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Alexander III Over Throws His Father
Alexander III overthrew his father in the year 1881, creating an almost totalitarian government where he had total power. The power he had allowed him to constantly watch over schools and universities, oppress national groups other than Russian based groups, and target Jews in violent acts. Alexander III's take over in 1881 caused repeating deaths and eventually allowed for Nicholas II to continue these beliefs and to start Russia's Industrialization. -
Russia Industrializes
Russia's Industrialization began in the late 1890's and changed it's economy forever. When Nicholas II took over, his most capable minister launched a program to move the country forward, this program allowed for foreign investors and raised taxes to finance their industrialization.The constant push to get better in Russia and with the help financially, Russia eventually became the world's fourth-ranking producer of steel. -
The Russian Marxists
In 1903, two different groups form from the Russian Marxists, the Mensheviks and the Bolsheviks. These two groups have very different view points, one was more moderate and wanted popular support for a solution, while the other was more radical and was formed for people who were willing to do anything for a change. The more radical group, the Bolsheviks, went on to follow the ruthless Vladimir Lenin and take over Russia, gaining complete control, until they were physically forced to stop. -
Russo-Japanese War
For a long time, Russia and Japan had competed for control over Manchuria and Korea, each being so competitive that they signed multiple agreements over these territories, but Russia broke them all. In January, 1904 Japan retaliated at Port Arthur, causing the loss of faith in Russia, unrest at home, and eventually led to a revolt in the midst of war. -
Bloody Sunday
Bloody Sunday, an event that caused more than 1,000 out of 20,000 workers and their families to die, all for the simple request for better working conditions. This event, caused by Nicholas II, shocked people around the country and provoked a wave of strikes and riots. These riots became so strong it forced Nicholas II to rethink the steps he took, and he promised more freedom to his citizens. -
WWI Begins in Russia
In 1914, Nicholas made the bold decision to enter Russia into WWI, even though they were no where near ready for the battle ahead both economically and militarily. Russia's humiliating defeat in this war showed it's true weakness and it's need for a new form of government. -
The March Revolution
This revolution as a whole contributed heavily to the rapid growth of Russia during this time. During this revolution, the Czar was finally taken down, Lenin returned to Russia, but one thing that changed was far more crucial to the revolutions in Russia. Because the Czar was brought down during this time, a provisional, or temporary, government had to be put in it's place. -
The Provisional Government Topples
Without warning, on November 1917, an armed group of workers marched into Winter Palace in Petrograd. Also known as Bolshevik Red Guards, these men took over government offices, forcing the the provisional government officials to surrender and to disappear just as fast as they came. This made room for Lenin to finally take over for good, as leader of Russia, and to make differences in Russia, starting with the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. -
New Economic Policy
Under the New Economy Policy peasants were finally allowed to sell their surplus of crops to the people, not hand them into the government. The government's powers had been restricted, but still kept control over major industries, banks, and means of communication. Lenin's N.E.P. allowed for Russia to recover from the war, and by 1928, Russia’s farms and factories were producing as much as they had before World War I. -
Stalin Takes Over
After Vladimir Lenin faced a massive stroke in 1922, Joseph Stalin was quick to take over. From 1922-1927, Stalin used his position of general secretary of the Communist Party to move his supporters into positions of power, and eventually move him into the most powerful position of all. By 1929, Stalin was appointed as official dictator of Russia.
