-
Revolution Starts
Alexander II was assassinated over the slow pace of political change. Alexander III succeeded him. -
Nicholas II Takes Power
Nicholas II took power in 1894 and continued to use the traditional Russian autocracy as the form of government. -
Russian Social Democrat Labor Party Splits
Two groups were formed. The radical Bolsheviks and the more moderate Mensheviks. Lenin was leader of the Bolsheviks and his group was willing to sacrafice anything for a change. -
Bloody Sunday
Several hundred were killed and over 1,000 were wounded when workers brought a petition to Nicholas II asking for better working conditions and rights. -
Nicholas II promises freedom
Nicholas created Russia’s first parliament. They were called the Duma. The goal was to have a constitutional monarchy almost as Britain was. -
Workers strike in Petrograd
Over 200,000 workers flooded the streets demanding an end to autocracy. Soldiers first obeyed orders to open fire on the crowd, but then later sided with the workers. -
Bolsheviks Take over Russia
Lenin and his Bolsheviks took over much of the Petrogad soviet. He also had many soviets in other major Russian countries. -
Russia exits WW1
Russia exits WW1 immediately after Lenin and the Bolsheviks take power. A peace treaty was signed with Germany and peace talkings were immediately started. -
Russian Civil War
Lenin had to face a White Army, made up of all of his enemies who wanted to have a return to a czar and Russia’s traditional government. This got so out of hand that even the USA sent help to the White Army. About 14,000,000 died in the 3 year struggle. -
Lenin dies, Stalin takes Power
Lenin had a stroke in 1922, but survived. It was obvious at that time that Stalin was ruthless and was willing to do anything in order to get to the top. By 1928 Stalin was in complete control and had Trotsky sent into exile in 1929, only to have him executed later.
