russia.
•The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk came at a high price for Russia, but Lenin The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk came at a high price for Russia, but Lenin knew he could not defeat Germany and his opponents in Russia at knew he could not defeat Germany and his opponents in Russia at the same time.the same time.
Civil WarCivil War
• White Army received military help from France, U.S.White Army received military help from France, U.S.
• Civil War raged for 3 years between Lenin’s Red Army and White Civil War raged for 3 years between Lenin’s Red Army and White ArmyArmy
• Millions of Russians died in fighting, faminesMillions of Russians died in fighting, famines
• Bolsheviks finally triumphed, late 1920Bolsheviks finally triumphed, late 1920
Reaction to TreatyReaction to Treaty
• Bolsheviks’ acceptance of peace treaty angered many RussiansBolsheviks’ acceptance of peace treaty angered many Russians
• Bolsheviks’ opponents organized the White ArmyBolsheviks’ opponents organized the White Army
• White Army included army leaders, political opponents, wealthy White Army included army leaders, political opponents, wealthy Russians opposed to Communist systemRussians opposed to Communist system
Russian Revolution Part II (Bolshevik Russian Revolution Part II (Bolshevik Revolution)Revolution)
November Rev. November Rev. Red Guard with help fromRed Guard with help from (6-7 1917) (6-7 1917) sympathetic soldiers and sympathetic soldiers and
sailors sailors seized control of the seized control of the central gov.central gov.
Lenin Lenin Chief of state, unlimited Chief of state, unlimited power. power.
November Revolution November Revolution Political Police Political Police
organized: organized: CHEKACHEKA
Revolutionary Revolutionary army created army created with Trotsky in with Trotsky in charge = “Red charge = “Red Army”Army”
Bolshevik Party Bolshevik Party renamed renamed Communist Communist Party in March Party in March of 1918of 1918
Red Army vs. The WhitesRed Army vs. The Whites Communist Army = Communist Army =
Red ArmyRed Army
The right wing The right wing revolutionaries were revolutionaries were nicknamed the Whites.nicknamed the Whites.
Whites receive aid Whites receive aid from Western from Western Countries.Countries.– Allies upset over Allies upset over
Russia leaving WWIRussia leaving WWI– Upset over peace Upset over peace
Treaty with GermanyTreaty with Germany
Opposition to BolsheviksOpposition to Bolsheviks ““White Army “ was the nickname White Army “ was the nickname
given to opponents of Bolsheviksgiven to opponents of Bolsheviks Bolsheviks were referred to as the Bolsheviks were referred to as the
“Red Army”“Red Army”
White Army split into 3 groups:White Army split into 3 groups: Group that wanted a czar in controlGroup that wanted a czar in control Group that wanted a more democratic Group that wanted a more democratic
governmentgovernment Group made of socialists, but against Lenin’s Group made of socialists, but against Lenin’s
form of socialism form of socialism
Opposition to Lenin and the Bolsheviks Opposition to Lenin and the Bolsheviks
““Whites” Whites” Opposed Lenin and the Opposed Lenin and the “Reds”“Reds”
Members Members Ukrainians, Ukrainians,
Poles, Poles,
Finns, Finns, Estonians, Estonians,
Latvians, Latvians,
and Lithuanians and Lithuanians
all wanted their own rule. all wanted their own rule.
Peasants forced to send food to cities.Peasants forced to send food to cities.
Opposition to Lenin and the BolsheviksOpposition to Lenin and the Bolsheviks
Issues Issues Lenin shutdown freely Lenin shutdown freely elected elected
Constituent Assembly Constituent Assembly 1918. 1918.
Problems Army was not well Problems Army was not well coordinated; coordinated; lacked peasant lacked peasant support. (Land support. (Land Policy)Policy)
Civil WarCivil War Red Army is led by Red Army is led by Leon Trotsky Leon Trotsky
3 year civil war3 year civil war
14 million dead14 million dead
Famine Famine
Bolsheviks seize Bolsheviks seize powerpower
•The Civil War 1918-1921The Civil War 1918-1921
•The opponents of the ‘Reds’, Lenin and the Communists, were The opponents of the ‘Reds’, Lenin and the Communists, were known as the ‘Whites’. known as the ‘Whites’.
•The Whites were a mixture of aristocrats, royalists, churchmen, The Whites were a mixture of aristocrats, royalists, churchmen, army officers and many others. army officers and many others.
•The Whites were led by Admiral Kolchak and Generals Deniken The Whites were led by Admiral Kolchak and Generals Deniken and Wrangel.and Wrangel.
•The Whites were supported by Britain, France, Japan and the The Whites were supported by Britain, France, Japan and the USA, countries that were alarmed at the possible spread of USA, countries that were alarmed at the possible spread of communism. communism.
•At the same time, Lenin fought a war against Poland, a new At the same time, Lenin fought a war against Poland, a new country formed by the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.country formed by the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.
•Although in a very dangerous position, the Communists were Although in a very dangerous position, the Communists were able to win the Civil War. able to win the Civil War.
•This was because the Whites were divided, while the Reds This was because the Whites were divided, while the Reds controlled the key cities, industrial centres and communication controlled the key cities, industrial centres and communication links. links.
•Trotsky’s tough leadership of the new Red Army proved decisive Trotsky’s tough leadership of the new Red Army proved decisive in the victory over the Whites.in the victory over the Whites.
SovietsSoviets Red Army overwhelms the Whites.Red Army overwhelms the Whites. By 1922 Communist party renames Russia. By 1922 Communist party renames Russia.
““The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.”The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.” Soviet = Council in RussianSoviet = Council in Russian
Whites and their supporters fleeing abroad after defeat in Whites and their supporters fleeing abroad after defeat in the Civil Warthe Civil War
Stage Seven: Radicals Take Stage Seven: Radicals Take PowerPower
•The execution of Tsar Nicholas The execution of Tsar Nicholas II July 1918II July 1918
•After his abdication in March After his abdication in March 1917, Tsar Nicholas II and his 1917, Tsar Nicholas II and his family were arrested and family were arrested and sent to Siberia.sent to Siberia.
•In July 1918, the Romanovs In July 1918, the Romanovs were in Ekaterinburg, with a were in Ekaterinburg, with a White army closing in on the White army closing in on the town. town.
•Local communists were Local communists were worried that the Tsar might worried that the Tsar might be a rallying point for the be a rallying point for the Whites. Whites.
•As a result, Tsar Nicholas, As a result, Tsar Nicholas, his wife, their five children his wife, their five children and four attendants were and four attendants were shot and bayoneted.shot and bayoneted.
Murder of the RomanovsMurder of the Romanovs The Romanov family was murdered at Ekateringburg on July 17th, 1918. After his The Romanov family was murdered at Ekateringburg on July 17th, 1918. After his
abdication in March 1917, Nicholas and his family had been put under house arrest abdication in March 1917, Nicholas and his family had been put under house arrest and kept just outside of St. Petersburg.and kept just outside of St. Petersburg.
As the civil war developed, the whole family was sent to Tolbolsk in Siberia and As the civil war developed, the whole family was sent to Tolbolsk in Siberia and from here to Ekateringburg in the Urals.from here to Ekateringburg in the Urals.
The Romanovs had given Lenin a major problem. To many, Nicholas was still the The Romanovs had given Lenin a major problem. To many, Nicholas was still the legitimate ruler of Russia.legitimate ruler of Russia.
While he was alive, people would rally to his cause. While he was alive, people would rally to his cause. The simple fact was that many in the White corner were fighting to restore Nicholas The simple fact was that many in the White corner were fighting to restore Nicholas
the throne. the throne. The tsar, appointed by God, had many loyal followers. If Nicholas escaped, then his The tsar, appointed by God, had many loyal followers. If Nicholas escaped, then his
followers would have had someone at their head to lead them - against Lenin.followers would have had someone at their head to lead them - against Lenin. In the summer of the 1918, Ekateringburg was threatened by the advancing Whites. In the summer of the 1918, Ekateringburg was threatened by the advancing Whites.
The decision was taken by the Bolsheviks to kill Nicholas and his family.The decision was taken by the Bolsheviks to kill Nicholas and his family. On the night of July 17th, the family was awoken and told that there was trouble in On the night of July 17th, the family was awoken and told that there was trouble in
Ekateringburg. Ekateringburg. They were told that they would be safer in the basement of the house they were They were told that they would be safer in the basement of the house they were
staying in. staying in. The whole family, the family doctor (Botkin) and three servants went to the The whole family, the family doctor (Botkin) and three servants went to the
basement.basement. A group of twelve Red Army soldiers appeared in the basement and shot those A group of twelve Red Army soldiers appeared in the basement and shot those
there. there. The legend has it that the princesses had to be finished off with bayonets as they The legend has it that the princesses had to be finished off with bayonets as they
had stuffed jewels in their blouses which had deflected the bullets.had stuffed jewels in their blouses which had deflected the bullets.
