The Russian Revolution of 1917

I.) Russia and World War I

A. WWI showed Russia’s economic weakness1. insufficient food supply at home2. soldiers poorly equipped and poorly led 3. inadequate roads for communication/movement4. government corrupt and inefficient

REVOLUTION of 1917!!!!

Leads to……………

September 1915 - Czar Nicholas II leave to lead the Russian Army.

- Czarina Alexandra (wife) and Rasputin (self described holy man) were left in charge.

Winter 1916 - The winter was harsh. - Cities without fuel & food - Result: Working Class Suffer!!!

(Assassinated Dec. 1916)

“If I die or you desert me, then in six months you will lose your son and your throne!”

II.) Events of the Revolution of 1917II.) Events of the Revolution of 1917

7th March 1917 - February Revolution begins w/ 40,000 factory workers strike.

8th March 1917 - Thousands of women join the demonstrations.

Demands: food, fuel and a new government.

15th March 1917 - The Duma doesn’t listen and Nicholas II is forced to abdicate the throne of Russia

- Czar Nicholas & family placed under guard

12th March 1917 - Czar Nicholas orders army to stop the protests.

- Soldiers refuse & many join the demonstrations - Protestors march to the Duma to demand new govt.

- Czar Nicholas II dissolves the Duma (Russian Parliament)

III.) Post-Revolution RussiaA. Provisional Govt. set up led by Alexander

Kerensky

B. Soviets (working class revolutionary group) oppose provisional govt.

C. Soviets break into two factions:1. Mensheviks (moderate)2. Bolsheviks (radical)

D. Nov. 1917 October Revolution led by Bolsheviks & Lenin overthrow the provisional govt.

IV.) Russia Exits WWIA. March 1918: Lenin & new govt. signs Treaty of Brest- Litovsk w/Germany

V.) 1918 Russian Civil War

A. Red Army (Communists) vs. White Army (troops to Czar Nicholas II)1. July 1918= Red Army executes Czar Nicholas and family http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiQ_IdsnNhc&feature=related

Leaders in the civil War

Lenin (leader)

2. Trotsky(military

commander)

Denikin

Yudenich Kolchak

REDS! WHITES!

B. Communist Reds win!!1. Red Terror (elimination of enemies in Russia)

VI.) A New Nation!

A. Russia renamed “U.S.S.R.” / “Soviet Union” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7hkrWM2WM8&feature=related

B. New capital of Soviet Union = Moscow