Russian Revolution

Question 1

Who was Rasputin and why were Russians concerned with his involvement with the royal family?

Answer 1

Rasputin was an illiterate peasant and self-proclaimed “holy man”. The Czarina believed in his “miraculous” powers after he helped ease the suffering of her son, who suffered from NEMOPHILIA, a disorder in which the smallest inhury can result in uncontrollable bleeding.
Russians believed Rasputins influence over Czarina Alexandra would lead to a monarchy.

Question 2

What group toppled the Provisional Government and took control? What form of government did they support?

Answer 2

The Bolsheviks - Socialist

Question 3

What motivation did Germany have to help Lenin gain control of Russia?

Answer 3

Germany saw the chance to weaken it’s enemy by helping Lenin return home.

Question 4

Pros and cons of communism.

Answer 4

PROS:
1.) Women were given equal job opportunities with men.
2.) A smaller gap existed between rich and poor in the Soviet Union rather than the U.S.
3.) Education & medical services were free.
CONS
1.) Religious worship was discouraged.
2.)Travel to other countries was restriced.
3.) Many families couldn’t aftord a car.

Question 5

After Lenin’s death who were the two men competing for control of the country. Describe each man’s view of communism.

Answer 5

Leon Trotsky - Believed in a PROGRESSIVE government. Brilliant & skillful.

Joseph Stalin - DEGRESSIVE government. A shrewd political operator.

Question 6

Describe life under Stalin’s rule.

Answer 6

Stalin’s control over Russia meant that freedom was lost. The people of Russia had to deal with the censorship. The states control was total. Everyone who attempted to read, listen, ect. to what wasnt allowed was severely punished.
Education was strictly controlled by the state. Communism was taught in a good light.
Stalin launched the Five-Year Plan and collective farming. The government owned farms and had control of what was produced.

Question 7

Five-Year Plan.

Answer 7

Goals that would promote rapid industrial growth and to strengthen national defense.

Question 8

Collectivization.

Answer 8

Government owned land –> peasants farmed it. Government controlled production.

Question 9

Terror Famine.

Answer 9

Government didn’t send food to Ukraine to punish them. 5 million people starved.

Question 10

“Great Purge”.

Answer 10

Anyone who had been loyal to Trotsky was killed.

Question 11

Give three reasons why Czar Nicholas II had lost the support of his people.

Answer 11

1. ) Russians were frustrated because their country was losing badly.
2. ) He had failed to solve Russias basic political, economic, and social problems.
3. ) He was no more competent than his generals in war.