Murder of the RomanovsMurder of the Romanovs Many rumours quickly spread with regards to the murders. Many rumours quickly spread with regards to the murders. One was that the youngest daughter, Anastasia somehow managed to One was that the youngest daughter, Anastasia somehow managed to
survive. survive. Another was that not all the family were murdered in the basement and Another was that not all the family were murdered in the basement and
that some, primarily the children and Alexandra, were removed from the that some, primarily the children and Alexandra, were removed from the house and shot elsewhere. house and shot elsewhere.
Another was that the first judge appointed by the Bolsheviks to investigate Another was that the first judge appointed by the Bolsheviks to investigate the murders, Judge Sergeyev, was removed from the investigation as he the murders, Judge Sergeyev, was removed from the investigation as he was going to go public about what had happened.was going to go public about what had happened.
Sergeyev was certainly removed from the investigation in 1919 and died Sergeyev was certainly removed from the investigation in 1919 and died in mysterious circumstances shortly afterwards. in mysterious circumstances shortly afterwards.
It suited the Whites to put out stories about how cruel the Reds were and It suited the Whites to put out stories about how cruel the Reds were and it may well be that the Whites themselves were responsible for the many it may well be that the Whites themselves were responsible for the many rumours that persisted after the murders. rumours that persisted after the murders.
A second investigative judge, Sokolov, reported that the bodies were A second investigative judge, Sokolov, reported that the bodies were removed from the basement and taken to the 'Four Brothers' mine near to removed from the basement and taken to the 'Four Brothers' mine near to Ekateringburg. Ekateringburg.
Here they were thrown done a mine shaft and left. Grenades were thrown Here they were thrown done a mine shaft and left. Grenades were thrown in the mine shaft in an attempt to make it collapse.in the mine shaft in an attempt to make it collapse.
Murder of the RomanovsMurder of the Romanovs Such was the fear of the Cheka that the story of the Romanovs Such was the fear of the Cheka that the story of the Romanovs
deaths was never challenged and the same remained true under deaths was never challenged and the same remained true under Stalin. Stalin.
However, in September 1918, a number of people claimed to have However, in September 1918, a number of people claimed to have seen Alexandra and the four princesses at a house in Perm - this seen Alexandra and the four princesses at a house in Perm - this followed the rumour that a heavily guarded train left Ekateringburg followed the rumour that a heavily guarded train left Ekateringburg immediately after July 17th, with the four princesses and their immediately after July 17th, with the four princesses and their mother on board. mother on board.
Also a doctor in Perm claimed to have treated one of the princesses Also a doctor in Perm claimed to have treated one of the princesses after she had fallen ill in September 1918. after she had fallen ill in September 1918.
The actual details of what happened to the Romanovs on July 17th The actual details of what happened to the Romanovs on July 17th will never be known and this has led to continual speculation as to will never be known and this has led to continual speculation as to what exactly did happen.what exactly did happen.
•On July 17, 1918, Nicholas II and his wife and the five children were tricked On July 17, 1918, Nicholas II and his wife and the five children were tricked to go into the cellar of a house in Yekaterinburg.to go into the cellar of a house in Yekaterinburg.
•Then the Bolsheviks fired continually and brutally at them until they were Then the Bolsheviks fired continually and brutally at them until they were found dead. found dead.
•However, that’s not the end, the killers tried to burn two of the bodies - However, that’s not the end, the killers tried to burn two of the bodies - but it took too long.but it took too long.
•They doused the rest of the bodies with sulphuric acid and buried them in They doused the rest of the bodies with sulphuric acid and buried them in a shallow grave in a forest outside the city.a shallow grave in a forest outside the city.
•What a terrible and bloody murder!! Indeed, it was a family of endless What a terrible and bloody murder!! Indeed, it was a family of endless misfortunes.misfortunes.
Murder of the RomanovsMurder of the Romanovs
After several aborted efforts to dispose of the bodies, Yurovsky After several aborted efforts to dispose of the bodies, Yurovsky and his detachment finally decided to burn them.and his detachment finally decided to burn them.
But burning a human body takes a long time if the temperature is But burning a human body takes a long time if the temperature is not hot enough. Once again Yurovsky had to make a different plan.not hot enough. Once again Yurovsky had to make a different plan.
“ “ We wanted to burn We wanted to burn [Aleksei][Aleksei] and Alexandra Fedorovna, but and Alexandra Fedorovna, but by mistake the lady-in-waitingby mistake the lady-in-waiting [the maid Demidova][the maid Demidova] was was burnt with Aleksei instead. We then immediately buried burnt with Aleksei instead. We then immediately buried the remains under the fire and lit the fire again, which the remains under the fire and lit the fire again, which completely covered up traces of the digging. Meanwhile, completely covered up traces of the digging. Meanwhile, we dug a common grave for the rest. A pit around 6 feet we dug a common grave for the rest. A pit around 6 feet deep and 8 feet square was ready by around 7 o'clock in deep and 8 feet square was ready by around 7 o'clock in the morning.the morning. [That would have been the morning of the 19th.] [That would have been the morning of the 19th.] We piled the corpses in the pit, poured sulfuric acid onto We piled the corpses in the pit, poured sulfuric acid onto their faces and generally over their whole bodies to their faces and generally over their whole bodies to prevent them both from being recognized and from prevent them both from being recognized and from stinking as a result of decompositionstinking as a result of decomposition (the pit was not deep) (the pit was not deep). . Having thrown dirt and brushwood on top, we put down Having thrown dirt and brushwood on top, we put down railroad ties and drove over them a few times - no traces of railroad ties and drove over them a few times - no traces of the pit were left. The secret was completely safe; the the pit were left. The secret was completely safe; the Whites didn't find this burial place.”Whites didn't find this burial place.”
The Whites had, in fact, found the temporary grave where the bodies The Whites had, in fact, found the temporary grave where the bodies had been hastily left after the murders. However, they never found the had been hastily left after the murders. However, they never found the spot Yurovsky describes as the permanent grave site:spot Yurovsky describes as the permanent grave site:
Koptiaki is 12 miles from Koptiaki is 12 miles from YekaterinburgYekaterinburg.. [[The R.R. crosses mile 6 The R.R. crosses mile 6 between Koptiaki and the Upper Isetsk factory to the northwestbetween Koptiaki and the Upper Isetsk factory to the northwest [of [of town]town]. .
The burial place is 700 feet closer to the Upper Isetsk factory from the The burial place is 700 feet closer to the Upper Isetsk factory from the point of intersection.point of intersection.
Yurovsky wrote his account in 1920.Yurovsky wrote his account in 1920. By that time, the Bolsheviks had changed the name of By that time, the Bolsheviks had changed the name of
Ekaterinburg to Sverdlovsk, in honor of the man who Ekaterinburg to Sverdlovsk, in honor of the man who masterminded the execution - Yakov Sverdlov - a member masterminded the execution - Yakov Sverdlov - a member of the Bolshevik Central Committee. of the Bolshevik Central Committee.
(In 1960, the American U-2 pilot, Francis Gary Powers, was (In 1960, the American U-2 pilot, Francis Gary Powers, was shot down over Sverdlovsk.) shot down over Sverdlovsk.)
Today, the town is once again known by its former name.Today, the town is once again known by its former name.
The bodies remained in their shallow grave, undisturbed, until The bodies remained in their shallow grave, undisturbed, until 1979, when they were apparently found by a Russian mystery 1979, when they were apparently found by a Russian mystery writer, Geli Ryabov, and a geophysicist from Ekaterinburg, Dr. writer, Geli Ryabov, and a geophysicist from Ekaterinburg, Dr. Alexander Avdonin. Ryabov and Avdonin waited ten years before Alexander Avdonin. Ryabov and Avdonin waited ten years before they revealed their find.they revealed their find.
What do the bones that Ryabov and Avdonin found in 1979 tell us? What do the bones that Ryabov and Avdonin found in 1979 tell us? President Yeltsin ordered their disinterment and the remains have President Yeltsin ordered their disinterment and the remains have
been studied by Russian and American teams.been studied by Russian and American teams. Dr. William R. Maples, head of the American team, discusses his Dr. William R. Maples, head of the American team, discusses his
findings in findings in Dead Men Do Tell TalesDead Men Do Tell Tales.. After a great deal of study, including DNA samples from Queen After a great deal of study, including DNA samples from Queen
Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip (whose grandmother was Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip (whose grandmother was Princess Victoria of Hess, Alexandra's sister), Dr. Maples is sure the Princess Victoria of Hess, Alexandra's sister), Dr. Maples is sure the remains belong to the Romanov family.remains belong to the Romanov family.
The DNA evidence is "almost 99 percent" which, coupled with The DNA evidence is "almost 99 percent" which, coupled with strong skeletal evidence, makes it virtually certain the bones strong skeletal evidence, makes it virtually certain the bones belong to the Romanovs and their staff.belong to the Romanovs and their staff.
