-
Czar Nicholas Rule
As he took control of Russia from his father, he halted all reforms in Russia. He clung to the principles of autocracy, a form of government in which he had total power. He imposed strict cencoship codes on published materials and written documents, including private letters. He also controlled the educational system, not wanting the ideas of revolution to spread. However, this led him to the changing conditions of his times. -
Industrialization and the problems it caused in Russia
Rapid industrialization changed the face of the Russian economy. The number of factories doubled between 1863 and 1900. Still, Russia lagged behind the industrial nations of western Europe. The people of Russia were not content with the rapid industrialization. The growth of factories brought new problems, such as grueling working conditions, low wages, and child labor. As a result, several revolutionary movements began to grow and compete for power. -
Development of Revolutionary groups
The government banned trade unions and the working class had little say as factories began to rise, and problems began to form. To gain political say, workers demonstrated strikes, and began supporting local revolutionaries. A group of workers latched onto the ideas of Karl Marx, an ideologist, and believed his word was the answer. They felt as if the working class should overthow the Czar. -
Bloody Sunday
On January 22, 1905 about 200,000 workers approached the Czar's Winter Palace carrying with them an unsigned petition. On the petition, the workers demanded better working conditions, more personal freedom, and an elected national legislature. The Czar ordered soldiers to fire upon the crowd, ultimately wounding more than 1,000 and killing several hundred workers. This led to wide spread strikes and violence throughout Russia. Nicholas promised change to satisfy his people. -
World War I
In 1914, Czar Nicholas made a bad decision to enter World War I, limiting his days in power. Russia, unprepared to handle any military and economic costs, entered battle against German forces that ran them over. Czar's poor leadership and military tactics were shown while at battle. With government affairs in a state of disarray due to the big influence of Rasputin, the war became all but lost for the Czar. -
March Revolution
In Petrograd, women textile workers organized a citywide strike. Like most of the Russian workers, they wanted to rid the nation of restricting autocracy policies. Nearly 200,000 workers crowded the streets demanding change. Russian soldiers were ordered to shoot the protesters, but rather supported the workers. -
Czar Nicholas II steps down
With local protests progressing into a general uprising, the Czar was forced to abdicate his throne. With no leader in control, the Duma (once established by Nicholas) took their right of command. Headed by Alexander Kerensky, the Duma set up a provisional government. However, Kerensky lost support of the Russian people after he decided to continue Russian efforts in WWI. Civilians and soldiers were angered, forcing local soviets to come into existance. -
Lenin Rises to power
After returning to Russia from his exile, Lenin was able to pick up where he left off. His supporters in the Bolshevik group aided him as he gained control of Russia, toppling the provisional government in place. While in power, he ran Russia in a socialist manner as he economically benefited the workers, and called for land sharing amongst peasants. Eventually he would create a republic of soviets which would be labeled as the USSR. -
The Bolshevik Revolution
Lenin and the Bolsheviks gained enough local support to control the Petrograd soviet. Over time, the socialist group was also able to gain control of other soviets in major cities. As the group gathered political power, they were able to manipulate the citizens and the soviets they controlled. With Lenin's slogan, "Peace, Land, and Bread" becoming widespread, his leadership became realtively apparent. -
Stalin becomes dictator
As Lenin suffered a stroke in 1922, it was evident a new Communist Party leader would be needed to take over his duties. The race for that position came down to a fight between Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky. As Stalin became general secretary of the Party he placed close supporters into roles of power. When Lenin died in 1924 he warned the Party of Stalin, and the ruthless nature he had. His warning did not work as Stalin rose to complete power and into the role of a dictator.
