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Alexander III becomes Russian Czar
He halted all reforms, and clung to the principles of Autocracy. He used harsh measures to wipe out revolutions, and imposed strict censorship codes as well as forbidding other national groups in Russia. -
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The reign of Nicholas II
During the reign of Nicholas II, Russia began a program to move the country forward, as they were still behind many European countries. They raised taxes to help fund this, and got the support of foreign investors. Industrialization led to angst among Russian people, as it meant poor working conditions, low wages, and child labor. They started striking and many revolutionary movements started, including Marxist groups. -
Russo-Japanese War
In the late 1800s, Japan and Russia competed for control over two colonies, Korea and Manchuria. Despite signing a series of agreements over these territories, Russia broke their promises and attempted to gain control. Japan attacked them and after news of battle losses reached the people of Russia, there was even more unrest/ -
Bloody Sunday
200,000 workers stormed the Czar's palace asking for better working conditions, more freedom, and an elected legislature. Soldiers were ordered to fire on the crowd, and over 1,000 people were wounded. "Bloody Sunday" led to a series of strikes and violence across Russia. Nicholas reluctantly agreed to more freedom for the people, and created the Duma, Russia's first parliament. However, it was dissolved in 10 weeks as Nicholas was hesitant to share his power. -
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World War One
In 1914, Nicholas entered Russia into World War One. The Russians were unprepared to handle the military and economic costs of war, and were destroyed by the Germans. In 1915, Nicholas moved his HQ to the war front in an attempt to rally the discouraged troops. During this time, his wife, Alexandra, would control the government. Alexandra ignored the Czar's advisors, and instead was influenced by a "holy man" named Rasputin, who claimed to have magical healing powers. -
The Death of Rasputin
Rasputin opposed reform, and gave powerful positions in government to his friends. He was murdered in 1916 by Russian nobles. -
The March Revolution
In March 1917, women textile workers led a strike in Petrograd. They rioted over bread prices and fuel shortages. Over 200,000 workers swarmed the streets, and forced the czar to step down. However, the revolution failed to establish an effective government. The Duma established a provisional government that decided to continue fighting in WW1, much to the displeasure of the people. -
The Bolshevik Revolution
Vladimir Lenin, who had returned from his exile following the czar stepping down, gained control of the Bolsheviks, a radical Marxist group that wanted severe change to Russia. He soon controlled numerous soviets across Russia. Soviets were local councils that tended to have more influence among the people than the gov't. In November 1917, Lenin and the Bolsheviks stormed the Winter Palace and took over the government. -
Lenin rules Russia
During his first days of rule, Lenin ordered that all farmland be distributed among the peasants. In March of 1918, he signed the treaty of Brest-Litovsk, that allowed Russia to leave WW1 at the expense of lots of territory to the Germans. The Russians were angered by this, as they felt humiliated by the terms of the treaty. Many objected to the Bolsheviks and formed the White Army. -
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Civil War
The White Army, which consisted of a wide variety of people that were not united at all, were destroyed by the Red Army(Bolsheviks) despite receiving foreign help. The Bolsheviks were led by Leon Trotsky, who expertly commanded the victory. Russia officially became under communist control. -
Creation of the USSR
In 1922, Russia became the USSR led by Lenin and the communist party. -
Death of Lenin and fight for power
Shortly after the creation of the USSR, Lenin suffered a series of strokes and died. There was a large competition regarding who would become the leader of the USSR between Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky. Stalin eventually won by manipulating many in Russia, and eventually exiled Trotsky from the USSR. Trotsky was eventually assassinated and it is believed that Stalin was behind his death.