Except, in the original grave, there were absolutely no Except, in the original grave, there were absolutely no skeletal remains for two people: Alexei and (it was skeletal remains for two people: Alexei and (it was believed, at the time) Anastasia.believed, at the time) Anastasia.
Do the missing remains give further credence to the claims Do the missing remains give further credence to the claims of Anna Anderson and "Heino?" of Anna Anderson and "Heino?"
Maybe. Maybe not, according to Dr. Maples. In his final Maybe. Maybe not, according to Dr. Maples. In his final report, he recommends thatreport, he recommends that
...the site around the pit be carefully excavated and ...the site around the pit be carefully excavated and searched for the remains of the two bodies Yurovsky searched for the remains of the two bodies Yurovsky said he burned. I believe such a dig might well said he burned. I believe such a dig might well turn up the calcined remains of Anastasia and turn up the calcined remains of Anastasia and Alexei.Alexei. (Page 267, (Page 267, Dead Men Do Tell Tales.Dead Men Do Tell Tales.
While speculation continued, for a time, about the Tsar's While speculation continued, for a time, about the Tsar's two youngest children, the rest of the family members two youngest children, the rest of the family members were finally laid to rest. Even President Yeltsin paid tribute.were finally laid to rest. Even President Yeltsin paid tribute.
The November The November RevolutionRevolution
Nov. 6, 1917…Nov. 6, 1917… this was the ideological this was the ideological
aspect of the rev., w/ the aspect of the rev., w/ the coup itself planned by coup itself planned by Leon TrotskyLeon Trotsky, who had , who had gained the confidence of gained the confidence of the army (= the “Red the army (= the “Red Miracle”)Miracle”)
Lenin went on to Lenin went on to consolidate his power in consolidate his power in Jan. 1918 when he Jan. 1918 when he disbanded the disbanded the Constituent Constituent AssemblyAssembly (had replaced (had replaced the Duma) – the Bolsheviks the Duma) – the Bolsheviks had not gained a majority had not gained a majority there in late Nov. elections there in late Nov. elections - Russ. dem. thus - Russ. dem. thus terminated terminated a a CoCouncil of uncil of People’s CommissarsPeople’s Commissars was was createdcreated
All private property was All private property was abolished and divided abolished and divided among the peasantryamong the peasantry
Largest industrial Largest industrial enterprises nationalizedenterprises nationalized
Role of the Secret Police: Role of the Secret Police: ChekaCheka
Cheka Secret police. Cheka Secret police.
Tactics Snuff out opposition. Tactics Snuff out opposition.
Often encouraged neighbors to Often encouraged neighbors to spy on spy on each each other. other.
Turn in anyone that speaks in a Turn in anyone that speaks in a negative manner negative manner
against Lenin against Lenin and and the the Communist partyCommunist party
The Cheka (or secret police)The Cheka (or secret police)
In December 1917 Lenin set up a In December 1917 Lenin set up a secret police force known as the secret police force known as the Cheka. Cheka.
Cheka agents spied on the Russian Cheka agents spied on the Russian people in factories and villages.people in factories and villages.
Anyone suspected of being anti-Anyone suspected of being anti-Communist could be arrested, tortured Communist could be arrested, tortured and executed without a trial.and executed without a trial.
When opponents tried to assassinate When opponents tried to assassinate Lenin in 1918, he launched the Lenin in 1918, he launched the Red Red TerrorTerror campaign against his enemies. campaign against his enemies.
It is said that 50,000 people were It is said that 50,000 people were arrested and executed in this period.arrested and executed in this period.
Interpreting the Russian Interpreting the Russian RevolutionRevolution
The official Marxist The official Marxist interpretationinterpretation
The importance of The importance of a permanent a permanent international international revolutionrevolution
Function of Russian Function of Russian History and CultureHistory and Culture
Imposed Revolution Imposed Revolution on an unwilling victimon an unwilling victim
A Social Revolution…A Social Revolution…
Every scoundrel who incites Every scoundrel who incites anyone to retreat or to desertanyone to retreat or to desertwill be shot!will be shot!
Every soldier who throws awayEvery soldier who throws awayhis rifle will be shot!his rifle will be shot!
Leon Trotsky – founder and Leon Trotsky – founder and commander of the Red Armycommander of the Red ArmyEvery scoundrel who Every scoundrel who
incites anyone to retreat incites anyone to retreat or to desert will be shot!or to desert will be shot!
Every soldier who throws Every soldier who throws away his rifle will be away his rifle will be
shot!shot!
Bolsheviks in PowerBolsheviks in Power
Lenin orders all Lenin orders all farmland to be farmland to be distributed among distributed among the peasants and the peasants and gave control of the gave control of the factories to the factories to the workersworkers
How did How did Lenin Lenin
impose impose Communist Communist control in control in
Russia Russia between between
1917-1924?1917-1924?
Factors that helped Factors that helped Lenin impose Lenin impose
Communist control inCommunist control inRussia 1917-1924.Russia 1917-1924.
The Treaty of The Treaty of Brest-LitovskBrest-Litovsk
19181918
The Civil The Civil War 1918-War 1918-
19211921
The The execution execution
of Tsar of Tsar Nicholas II Nicholas II
19181918
Success Success of the of the New New
Economic Economic PolicyPolicy
The The ChekChek
aa
The abandonment The abandonment of the Constituent of the Constituent
AssemblyAssembly
The The Kronstadt Kronstadt
Revolt 1921Revolt 1921
War War CommunisCommunis
mm
•The abandonment of the Constituent The abandonment of the Constituent Assembly 1917Assembly 1917
•Straight after the October Revolution of Straight after the October Revolution of 1917, Lenin promised to hold elections for a 1917, Lenin promised to hold elections for a Parliament to be known as the Constituent Parliament to be known as the Constituent Assembly.Assembly.
•Lenin renamed the Bolshevik Party as the Lenin renamed the Bolshevik Party as the Communist Party in order to win wider Communist Party in order to win wider support. support.
•However, the Communists only won 175 However, the Communists only won 175 seats out of 700, not enough for a majority.seats out of 700, not enough for a majority.
•Therefore Lenin shut down the Constituent Therefore Lenin shut down the Constituent Assembly after only one day!Assembly after only one day!
•Lenin was not prepared to share power Lenin was not prepared to share power with anyone. with anyone.
•This was the first step in setting up a This was the first step in setting up a Communist dictatorship.Communist dictatorship.
The First Great Bolshevik U-TurnThe First Great Bolshevik U-TurnThe New Economic PolicyThe New Economic Policy
Bolsheviks Haemorrhaging supportBolsheviks Haemorrhaging support– War Communism not workingWar Communism not working
Workers - unmotivatedWorkers - unmotivated Peasants - requisitioningPeasants - requisitioning
– Plummeting Industrial and agricultural outputPlummeting Industrial and agricultural output– Shortages due to World War, Revolution and Civil WarShortages due to World War, Revolution and Civil War– Disillusionment of masses (and many Socialists) as Disillusionment of masses (and many Socialists) as
Communist Utopia fails to emergeCommunist Utopia fails to emerge– International Isolation completeInternational Isolation complete
No state willing to support BolsheviksNo state willing to support Bolsheviks Lenin listens to rightists who call for a Lenin listens to rightists who call for a
‘temporary’ change in economic direction‘temporary’ change in economic direction ““We are making economic concessions to avoid We are making economic concessions to avoid
political concessions” Bukharinpolitical concessions” Bukharin
Effects of War & RevolutionEffects of War & Revolution Russian economy is destroyed Russian economy is destroyed Lenin establishes the New Economic Lenin establishes the New Economic
Policy (NEP) Policy (NEP) Small scale version of capitalismSmall scale version of capitalism Peasants could sell surplus crops instead of Peasants could sell surplus crops instead of
turning them over to the governmentturning them over to the government Government maintained control of major Government maintained control of major
industries, banks, and means of communicationindustries, banks, and means of communication Small businesses, farms, and factories were Small businesses, farms, and factories were
allowed to operate under private ownershipallowed to operate under private ownership Government encouraged foreign investmentGovernment encouraged foreign investment
New Economic PolicyNew Economic Policy
What was the rationale behind the What was the rationale behind the following factors of the NEP:following factors of the NEP:– Grain Requisitioning AbolishedGrain Requisitioning Abolished– Small businesses allowed to operateSmall businesses allowed to operate– Money re-introducedMoney re-introduced– Industrial Trusts createdIndustrial Trusts created
•War CommunismWar Communism
•To win the Civil War and impose To win the Civil War and impose Communism in Russia, Lenin needed a Communism in Russia, Lenin needed a strong Red Army supplied with strong Red Army supplied with weapons and food.weapons and food.
