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Jan 1, 1236
Mongol Conquest
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Period: Apr 11, 1236 to Apr 11, 1500
Mongol Conquest
The Mongol Invasion of Russia left Russia isolated from Western Europe. Important social, economic, political, scientific and cultural innovations reached Russia hundreds of years after they swept through Europe. Historians believe the Mongol Invasion furthered the “East- West Gap,” that shapes Russian history even today. -
Rule of Alexander II
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Alexander II
1855-1881 The tsar enacted a period of radical reforms in which serfs were freed and the power of the landed aristocracy was checked. He went on to develop Russia’s natural resources and infrastructure in attempt to increase the Empire’s power and defenses. After various assassination attempts, he was finally killed when a bomb was thrown into his carriage. -
Rule of Alexander III
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Rule of Alexander III
1881- 1894 The assassination of his father, Alexander II, largely influenced his reign. He ruled as an autocrat, stopping the passage of a constitution, increasing censorship, and countering reform with harsh punishments. -
Nicholas II
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Reign of Nicholas II
1894-1917 Under the reign of Nicholas II, Russia went from being one of great imperial powers of the world to an empire in economic turmoil, military collapse, and political upheaval. Bloody Sunday, Anti-semantic decrees, the Russo-Japanese War, and participation in WWI, all added to growing discontent. Nicholas II ultimately abdicated for himself and his son, ending the Romanov Dynasty. -
Russo Japanese War
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Russo-Japanese War
The Russian defeat by the Japanese was both unexpected and detrimental to the Tsarist regime. The war exhausted Russia’s military and economy, in addition to fueling rising discontent with the Tsar. Losses highlighted the ineffectiveness of the Tsar and helped cause the Russian Revolution of 1905. -
Bloody Sunday
St. Petersburg. Peaceful protestors gathered to give a petition to Tzar Nicholas II. The imperial guard gunned down protestors, injuring between 400 and 1000 civilians. The Tzar was largely blamed for the death, which fueled growing discontent within Russia. -
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Russia and WWI
1914- 1918 To support the Slavic people (who shared important cultural, historic and religious ties with Russia) and to protect its interests in the Balkans, Russia began to mobilize its forces following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. On the Eastern Front, Russia faced serious losses and were forced back significantly. As Revolution in Russia began, the Russian Provisional Government eventually withdrew from the war. -
Bolshevik Revolution
By influencing the Petrograd Soviet and organizing the Red Guard, the Bolsheviks were able to overthrow the Provisional Government in Petrograd. This was followed by the Russian Civil War and ultimately resulted in the formation of the USSR. -
March Revolution
1917 In response to the failing economy, widespread poverty, and recent military defeats during WWI, the people began to protest in Petrograd. Bread rioters, industrial strikers, and military deserters joined in a wave of protests that swept the city. The capital fell into a state of anarchy, leading Nicholas II to abdicate. -
Czar Nicholas II Abdicates
On March 15, 1917 Czar Nicholas II abdicated for himself and his son following the March Revolution. Then his brother, Grand Duke Michael, deferred from power. A Provisional Government was established, and for the next 8 months the Russian Republic was weakly governed by the Directorate. -
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Russian Civil War
After the collapse of the Russian Provisional Army, soviets assumed power. The soviets, dominated by the Bolsheviks, fought under their Red Army. Whereas, the White Army consisted of anti-Bolshevik forces. The White Army gained backing from the Allied powers. Under Lenin, and aided by the military savy Trotsky, the Red Army emerged victorious. -
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
Following internal political upheaval, Russia withdrew from WWI. Although the treaty let troops focus on The Russian Civil War, the terms of the treaty were embarrassing. Russia lost a quarter of its population and industry, in addition to 90% of its coal mines. -
Russian Civil War
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Lenin Restores Order
1922 After leading the Red Army to victory, Lenin became leader of the first Socialist state. To rebuild the country’s economy and replace War Communism, Lenin develop a new economic plan- “state socialism.” The NEP allowed for the privatization of some business, while banks, foreign trade, and large industry remained in the hands of the state. -
USSR Formed
December 28, 1922- The Soviet Republics of Russia, Ukraine, Byelorussia, and the Transcaucasian Federation, approved the Treaty of Creation of the USSR. The document was then signed and ratified on the 30th. -
Lenin's Death
Lenin’s died on January 21st, 1924. Shortly before his death the revolutionist dictated, Lenin’s Testament, which among other matters, suggested the removal of Stalin from power. Lenin’s body was embalmed at exhibited at the Lenin Mausoleum and Petrograd was renamed Leningrad in his honor. Following his death, Stalin and Trotsky battled for power. -
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Power Struggle: Lenin v. Trotsky
After the death of Lenin, Trotsky appeared to be the obvious choice to replace him. Trotsky was educated in both politics and theory, and had lead decisive military battles during the Russian Civil War. However, with the help of Zinoniev and Kamenev, Stalin was appointed General Secretary in 1922. In this position Stalin was able to tarnish Trotsky’s reputation, in addition to consolidating his own power. Eventually, Stalin was able to dismantle Trotsky’s position of power completely. Trotsky -
Stalin vs. Trotsky
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Stalin's Totalitarian Rule/ Five Year Plan
1928- 1952 Stalin established his soviet totalitarian regime through the destruction of opposing political forces and consolidation of power. With his 5 year plans, he ushered in a period of rapid industrialization and agricultural production through economic collectivism. However, Stalin’s reign also lead to widespread famine, political persecution, and the death of thousands. -
Stalin's Rule
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Great Purge
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Great Purge
Stalin intended to “purge” the USSR of dissenters and enemies, while increasing Stalin’s authority. Communist Party members, government officials, the Red Army, peasants, and various others were imprisoned and executed.
