Russian Revolution Flashcards
Autocracy
Having total power
Czar Nicholas II
Continued autocracy in Russia
Industrialized Russia
Industrialization
Russia’s economy was behind other European countries
Nicholas’ minister helped to make a program that benefited the economy, especially the steel industry
Britain and France also helped build the Trans Siberian railroad which connected the country
Russian workers
They were dissatisfied with the growing industrialization, beginning revolutionary movements. They wanted a ruling of the proletariat, and to overthrow the czar
2 Marxist groups
Bolsheviks and Mensheviks
Bolsheviks
More radical Marxist group. Willing to sacrifice anything for change
Lenin
Leader of the Bolsheviks. Very cold and ruthless. He had to go to Western Europe to escape arrest from the czar
Russo-Japanese War
Japan and Russia competed for Manchuria and Korea. They signed treaties, but Russia broke them, and Japan countered by attacking the Russians
Bloody Sunday (Revolution of 1905)
January 22, 1905. 200,000 workers approached the czars palace in St. Petersburg with a petition for better working condition, more freedom, and an elected national legislature. Soldiers were ordered to fight the crowds, and over 1000 people were killed
Duma
As a response to the strikes following Bloody Sunday, Nicholas II reluctantly promised more freedom, and created the Duma, Russia’s first parliament. Leaders were moderates who wanted Russia to be a constitutional monarchy. Eventually, the Duma was dissolved, because the czar did not want to share his power
WWI
Nicholas II entered Russia into WWI, which they were unprepared for. Russian army was defeated many times and millions died, were injured or taken prisoner. Entrance into the war weakened the czars rule and military leadership
Rasputin
Nicholas II’s wife, Alexandra ran the government while he was on the war front. She ignored the czar’s advisers, and fell under the influence of the Rasputin, a “holy man” with magical healing powers. Alexandra let him make political decisions. He was later murdered by nobles
March Revolution
Strike by women textile workers in Petrograd. Over a couple of days, 200,000 workers protested. The Revolution forced the czar to abdicate his throne. Nicholas II and his family were murdered later.
Provisional government
After the czar and his family were murdered, the Duma established a provisional government, headed by Alexander Kerensky. He kept Russia in WWI, which made conditioned worse and many people were angry.
Soviets
Local councils of workers, peasants, and soldiers. In some cities, they had more influence than the provisional government.