•The state took control of the factories The state took control of the factories and appointed managers to run them. and appointed managers to run them.
•Work was hard and long, food was Work was hard and long, food was rationed to only those who worked and rationed to only those who worked and trade unions were banned.trade unions were banned.
•To get enough food, the Cheka seized To get enough food, the Cheka seized all surplus grain from the peasants. all surplus grain from the peasants.
•The peasants hid food or preferred to The peasants hid food or preferred to grow less rather than give it away free grow less rather than give it away free to feed the towns.to feed the towns.
•Drought and famine hit Russia in 1921 Drought and famine hit Russia in 1921 – over 4 million people died.– over 4 million people died.
Food?Food?
Lenin’s Economic ReformsLenin’s Economic Reforms War and revolution War and revolution
destroyed the Russian destroyed the Russian economyeconomy
Lenin launched the New Lenin launched the New Economic Policy or NEPEconomic Policy or NEP
Lenin put aside his idea Lenin put aside his idea for a state-controlled for a state-controlled economy and resorted economy and resorted to a small scale version to a small scale version of capitalism.of capitalism.
The government still The government still kept control of major kept control of major industries and banksindustries and banks
New Economic PolicyNew Economic Policy Grain Requisitioning AbolishedGrain Requisitioning Abolished
– Surpluses beyond a quota could be sold freely (and at a Surpluses beyond a quota could be sold freely (and at a profit)profit)
Small businesses allowed to operateSmall businesses allowed to operate– Artisans and small concerns were allowed to operate once Artisans and small concerns were allowed to operate once
more. more. – Allowed to produce consumer goodsAllowed to produce consumer goods
Realised that the state had neglected private consumer goods Realised that the state had neglected private consumer goods for state industriesfor state industries
– No incentives to work if there is nothing to buy!No incentives to work if there is nothing to buy! Money re-introducedMoney re-introduced
– Rationing and barter was proving to be too inefficient and Rationing and barter was proving to be too inefficient and time consumingtime consuming
– Entrepreneurs were allowed to buy and sellEntrepreneurs were allowed to buy and sell More efficient use of time as middlemen move goods from More efficient use of time as middlemen move goods from
place of production to place of distributionplace of production to place of distribution Industrial Trusts createdIndustrial Trusts created
– State kept control of big industries like Steel, Coal, banking State kept control of big industries like Steel, Coal, banking etcetc
– However, these now had to operate within budgets and set However, these now had to operate within budgets and set targetstargets
Collapsing economyCollapsing economy
• Brought on by civil war, pushed Russia to edge of total ruinBrought on by civil war, pushed Russia to edge of total ruin• Peasants, workers especially hard hitPeasants, workers especially hard hit• Lenin introduced Lenin introduced New Economic PolicyNew Economic Policy, 1921, 1921
The Soviet UnionThe Soviet Union
• Russia reunited with several neighboring lands, became Union of Russia reunited with several neighboring lands, became Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, dominated by Communist leadershipSoviet Socialist Republics, dominated by Communist leadership
• Lenin’s death in 1924 led to struggle for control of Soviet UnionLenin’s death in 1924 led to struggle for control of Soviet Union
Key pointsKey points
• New Economic Policy permitted some capitalist activityNew Economic Policy permitted some capitalist activity• Peasants could sell food at profitPeasants could sell food at profit• Tried to encourage badly needed food productionTried to encourage badly needed food production
New Economic PolicyNew Economic Policy
THE THE NEW ECONOMIC POLICYNEW ECONOMIC POLICY The USSR faced serious eco. issues The USSR faced serious eco. issues
w/ the conclusion of the warsw/ the conclusion of the wars W. nations refused to trade w/ them, W. nations refused to trade w/ them,
and Lenin was at 1st determined to and Lenin was at 1st determined to apply his Marxist principles, which apply his Marxist principles, which failedfailed
In Mar. 1921 Lenin relented and In Mar. 1921 Lenin relented and intro’d the NEPintro’d the NEP
It was an attempt to rebuild agri. It was an attempt to rebuild agri. and industry thru a free market and industry thru a free market system (it was a pragmatic system (it was a pragmatic measure – Lenin could not yet take measure – Lenin could not yet take on the peasants; it did cause a rift on the peasants; it did cause a rift w/in the Comm. Party) – many w/in the Comm. Party) – many dissidentsdissidents were shipped off to the were shipped off to the gulagsgulags
The NEP did work; Lenin was The NEP did work; Lenin was presumably ready to return to presumably ready to return to Marxist principlesMarxist principles
But his health deteriorated after a But his health deteriorated after a 1922 stroke, and Lenin died in 1922 stroke, and Lenin died in 1924: this created a power vacuum 1924: this created a power vacuum and a struggle b/n Trotsky and and a struggle b/n Trotsky and StalinStalin
NEW ECONOMIC POLICY NEW ECONOMIC POLICY (I)(I)
Lenin replaced War Lenin replaced War Communism with Communism with New Economic New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1921Policy (NEP) in 1921– Never saw it as Never saw it as
permanent policy permanent policy but as a but as a temporary retreat temporary retreat from socialism from socialism that would give that would give Russia a chance Russia a chance to recover to recover economically and economically and sociallysocially
NEW ECONOMIC POLICY NEW ECONOMIC POLICY (II)(II) ProvisionsProvisions
– State retained ownership of State retained ownership of large industrylarge industry
– Private enterprise allowed in Private enterprise allowed in small industries and retail small industries and retail tradetrade
– Peasants freed from forced Peasants freed from forced requistionsrequistions Had to pay tax in kind to Had to pay tax in kind to
government but were government but were otherwise free to sell rest otherwise free to sell rest on free marketon free market
Given strong incentive to Given strong incentive to produce moreproduce more
NEP was tremendous success NEP was tremendous success and it quickly revived the and it quickly revived the Russian economyRussian economy
Success of the New Economic Policy 1921Success of the New Economic Policy 1921
To regain popular support, Lenin relaxed War To regain popular support, Lenin relaxed War Communism with the New Economic Policy (NEP). Communism with the New Economic Policy (NEP).
Smaller industries were returned to private Smaller industries were returned to private ownership and peasants could sell their surplus on ownership and peasants could sell their surplus on the open market. the open market.
This was a return to capitalism and competition.This was a return to capitalism and competition.
Lenin hoped that NEP would give Russia ‘a Lenin hoped that NEP would give Russia ‘a breathing space’ to get back on its feet. breathing space’ to get back on its feet.
Most of the Communist Party saw the need for Most of the Communist Party saw the need for NEP, but some were against it.NEP, but some were against it.
On the whole NEP was a success. On the whole NEP was a success.
But it did create some problems. But it did create some problems.
Some peasants, the Kulaks, became rich, while Some peasants, the Kulaks, became rich, while ‘Nepmen’ or businessmen made a profit in the ‘Nepmen’ or businessmen made a profit in the townstowns
. Some saw NEP as a betrayal of communism and . Some saw NEP as a betrayal of communism and return to the old system.return to the old system.
Was the NEP a success:Was the NEP a success:Agricultural OutputAgricultural Output
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
1913 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926
Grain
In Millions of TonnesIn Millions of TonnesFigures on page 112Figures on page 112
Was the NEP a success:Was the NEP a success:Industrial OutputIndustrial Output
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
1913 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926
Factory
Factory Production in millions of Roubles (1926 Factory Production in millions of Roubles (1926 values)values)Figures on page 112Figures on page 112
““DANGERS” OF THE NEPDANGERS” OF THE NEP 75% of all retail trade fell into 75% of all retail trade fell into
private hands during NEPprivate hands during NEP– Caused rise of “Nepmen”Caused rise of “Nepmen”
Numerous and prosperousNumerous and prosperous Fear was that they would Fear was that they would
become new “bourgeoisie”become new “bourgeoisie” Caused rise of “kulaks”Caused rise of “kulaks”
– Peasants grown wealthy Peasants grown wealthy because of private enterprise because of private enterprise provisions of NEPprovisions of NEP
Debate over NEP would become Debate over NEP would become linked to power struggle after linked to power struggle after Lenin’s deathLenin’s deathNepmen Nepmen
•The Kronstadt Revolt 1921The Kronstadt Revolt 1921
•War Communism made Lenin’s government very unpopular.War Communism made Lenin’s government very unpopular.
• Discontent amongst the peasants led to violence in the cities. Discontent amongst the peasants led to violence in the cities.
•Workers went on strike, in spite of the death penalty for striking.Workers went on strike, in spite of the death penalty for striking.
•The most serious opposition to Lenin’s government came in March The most serious opposition to Lenin’s government came in March 1921.1921.
• Sailors at the Kronstadt naval base near Petrograd revolted. Sailors at the Kronstadt naval base near Petrograd revolted.
•They accused Lenin of breaking his promise to help the workers.They accused Lenin of breaking his promise to help the workers.
