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Marxism & Leninism
Leninism, were principles introduced by Vladimir Lenin. He deeply encouraged the people of Russia to overthrow the Czar and institute socialism. For example, Brittanica's article about Leninism states, "...were committed to ending capitalism and instituting socialism in its place...were committed to attaining this power by any means possible, including violence and revolution if necessary." He believed they should take action against the Czarist regime. Leninism was first introduced in 1917. -
Overthrow of Czar Nicholas II (Feb. Revolution)
Riots started breaking out in the city of Petrograd. Because of this, the government resigned, and the army called on the emperor to abdicate the throne. -
The rise of Stalin and Trotsky
Leon Trotsky and Joseph Stalin were rivals. "Trotsky and Stalin engaged in a contest for power. Stalin quickly gained the upper hand." Trotsky made many unsuccessful attempts at attacking Stalin after, and he was later exiled and never seen again. -
Russian civil war
Between 1917 and 1922, the Russian civil war took place. There was a "White Army," and there was also the "Red Army." The Red Army fought for Lenin's Bolshevik government, and was led by Leon Trotsky, meanwhile, the White Army were made up of pro-Czarists, monarchists, and capitalists and had several leaders. -
Stalin's 5 year plans
Britannica states, "In the Soviet Union the first Five-Year Plan (1928–32), implemented by Joseph Stalin, concentrated on developing heavy industry and collectivizing agriculture, at the cost of a drastic fall in consumer goods." In other words, it was a way of trying to rapidly expand, economically. -
The Great Purge
The Great Purge, which lasted from 1936-1938, was a series of trials and executions held by Stalin. Britannica "The Great Purge," states, "... in which many prominent Old Bolsheviks were found guilty of treason and executed or imprisoned." It is also said that the confessions were made under pressure of "torture and intimidation." Also, later, it was found out that the accused people were actually innocent. -
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
On August 23, 1939, Germany and the Soviet Union signed a non-aggression pact. They promised not to attack each other, and made other terms. Later, in 1941, the pact came to an end when Germany attacked the Soviet Union without warning on June 22, 1941 -
The Ultimate Betrayal
At the beginning, Stalin promised freedom, the right to democratic governments. That promise was broken at the end of the revolution, because Stalin had gained total control and power by corruption and manipulation. He had promised a good life, and freedom, but the outcome ended up being the opposite. He was in charge until his death. (March 1953).