Animal Farm Historical Background
The Russian Revolution
Russian Society
• Russia was in an appalling state of poverty while the Czar, the ruler of Russia lived in luxury.
• There was tremendous dissatisfaction among the people.
Czar Nicholas II
• A poor leader, at best, when compared to western leaders
• Cruel - sometimes brutal with opponents
• Sometimes kind - hired poor students as spies to help them make money
Czar Nicholas II
• Believed he was the unquestionable leader of Russia appointed by God
• Ordered unarmed protesters murdered in the streets in 1905
Karl Marx:
The Father of Communism
Karl Marx
• Invented Communism
• His vision– Everyone would have what they needed, and no one citizen would possess more than another.
• 1848– Published an influential pamphlet called the Communist Manifesto
Karl Marx
• believed that the private ownership of land must be abolished
• believed in “Communal” way of life where everyone shares in prosperity
• Dies before Russian Revolution
Communism
• All people are seen as equal.
• Government owns everything-people own government
Vladimir Lenin
• Lenin adopted Marx’s ideas.
• He believed that the bourgeoisie (middle class with money) exploited the workers and must therefore be overthrown.
Vladimir Lenin: Rise to Power
• One of the leaders of the Bolshevik party since its formation in 1903
• Led the Soviets to power in October, 1917 (The October Revolution)
• Tried to manipulate all movement and communication within the country by taking control of the railroads and telegraph lines – (This would secure state authority for the
Bolsheviks.)
• Forbade the holding of private property
Vladimir Lenin
• Understands the emotional impact of simple, powerful slogans:
• “Workers of the world unite!”
• “Land, bread, and peace for everyone!”
Vladimir Lenin
• Changes Russia’s name to the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics)
• When Lenin died, there was a power struggle between Trotsky and Stalin.
Leon Trotsky
• Pure communist, followed Marx
• Wanted to improve life for all in Russia
• Favors world revolution
Leon Trotsky
• Trotsky was a brilliant public speaker
• With Lenin, he succeeded in overthrowing the government in October 1917.
• Lenin was the President, and Trotsky the Commissar for Foreign Affairs
Joseph Stalin
• Not a skilled speaker and not educated like Trotsky
• Does not follow Marx’s ideas
• Cares for power, kills all who oppose him
• Uses KGB, allows church, and propagandized
Propaganda Department of Stalin’s government
• Work for Stalin to support his image
• Lies to convince the people to follow Stalin
Joseph Stalin
• Stalin continually opposes Trotsky
• Craves power, willing to kill for it
• Benefits from the fact that education is controlled
• Secures his power base, and engineers the permanent exile of his adversary, Trotsky, in 1929
KGB-Secret Police
• Not really police, but forced to support Stalin
• Used force, often killed entire families for disobedience
• Totally loyal, part of Lenin’s power, even over army
• Eventually, they chase Trotsky away
Civil War
• From 1918 –1921 there was civil war in Russia
• Foreign countries including Britain, France, Poland and USA were alarmed at the spread of communism but the Red Army (the Bolsheviks) led by Trotsky proved successful