•Lenin ordered the Red Army to put down the revolt. Lenin ordered the Red Army to put down the revolt.
•This caused 20,000 casualties and the leaders of the revolt were This caused 20,000 casualties and the leaders of the revolt were executed. executed.
•However, the mutiny was a warning to Lenin that he might have to However, the mutiny was a warning to Lenin that he might have to relax War Communism.relax War Communism.
Ramifications of U-TurnRamifications of U-Turn
What effect did the Kronstadt revolt have What effect did the Kronstadt revolt have on party delegates?on party delegates?– It made most waverers realise the dangerous It made most waverers realise the dangerous
forces still at work in Russia. forces still at work in Russia. – It made most of them rally to Lenin’s insistence It made most of them rally to Lenin’s insistence
that this was a temporary tactical withdrawal that this was a temporary tactical withdrawal – They realised that any internal They realised that any internal splitssplits could be could be
fatal to the Bolshevik partyfatal to the Bolshevik party 1010thth Party Congress agrees to pass a Party Congress agrees to pass a ‘ban ‘ban
on factions’on factions’– Once Party Policy had been decided by the Once Party Policy had been decided by the
Central Committee then all Communists had to Central Committee then all Communists had to accept it and not form factions to challenge itaccept it and not form factions to challenge it
– Penalty for factionalism was expulsion from the Penalty for factionalism was expulsion from the partyparty
BAN ON “FACTIONS”BAN ON “FACTIONS” In response to criticisms of In response to criticisms of
NEP, Lenin and Politburo ban NEP, Lenin and Politburo ban all “factions” in 1922all “factions” in 1922– Any party member who Any party member who
joined others to oppose or joined others to oppose or criticize any party policy criticize any party policy would be expelledwould be expelled
– Stalin would later use policy Stalin would later use policy to eliminate rivalsto eliminate rivals
– Leaders who would later Leaders who would later suffer because of this policy suffer because of this policy all voted for it in 1922all voted for it in 1922
Lenin’s Political ReformsLenin’s Political Reforms Lenin organized Russia Lenin organized Russia
into several self-into several self-governing republics governing republics under the central gov’tunder the central gov’t
The country was named The country was named the Union of Soviet the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)Socialist Republics (USSR)
Bolsheviks renamed their Bolsheviks renamed their party the Communist party the Communist PartyParty
They created a They created a constitution based on constitution based on socialist and democratic socialist and democratic principles, but the principles, but the Communist part had total Communist part had total controlcontrol
Stage Eight: Public Tires of Stage Eight: Public Tires of Radicals---Moderates Regain Radicals---Moderates Regain
PowerPower
TWO MISTAKESTWO MISTAKES Lenin suffers from a Lenin suffers from a
series of increasingly series of increasingly series strokes series strokes between late 1921 between late 1921 and 1924and 1924– Left him speechless Left him speechless
and paralyzedand paralyzed Made two tragic Made two tragic
mistakes during this mistakes during this periodperiod– Supported ban on Supported ban on
factionsfactions– Appointed Josef Appointed Josef
Stalin General Stalin General Secretary of Secretary of Communist PartyCommunist Party
LENIN’S LAST LENIN’S LAST TESTAMENTTESTAMENT Began in December 1922Began in December 1922 Did not name successor and instead Did not name successor and instead
offered his personal evaluation of all offered his personal evaluation of all possible candidatespossible candidates– StalinStalin: should be replaced with : should be replaced with
someone “more patient, more loyal, someone “more patient, more loyal, more courteous, and less capricious”more courteous, and less capricious”
– TrotskyTrotsky: most pre-eminent member of : most pre-eminent member of party but suffered from excessive self-party but suffered from excessive self-confidence and highhandednessconfidence and highhandedness
– Barely mentioned Barely mentioned Zinoviev and Zinoviev and KamenevKamenev
– Highly praised Highly praised Nicholas Bukharin and Nicholas Bukharin and Felix PyatokovFelix Pyatokov
LENIN’S CONCLUSIONLENIN’S CONCLUSION No one was fit to No one was fit to
succeed himsucceed him– Wanted Trotsky, Wanted Trotsky,
Zinoviev, and Zinoviev, and Kamenev to Kamenev to form caretaker form caretaker government government until Bukharin until Bukharin and Pyatokov and Pyatokov were ready to were ready to take overtake over
DEATH OF LENINDEATH OF LENIN
Lenin takes final Lenin takes final steps to eliminate steps to eliminate StalinStalin
Final stroke on March Final stroke on March 10, 1924 completely 10, 1924 completely paralyzes Lenin paralyzes Lenin before he could get before he could get rid of Stalinrid of Stalin– Dies in early 1924 Dies in early 1924
at age 54 at age 54
But, Lenin failed to provide a clear But, Lenin failed to provide a clear successor on his death.successor on his death.
This led to four years of bitter This led to four years of bitter strugglestruggle..
•When Lenin died in 1924, he had When Lenin died in 1924, he had been very successful in imposing a been very successful in imposing a communist dictatorship in Russia.communist dictatorship in Russia.
•He had defeated all of his He had defeated all of his opponents and established a strong opponents and established a strong communist government. communist government.
•As each of the areas formerly As each of the areas formerly belonging to the Tsar came under belonging to the Tsar came under communist control, they were communist control, they were turned into socialist republics.turned into socialist republics.
• In 1923 these became the Union of In 1923 these became the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).
Lenin’s DeathLenin’s Death
Lenin learned of Stalin’s Lenin learned of Stalin’s manipulative actions and began manipulative actions and began preparing letters and speeches in preparing letters and speeches in order “to crush Stalin politically”order “to crush Stalin politically”
However, on March 7, 1923, he However, on March 7, 1923, he suffered his last stroke and lost the suffered his last stroke and lost the power of speechpower of speech
He died on January 21, 1924He died on January 21, 1924
Who Who would would
succeed succeed Lenin?Lenin?
Trotsky – Red ArmyTrotsky – Red ArmyCommander and Commander and
Commisar of ForeignCommisar of ForeignAffairsAffairs
Stalin – Commisar forStalin – Commisar forNationalitiesNationalities
OROR
v.v.
Trotsky (right) was a firm Marxist who Trotsky (right) was a firm Marxist who wanted support for a worldwide wanted support for a worldwide revolution against capitalismrevolution against capitalism
Stalin (left) wanted to work on Stalin (left) wanted to work on socialist views in Russia firstsocialist views in Russia first
Stalin put his supporters into top jobs Stalin put his supporters into top jobs and isolated Trotsky in his own partyand isolated Trotsky in his own party
Leon TrotskyLeon Trotsky
intellectual, head of intellectual, head of the Red Armythe Red Army
favoured the doctrine favoured the doctrine of of World RevolutionWorld Revolution– felt that the USSR felt that the USSR
could not survive as could not survive as the sole comm. statethe sole comm. state
– the USSR must the USSR must therefore seek to therefore seek to export rev.export rev.
