Russian Revolution Flashcards
Who ruled Russia before the Russian Revolution and what was the family called?
Tsar Nicholas II ruled Russia before the Russian communist revolution and his family was the Romanov family.
What caused the Russian Revolution?
Many Russians became angry during the first World War as millions of their soldiers were killed and the war caused shortages. Many couldn’t afford to keep warm or feed their families.
What happened in March 1917?
Thousands of workers in St Petersburg filled the streets, demonstating against the government. Tsar’s troops refused to fire and joined in. This was now a revolution. Later, Nucholas II abdicated and a new provisoonal givernement took control of Russia. People rejoiced at the end of rhe monarchy and statues of the tsars were smashed.
What happened in April 1917?
Vlademir Lenin returned to Russia and he was the leader of a political party called the Bolsheviks, followers of communism.
What happened in October 1917?
The Bolsheviks seized power from the Provisional Government; Lenin and his party began their work of transforming Russia into the world’s first communist state.
Name 4 communist beliefs
- Everyone should have an equal share in Russia’s wealth
- Peasants should have a share of the land
- Workers should iwn a share of the factory where they worked
- The war should be ended immediately.
When was the Russian civil war?
The Russia civil war occured between 1918-1921 between the supporters and opponents of communism.
How did the Bolsheviks seize power?
The Bolsheviks stormed the Winter Palace in October 1917. Inside were the government ministers and their soldiers. The Bolsheviks only eventually succeded as hardly anyone came to the support of the Provisional government.
Who were Lenin’s secret police and what were their aims?
Lenin’s new secret polide force, the Cheka, tortured and executed opponents of his new government.
What happened in November 1917 and January 1918?
In Nov 1917, Lenin was forced to go ahead with this election promised by the Provisional givernment to decide who should represent them in a new Constituent Assembly (parliament). The Bolsheviks did badly and were outnumbered. In January 1918, Lenin sent his soldiers to the Assembky and closed it down. Russia had become a one-party state.
How did Russia and the Bolsheviks keep peace between Germany?
In Nov 197, Bolsheviks travelled to Brest Litovsk to begin peace talks. The Germans made harsh demans and Lenin was afraid that if a peace treaty was not signed, Germany would remove the Bolshevils from power. In March 1918, the two sides signed the Treaty of Brest Litovsk. Russia had to give up huge amounts of territiory and population.
Give 5 examples of how the Bolsheviks aimed to make Russia a more equal society
- Women were declared equal to men
- All land taken away from Tsar and old landlords
- Money and jewellery in rich people’s bank accounts were taken by the state
- Rich people forced to share their houses with poor families
- Factories placed under the control of worker’s committees
How was life for the rich and educated after the Russian Revolution?
Ordinary Russians were rude and hostile towards rhem. Armed gangs raided their houses. They were forced to do jobs such as clearing rubbish and snow from the streets.
What happened to the Romanov family after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas?
The Romanov family were placed under house arrest in a palace near St Petersburg and they had no power. Rumours of plots to free the family spread and they were moved to another town. They were then app killed by the Cheka in a cellar. Soldiers poured silphuric acid on their faces so they couldn’t be recognised.
What was the new name for St Petersburg after the Bolsheviks came to power?
Petrograd
