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Czars Against Revolutionaries
Czars like Alexander III and Nicholas II (shown below) continued their oppressive rule in Russia. Alexander II tackled this my sending secret police to education facilities and targeted Jews using "organized violence". These Czars would eventually lose control over Russia and stand as a reason for revolutionaries to protest. -
The Revolution Expands
Following the industrial boom in Russia, revolution movements pushed for proletarian rule. These revolutionary groups included the Mensheviks and the Bolsheviks (led by Lenin). The Bolsheviks would eventually become the Communist Party with Stalin at the top. -
Russo-Japanese War
Russia and Japan fought over control of Korea and Manchuria. Though they both signed agreements, Russia did not hold up their end which drove them both into war in which Japan was victorious. This would only be one of many failures on Russia's part on the battlefield. -
Bloody Sunday
Approximately 200,000 workers/families pushed for better conditions in the workplace and individual liberties along with a stable government. In response, Nicholas II ordered armed soldiers to fire at the workers wounding and killing hundreds. This event motivated violent protests in Russia which prompted Nicholas to create a parliament called "Duma". -
World War I
Russia was ill-prepared to fight in WWI under Czarist rule. Defeat met them on the battle field every time. This was when Lenin returned to re-stabilize Russia. -
Czar Steps Down
The March Protests eventually brought down Nicholas II from the throne followed by executions of him and his family. Afterwards, a temporary government was set up and led by Alexander Kerensky (shown below). However, his decisions to fight in WWI cost him and Russia's problems only got worse. -
Provisional Government Topples
An expected arrival of factory workers came into the Winter Palace in Petrograd. They arrested officials of the provisional government and took control of the offices. The Bolshevik Red Army would eventually defeat the White army establishing a reputation in power. -
Civil War in Russia
The Bolsheviks went up against the White army in this three-year civil war. With Leon Trotsky leading the Bolsheviks, they emerged victorious. This war proved how the Red army can gain power and hold it. -
Political Reforms
Lenin created self-governments to control nationalism in Russia. The Bolsheviks then renamed themselves the Communist Party. Lenin successfully posited a "dictatorship of communist party". -
Stalin's Rise to Power
After Lenin's stroke, Joseph Stalin rose to power in the government. Before Lenin's death, he appointed Stalin to be his successor. Because of this, Stalin would play a huge part in the communist party and in World War II.