– as a doctrinaire comm., as a doctrinaire comm., he opposed the NEPhe opposed the NEP
Lenin’s Potential SuccessorsLenin’s Potential Successors
Leon TrotskyLeon Trotsky– Trotsky was an intellectual and formerly Trotsky was an intellectual and formerly
a member of the Mensheviks (he recently a member of the Mensheviks (he recently had joined the Bolsheviks)had joined the Bolsheviks)
– He had led the Red Army and was He had led the Red Army and was probably the most able successor, but he probably the most able successor, but he was very arrogant and did not have was very arrogant and did not have political alliespolitical allies
– He was prepared to criticize the party for He was prepared to criticize the party for the growth of bureaucraticatizationthe growth of bureaucraticatization
LEFT POSITIONLEFT POSITION Proposed by Trotsky and Proposed by Trotsky and
supported by Zinoviev supported by Zinoviev and Kamenevand Kamenev
Socialism in Russia was Socialism in Russia was doomed without doomed without worldwide communist worldwide communist revolutionrevolution
Soviet Union should Soviet Union should therefore support therefore support revolutionary revolutionary movements abroad and movements abroad and pursue a militant and pursue a militant and “pure” socialism at home“pure” socialism at home– Get rid of NEPGet rid of NEP
Kamenev Kamenev
Lenin’s Potential SuccessorsLenin’s Potential Successors
Josef StalinJosef Stalin– Was underestimated and was careful never to Was underestimated and was careful never to
criticize the partycriticize the party– As General Secretary of the Cabinet, Stalin controlled As General Secretary of the Cabinet, Stalin controlled
promotions and ranks in the Soviet Union. He filled promotions and ranks in the Soviet Union. He filled the party with those who were personally loyal to himthe party with those who were personally loyal to him
– He used the image of Lenin and the “Cult of Lenin” to He used the image of Lenin and the “Cult of Lenin” to present himself as the rightful heir. Stalin presented present himself as the rightful heir. Stalin presented himself as the only true Leninisthimself as the only true Leninist
– The Cheka was used to find information which could The Cheka was used to find information which could be used to discredit his opponentsbe used to discredit his opponents
JOSEF STALINJOSEF STALIN Born in Georgia in 1879Born in Georgia in 1879
– Real name was Iosif DjugashuiliReal name was Iosif Djugashuili Joined seminary to study to become a Joined seminary to study to become a
priestpriest– Expelled and drifted from job to jobExpelled and drifted from job to job
Gradually drawn into revolutionary Gradually drawn into revolutionary movement and became Social Democratic movement and became Social Democratic agitator in Georgia by his early 20sagitator in Georgia by his early 20s– Eventually came to the attention of Eventually came to the attention of
Lenin and came to Petrograd after Lenin and came to Petrograd after February RevolutionFebruary Revolution
– Named Commissar of Nationalities Named Commissar of Nationalities after October 1917 and made member after October 1917 and made member of Politburo and Council of People’s of Politburo and Council of People’s CommissarsCommissars
– Named General Secretary of Named General Secretary of Communist Party in 1922Communist Party in 1922
Josef StalinJosef Stalin favoured “Socialism in One favoured “Socialism in One
Country”Country”– the USSR should strengthen itself the USSR should strengthen itself
and lead the comm. world by ex.and lead the comm. world by ex. as a pragmatist, he supported as a pragmatist, he supported
the NEPthe NEP experienced as a bureaucrat, experienced as a bureaucrat,
he became the Party’s General he became the Party’s General Secretary in 1922: here he Secretary in 1922: here he appointed many appointed many apparatchiksapparatchiks (these allies were crucial to (these allies were crucial to Stalin’s rise)Stalin’s rise)
their power struggle lasted their power struggle lasted until 1928, when Stalin’s until 1928, when Stalin’s complex system of alliances complex system of alliances and ability w/ and ability w/ realpolitik realpolitik allowed him to succeedallowed him to succeed
even Lenin’s doubts couldn’t even Lenin’s doubts couldn’t deter Stalin, and many deter Stalin, and many involved in the party hierarchy involved in the party hierarchy paid more attention to one paid more attention to one another than to Stalinanother than to Stalin
•The Struggle for power: Stalin v TrotskyThe Struggle for power: Stalin v Trotsky
•After the death of Lenin in 1924, there was a four year power After the death of Lenin in 1924, there was a four year power struggle between Josef Stalin and Leon Trotsky over the struggle between Josef Stalin and Leon Trotsky over the succession to the Russian leadership.succession to the Russian leadership.
•Trotsky believed that under his leadership Russia would become Trotsky believed that under his leadership Russia would become a catalyst for the spread of communism across the world. a catalyst for the spread of communism across the world.
•He had been very successful as commander of the Red Army in He had been very successful as commander of the Red Army in the civil war and appeared to have Lenin’s support.the civil war and appeared to have Lenin’s support.
•Stalin had not played a significant part in the revolution of 1917, Stalin had not played a significant part in the revolution of 1917, but since then he had gathered control of a number of key posts but since then he had gathered control of a number of key posts in the Communist Party. in the Communist Party.
•Stalin was determined to win control of Russia for himself. Stalin was determined to win control of Russia for himself.
•He was not interested in international communism, he wanted to He was not interested in international communism, he wanted to make Russia strong and with himself at its head.make Russia strong and with himself at its head.
•By 1928 Stalin emerged as the successor to Lenin and Trotsky By 1928 Stalin emerged as the successor to Lenin and Trotsky was forced into exile.was forced into exile.
– in the end, Stalin prevailed in the end, Stalin prevailed over all of them, and over all of them, and Trotsky was forced into Trotsky was forced into exile and eventually exile and eventually murdered in Mexico City in murdered in Mexico City in 19401940
– Stalin went on to condemn Stalin went on to condemn all deviation from the party all deviation from the party line and proclaimed himself line and proclaimed himself vozhdvozhd This This Rev. from aboveRev. from above saw the saw the
emergence of totalitarianism emergence of totalitarianism in the USSRin the USSR
His style of leadership was His style of leadership was that of an “office dictator”, that of an “office dictator”, very different from Mussolini’s very different from Mussolini’s charismatic style – Stalin charismatic style – Stalin relied on his relied on his apparatchiksapparatchiks
He also created a “He also created a “Cult of Cult of LeninLenin” and worked to connect ” and worked to connect himself to the fallen leaderhimself to the fallen leader
Stalin v. Trotsky cont…Stalin v. Trotsky cont…
Trotsky was Trotsky was stripped of party stripped of party membership and membership and fled into exile in fled into exile in 19291929
He was later He was later murdered in murdered in Mexico by an Mexico by an agent working for agent working for StalinStalin
Trotsky in MexicoTrotsky in Mexico: : Leon Trotsky was Leon Trotsky was
hunted down by Stalin’s hunted down by Stalin’s agents and killed in his agents and killed in his hotel room in Mexico hotel room in Mexico
City with an ice pick in City with an ice pick in 1940.1940.
STALIN WINSSTALIN WINS Power struggle after Lenin’s Power struggle after Lenin’s
death was not merely over death was not merely over personal powerpersonal power– It was over the future of It was over the future of
RussiaRussia Stalin eventually won the dayStalin eventually won the day
– Used variety of tacticsUsed variety of tactics Accused opponents of Accused opponents of
factionalismfactionalism Accused them of Accused them of
deviating from party line deviating from party line and trying to split the and trying to split the partyparty
Used General Secretary Used General Secretary position to pack party position to pack party congresses with his congresses with his supporterssupporters
19241924
Lenin DiesLenin Dies Power VaccuumPower Vaccuum Leon Trotsky vs. Joseph StalinLeon Trotsky vs. Joseph Stalin Stalin takes controlStalin takes control Now must decide how he will Now must decide how he will
maintain powermaintain power Decides to create a totalitarian Decides to create a totalitarian
statestate
ULTIMATE TRIUMPHULTIMATE TRIUMPH Final victory came at 15Final victory came at 15thth
All-Russian Congress of the All-Russian Congress of the Communist PartyCommunist Party– Prohibited “all deviation Prohibited “all deviation
from the general party from the general party line” as interpreted by line” as interpreted by StalinStalin
– All opponents forced to All opponents forced to publicly apologize for publicly apologize for their “errors”their “errors”
– Trotsky kicked out of Trotsky kicked out of party and, in 1929, party and, in 1929, expelled from Russiaexpelled from Russia Murdered in 1940 on Murdered in 1940 on
Stalin’s orders in Stalin’s orders in Mexico CityMexico City
Reasons for Stalin’s successReasons for Stalin’s success
When Lenin died he had warned When Lenin died he had warned the Communist Party of Stalin’s the Communist Party of Stalin’s threat in his ‘Political Testament’.threat in his ‘Political Testament’.
Comrade Stalin Comrade Stalin is too rude.is too rude.
Comrade Stalin, Comrade Stalin, having become having become
General Secretary, General Secretary, has great power in has great power in
his hands, and I his hands, and I am not sure that am not sure that he always knows he always knows how to use that how to use that
power with power with sufficient caution.sufficient caution.
•Reasons for Stalin’s successReasons for Stalin’s success
Although Lenin had not supported him, Stalin was in a strong Although Lenin had not supported him, Stalin was in a strong position. As General Secretary of the Communist Party Stalin position. As General Secretary of the Communist Party Stalin had responsibility for appointing posts in the Party. had responsibility for appointing posts in the Party. This meant he could remove opponents and replace them with This meant he could remove opponents and replace them with his supporters. his supporters. He was also popular in the Party as he wanted to concentrate on He was also popular in the Party as he wanted to concentrate on turning Russia into a modern, powerful state; this approach was turning Russia into a modern, powerful state; this approach was called ‘Socialism in one country’.called ‘Socialism in one country’.
In contrast Trotsky was much less popular. In contrast Trotsky was much less popular. He had been a Menshevik and had only joined the Bolsheviks in He had been a Menshevik and had only joined the Bolsheviks in 1917. 1917. Trotsky was dismissed as Commissar for War in 1925 and from Trotsky was dismissed as Commissar for War in 1925 and from the Central Committee in in 1926.the Central Committee in in 1926. In 1927 he was expelled from the Communist Party and forced In 1927 he was expelled from the Communist Party and forced into exile in 1929. into exile in 1929. Stalin had Trotsky assassinated in Mexico in 1940.Stalin had Trotsky assassinated in Mexico in 1940.
Other leading figures of 1917, Kamenev, Zinoviev and Bukharin, Other leading figures of 1917, Kamenev, Zinoviev and Bukharin, were also removed by Stalin.were also removed by Stalin.
