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Czars Resist Change
In 1881, Alexander III succeeded his father, Alexander II, and halted all reforms in Russia. Like his grandfather Nicholas I, Alexander III clung to the principles of autocracy, a form of government in which he had total power. -
New czar
Nicholas II became czar in 1894, he contin- ued the tradition of Russian autocracy. Unfortunately, it blinded him to the changing conditions of his times. -
Russian Marxists split
In 1903, Russian Marxists split into two groups over revolutionary tactics. The more moderate Mensheviks (MEHN•shuh•vihks) wanted a broad base of popular support for the revolution. -
Bloody Sunday
Bloody Sunday: The Revolution of1905 On January 22, 1905, about200,000 workers and their familiesapproached the czar’s Winter Palacein St. Petersburg. They carried apetition asking for better workingconditions, more personal freedom,and an elected national legislature. -
Wave of Strikes
In October 1905, Nicholas reluctantly promised more freedom. He approved the creation of the Duma (DOO•muh)—Russia’s first parliament. -
First Duma met
The first Duma met in May 1906. Its leaders were moderates who wanted Russia to become a constitu- tional monarchy similar to Britain. But because he was hesitant to share his power, the czar dissolved the Duma after ten weeks. -
World War I: The Final Blow
Nicholas II made the fateful decision to drag Russia into World War I. Russia was unprepared to handle the military and economic costs. -
Death of Rasputin
holy man. nobles murdered Rasputin -
Revolt
women textile workers in Petrograd led a citywide strike. In the next five days, riots flared up over shortages of bread and fuel. Nearly 200,000 workers swarmed the streets shouting, “Down with the autocracy!” and “Down with the war!” At first the soldiers obeyed orders to shoot the rioters but later sided with them. -
The Provisional Government Topples
without warning, armed factory workers stormed the Winter Palace in Petrograd. Calling themselves -
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
Russia and Germanysigned the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. Russiasurrendered a large part of its territory toGermany and its allies. -
civil war
civil war raged in Russia. Several Western nations, in- cluding the United States, sent military aid and forces to Russia to help the White Army. However, they were of little help. -
New Economic Policy
Lenin temporarily put aside his plan for a state-controlled economy. -
Lenin stroke and Stalin gains power
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Stalin total control