Stage Nine: Return to a Stage Nine: Return to a Similar GovernmentSimilar Government
Stalin becomes DictatorStalin becomes Dictator Stalin was cold, Stalin was cold,
hard and impersonal hard and impersonal After forcing Trotsky After forcing Trotsky
out Stalin focused out Stalin focused on Russia’s on Russia’s developmentdevelopment
He used the phrase He used the phrase “socialism in one “socialism in one country” to describe country” to describe his aims of his aims of perfecting a perfecting a Communist stateCommunist state
How did How did Stalin rule Stalin rule the USSR the USSR between between
1928-1928-1941?1941?
Stalin’s Totalitarian StateStalin’s Totalitarian State Stalin transformed Stalin transformed
Russia into a Totalitarian Russia into a Totalitarian statestate
Totalitarianism described Totalitarianism described a gov’t that takes total, a gov’t that takes total, centralized state control centralized state control over every aspect of over every aspect of public and private lifepublic and private life
Totalitarian leaders Totalitarian leaders appear to provide a appear to provide a sense of security and sense of security and give direction for the give direction for the futurefuture
After Stalin has Risen to After Stalin has Risen to Power…Power…
Stalin’s Rule
5 Year PlansCollectivisationIndustrialisation
Public Works
Control through
Fear & Propaganda
Evaluation ofLife Under Stalin
Characteristics of a Characteristics of a Totalitarian StateTotalitarian State
Dictatorship-Dictatorship- Absolute Authority Absolute Authority Dynamic Leader-Dynamic Leader- Vision for the nation Vision for the nation State Control Over All Sectors of State Control Over All Sectors of
SocietySociety– Business, Family Life, Labor, youth groups, Business, Family Life, Labor, youth groups,
housing, religion, education, the artshousing, religion, education, the arts State Control Over the IndividualState Control Over the Individual
– ObedienceObedience– Denies basic libertiesDenies basic liberties
Organized ViolenceOrganized Violence– Uses force to crush oppositionUses force to crush opposition
Stalin’s Totalitarian StateStalin’s Totalitarian State
State Control of the EconomyState Control of the Economy– 5 year plan, collective farms5 year plan, collective farms
Police TerrorPolice Terror– Great Purge, crush oppositionGreat Purge, crush opposition
Religious PersecutionReligious Persecution– Control of the individualControl of the individual
Propaganda (socialist realism)Propaganda (socialist realism)– Molding peoples mindsMolding peoples minds
EducationEducation– Controlled by the governmentControlled by the government
The Stalin RevolutionThe Stalin Revolution (1927-1939) (1927-1939)
Weapons of TotalitarianismWeapons of Totalitarianism
1)1) Police TerrorPolice Terror Dictators of Dictators of
totalitarian states totalitarian states uses terror and uses terror and violence to force violence to force obedienceobedience
Monitored Monitored telephone lines, telephone lines, read mail, read mail, planted informersplanted informers
Lavrent BeriaLavrent Beria(right): head (right): head of secret of secret policepolice
Stalin’s paranoia Stalin’s paranoia still wouldn’t still wouldn’t rest…The rest…The Great Great PurgesPurges
They began in 1934 They began in 1934 when Stalin’s deputy when Stalin’s deputy Sergei KirovSergei Kirov was was murderedmurdered
Stalin ordered the Stalin ordered the NKVDNKVD to crack down to crack down on potential on potential opposition – this opposition – this soon penetrated all soon penetrated all levels of Soviet levels of Soviet societysociety
Anyone perceived as Anyone perceived as a threat was forced a threat was forced to confess in public to confess in public trials and then trials and then executed/shipped to executed/shipped to a a gulaggulag
Millions disappeared Millions disappeared during this time; the during this time; the party leadership and party leadership and army officer corps army officer corps was esp. affectedwas esp. affected
Totalitarian Totalitarian
ViewView
Stalin was the architect and Stalin was the architect and planner of the purges. He planner of the purges. He exercised much personal exercised much personal control over the arrests and control over the arrests and directivesdirectives
Stalin used the Stalin used the purges as a weapon purges as a weapon to establish control to establish control of the partyof the party
Stalin used the purges in Stalin used the purges in 1937-8 as a terror 1937-8 as a terror mechanism to control the mechanism to control the populationpopulation
Stalin’s personality was Stalin’s personality was central to the way the central to the way the purges were carried purges were carried outout
Stalin sought to get rid Stalin sought to get rid of old Bolsheviks who of old Bolsheviks who might present a threat might present a threat to his leadershipto his leadership
The NKVD was the The NKVD was the instrument of a instrument of a disciplined state disciplined state apparatus which carried apparatus which carried out orders passed down out orders passed down from the topfrom the top
Weapons of Weapons of TotalitarianismTotalitarianism2) 2) Indoctrination and Indoctrination and
PropagandaPropaganda Totalitarian states rely Totalitarian states rely
on indoctrination or on indoctrination or instruction on the govt’s instruction on the govt’s set of beliefs, to mold set of beliefs, to mold people’s mindspeople’s minds
Party leaders lectured Party leaders lectured workers and peasants on workers and peasants on the ideals of communismthe ideals of communism
The State supported The State supported youth groups and used youth groups and used them as training grounds them as training grounds for future party for future party membersmembers
Weapons of TotalitarianismWeapons of Totalitarianism
Soviet newspapers Soviet newspapers and radio and radio broadcasts broadcasts glorified the glorified the achievements of achievements of Communism and Communism and StalinStalin
Soviet Realism was Soviet Realism was an artistic styles an artistic styles that praised Soviet that praised Soviet way of lifeway of life
Stalin’s face is seen everywhere. His Stalin’s face is seen everywhere. His name is spoken by everyone. His name is spoken by everyone. His
praises are sung in every speech. Every praises are sung in every speech. Every room I entered had a portrait of Stalin room I entered had a portrait of Stalin hanging on the wall. Is it love or fear? I hanging on the wall. Is it love or fear? I
do not know.do not know.
A foreigner describes the A foreigner describes the glorification of Stalin in the glorification of Stalin in the USSR.USSR.
Stalin’s dictatorship: purges and propagandaStalin’s dictatorship: purges and propaganda
Even with his opponents removed, Stalin still Even with his opponents removed, Stalin still felt insecure. He conducted a policy of purges felt insecure. He conducted a policy of purges between 1934-1938. Millions were arrested, between 1934-1938. Millions were arrested, executed or sent to labour camps.executed or sent to labour camps.
Stalin used the NKVD, the secret police, to Stalin used the NKVD, the secret police, to undertake the ‘Great Terror’. Stalin purged:undertake the ‘Great Terror’. Stalin purged:
• 90% of the army’s top officers,90% of the army’s top officers,
• every admiral in the navy,every admiral in the navy,
• 1 million Communist Party members,1 million Communist Party members,
• some 20 million ordinary Russians.some 20 million ordinary Russians.
At the same time Stalin encouraged a cult of At the same time Stalin encouraged a cult of personality. personality.
Propaganda was used to make people aware of Propaganda was used to make people aware of the part Stalin was playing in every aspect of the part Stalin was playing in every aspect of life – work, home and leisure.life – work, home and leisure.
Weapons of TotalitarianismWeapons of Totalitarianism
3) 3) CensorshipCensorship Stalin would not Stalin would not
tolerate individual tolerate individual creativity that creativity that threatened threatened conformityconformity
Gov’t controlled all Gov’t controlled all newspapers, motion newspapers, motion pictures, radio and pictures, radio and other sources of other sources of informationinformation
Weapons of TotalitarianismWeapons of Totalitarianism
4) 4) Religious PersecutionReligious Persecution Communists aimed to Communists aimed to
replace religious replace religious teachings with the teachings with the ideals of Communismideals of Communism
The Russian Orthodox The Russian Orthodox Church was the main Church was the main target of persecutiontarget of persecution
Roman Catholics and Roman Catholics and Jews were also Jews were also persecutedpersecuted
Religious PersecutionReligious Persecution League of the Militant League of the Militant
GodlessGodless AtheistsAtheists Priests were killedPriests were killed Churches destroyedChurches destroyed Religion was considered Religion was considered
to be superstitiousto be superstitious Reality is that Stalin Reality is that Stalin
probably didn’t want probably didn’t want citizens believing in citizens believing in something higher than something higher than himselfhimself
Stalin’s Economic ReformsStalin’s Economic Reforms Lenin’s NEP was a Lenin’s NEP was a
mixture of free mixture of free enterprise and state enterprise and state controlcontrol
Stalin’s economic Stalin’s economic policy called for total policy called for total state controlstate control
He called for a He called for a command economycommand economy, , which is a system which is a system where the government where the government makes all economic makes all economic decisionsdecisions
Command EconomyCommand Economy
• The Soviet Union developed a command economy The Soviet Union developed a command economy under Stalin.under Stalin.
• In a command economy, government officials made In a command economy, government officials made
all basic economic decisions.all basic economic decisions. • The government owned all businesses and The government owned all businesses and
distributed all resources. distributed all resources.
What was What was Collectivisation?Collectivisation?
CollectivisationCollectivisation
Stalin took all farmland and set up huge state-run farms Stalin took all farmland and set up huge state-run farms called collectives (kolkhozy)called collectives (kolkhozy)
Peasants kept enough for themselves and sold the rest to Peasants kept enough for themselves and sold the rest to the statethe state
Could not own land or sell food privatelyCould not own land or sell food privately
Had fixed hours and wagesHad fixed hours and wages
State provided homes, food, fuel, and clothing for the State provided homes, food, fuel, and clothing for the peasantspeasants
Negative impacts of Negative impacts of Collectivization – Collectivization – Starving child in theStarving child in thearms of his motherarms of his mother
Negative impacts of Negative impacts of Collectivization – Collectivization – Peasants caught withPeasants caught withhuman body parts – human body parts – Cannibalism as a Cannibalism as a result of famineresult of famine
Rapid IndustrializationRapid Industrialization
Stalin wanted rapid industrialization Stalin wanted rapid industrialization to:to:– Free Russia from dependence on Free Russia from dependence on
capitalist states for goodscapitalist states for goods– Put all national resources under Put all national resources under
government control, including workersgovernment control, including workers– Make Russia economically strong so that Make Russia economically strong so that
she would be able to produce more she would be able to produce more powerful weaponspowerful weapons
– Prove that the socialist system was more Prove that the socialist system was more successful than capitalismsuccessful than capitalism
Rapid IndustrializationRapid Industrialization
Was rapid in the cities due to coercion Was rapid in the cities due to coercion and strict enforcement of worker and strict enforcement of worker disciplinediscipline
Stalin encouraged enthusiasm and Stalin encouraged enthusiasm and that people were part of something that people were part of something new and goodnew and good
Educational programs would replace Educational programs would replace the bourgeoisie intellectuals with a the bourgeoisie intellectuals with a new Soviet educated classnew Soviet educated class
USSR’s Industrial USSR’s Industrial RevolutionRevolution
In 1928, Stalin In 1928, Stalin outlined the 1outlined the 1stst of of many five-year plans many five-year plans for development of for development of the USSR’s economythe USSR’s economy
The five-year plans The five-year plans set unrealistic set unrealistic quotas to increase quotas to increase the output of steel, the output of steel, coal, oil, and coal, oil, and electricityelectricity
Five Year PlansFive Year Plans: :
Modernize the Soviet Modernize the Soviet Union in five years no Union in five years no matter what the cost. matter what the cost.
It caused massive It caused massive shortages and shortages and
suffering for all.suffering for all.
Five Year PlansFive Year Plans
Were plans to industrialize Russia with Were plans to industrialize Russia with emphasis on heavy industries such as emphasis on heavy industries such as coal, iron, oil, steel, and electricitycoal, iron, oil, steel, and electricity
Capitalist models were used for nearly Capitalist models were used for nearly every projectevery project
Targets were set which industries had to Targets were set which industries had to meetmeet
Exaggerated figures were often submitted Exaggerated figures were often submitted to demonstrate that a particular factory to demonstrate that a particular factory had exceeded expectationshad exceeded expectations
Three Five Year PlansThree Five Year Plans
Three Five-Year PlansThree Five-Year Plans
First plan (1928 to 1932) First plan (1928 to 1932) – Concentrated on expanding industry, transport and the Concentrated on expanding industry, transport and the
power supplypower supply
Second plan (1933 to 1938) Second plan (1933 to 1938) – Focused on more manufactured goods, in addition to first Focused on more manufactured goods, in addition to first
planplan
Third plan (began in 1939 but interrupted by outbreak Third plan (began in 1939 but interrupted by outbreak of war)of war)
– Production of ‘luxuries’ like bicycles and radiosProduction of ‘luxuries’ like bicycles and radios
Assessment of the Five Year Assessment of the Five Year PlansPlans
Russia was transformed into a major industrial Russia was transformed into a major industrial power second only to the U.S.power second only to the U.S.
The Five Year Plans allowed the USSR to resist The Five Year Plans allowed the USSR to resist the German invasionthe German invasion
Living standards declined at first, then improved Living standards declined at first, then improved slowlyslowly
Russians suffered a lack of consumer goods and Russians suffered a lack of consumer goods and daily necessitiesdaily necessities
Communist principles were compromised – good Communist principles were compromised – good workers were rewarded with higher pay and workers were rewarded with higher pay and competition between factories was encouragedcompetition between factories was encouraged
Evaluation of the Plans (positive)Evaluation of the Plans (positive)
Greatly succeeded in increasing industrial Greatly succeeded in increasing industrial production and creating NEW industriesproduction and creating NEW industries
Areas of the country (the north, the east) were Areas of the country (the north, the east) were incorporated into the economic life of the country incorporated into the economic life of the country for the first time.for the first time.
The Red Army obtained a highly developed The Red Army obtained a highly developed armaments base.armaments base.
Industrialization and collectivization was LARGELY Industrialization and collectivization was LARGELY undertaken using internal manpower and financing.undertaken using internal manpower and financing.
Successes ... Successes ... 1. The USSR was turned into a modern state (which was able to resist 1. The USSR was turned into a modern state (which was able to resist
Hitler's invasion). Hitler's invasion).
2. There was genuine Communist enthusiasm among the young ‘Pioneers’. 2. There was genuine Communist enthusiasm among the young ‘Pioneers’.
3. There were huge achievements in the following areas: 3. There were huge achievements in the following areas: new cities new cities dams/ hydroelectric power dams/ hydroelectric power transport & communications transport & communications the Moscow Underground the Moscow Underground farm machinery farm machinery electricity electricity coal coal steel steel fertilizers fertilizers plastic plastic no unemployment no unemployment doctors & medicine doctors & medicine education. education.
Evaluation of the Plans Evaluation of the Plans (negative)(negative)
The cost of industrialization and collectivization The cost of industrialization and collectivization was tremendous:was tremendous:
- the population suffered great hardships - the population suffered great hardships and deprivation of and deprivation of consumer goodsconsumer goods- inadequate housing- inadequate housing- increasingly large bureaucracy / low - increasingly large bureaucracy / low
worker worker productivity productivity- poor pay / poor working conditions not - poor pay / poor working conditions not
unlike the unlike the industrial revolution in Britain during industrial revolution in Britain during the 18-19the 18-19thth centuries centuries
- many of the major industrial / construction - many of the major industrial / construction projects were undertaken by forced projects were undertaken by forced
labor - GULAGlabor - GULAG
PROBLEMSPROBLEMS Involved creating of huge Involved creating of huge
planning bureaucracyplanning bureaucracy– Main job was to produce tons of Main job was to produce tons of
paperworkpaperwork Stalin interfered with planning Stalin interfered with planning
process and caused problemsprocess and caused problems– Hired flunkies who gave him the Hired flunkies who gave him the
numbers he wantednumbers he wanted No one would point out No one would point out
mistakes in the planning mistakes in the planning process, thereby process, thereby guaranteeing that when a guaranteeing that when a mistake was made, it would mistake was made, it would be a giant onebe a giant one
Centralized planning failed to Centralized planning failed to make the Soviet Union make the Soviet Union competitive in the world competitive in the world marketplacemarketplace
Problems with the Problems with the Five Year PlansFive Year Plans
Problems with the Five-Year PlansProblems with the Five-Year Plans
Problem 1: the quality of goods sufferedProblem 1: the quality of goods suffered– Rapid production led to poor quality of goodsRapid production led to poor quality of goods– Workers were not trained properlyWorkers were not trained properly– Stalin desperately sought help from Western Stalin desperately sought help from Western expertsexperts
Problem 2: human costProblem 2: human cost– People were crowded into new industrial towns to People were crowded into new industrial towns to live live and work in appalling conditionsand work in appalling conditions– Living conditions were cramped with little running Living conditions were cramped with little running water or water or sanitationsanitation
• Failures/ criticisms Failures/ criticisms 1. Poorly organised – inefficiency, duplication of effort and waste. 1. Poorly organised – inefficiency, duplication of effort and waste. 2. Appalling human cost: 2. Appalling human cost:
discipline (sacked if late) discipline (sacked if late) secret police secret police slave labour slave labour labour camps (for those who made mistakes) labour camps (for those who made mistakes) accidents & deaths (100,000 workers died building accidents & deaths (100,000 workers died building
the the Belomor Canal) Belomor Canal) few consumer goods few consumer goods poor housing poor housing wages FELL wages FELL no human rights no human rights
3. Some historians claim the tsars had done the ‘spadework’, 3. Some historians claim the tsars had done the ‘spadework’, setting up the basis for industrialisation, and that Stalin’s effort had setting up the basis for industrialisation, and that Stalin’s effort had very little effect on a process that would have happened anyway. very little effect on a process that would have happened anyway.
