The Russian Revolution Flashcards
What were the two significant Russian revolutions in the early 20th century? (Excluding the 1905 revolution). Give context.
In 1917 there were two major revolutions. The first, in February, is known as the revolution that ended the monarchy and Tsarist Nicholas II’s rule. The second, in October, consisted of the implementation of communism (or at least what the revolutionaries hoped would become communism).
For context, this was during WW1. Russia were on the side of the Allies against Germany, Austria, Hungary and the Ottomans. Russia was experiencing great losses in the war and were facing the verge of economic collapse in 1917.
Discuss the economic conditions (ECs) of Russia as a build -up to the 1917 revolutions (specifically the February revolution).
The ECs of Russia were poor even before WW1 began in 1914, and got steadily worse as the war progressed. By 1917 Russia were on the verge of economic collapse. This was due to the war’s effects on industry, agriculture and transport.
How did WW1 effect the economic conditions of Russia within industry?
- war put a strain on industry
- intense shortages of raw materials and finished goods (which affected the army)
How did WW1 affect the economic conditions of Russia within transport?
- Russia had an underdeveloped railway system
- It was taken over for the war effort in order to send troops and supplies to the frontline
- This made it difficult to keep cities supplied with food
How did WW1 affect the economic conditions of Russia within agriculture?
- Agriculture in Russia was very backwards.
- Millions of farmers were conscripted into the army
- Shortages of man power on farms —> production decrease —> food shortages —> increase in food prices
- Inflation reached 200% by 1916
Discuss the social conditions (SCs) of Russia as a build -up to the 1917 revolutions (specifically the February revolution).
- There was a great discontent among peasants.
- PEasants made up a large portion of the army
- the army retreated from Poland and Lithuania in 1915 and employed a ‘scorched earth policy’ (SEP)
- The SEP obliterated peasant livelihoods
- this lead to an increase in poverty
- Workers were also discontent.
- a war economy was implemented during WW1, meaning there was an intentional increase of workers in the cities.
- However, cities couldn’t handle the increase and lacked housing and service provision
- Unemployment rose in industries that weren’t contributing to the war effort (no raw materials partially due to transport issues and railways taken over for war efforts)
- Living conditions within cities decreased exponentially (especially in combination with food shortages)
- This led to major social unrest.
What was the ‘Scorched Earth Policy?’
A tactic used by the Russian military in WW1. The intentional destruction of land/farms/resources so that opponents cannot take advantage of the resources.
In summary, what was the impact of WW1 on Russia?
- terrible suffering for soldiers and civilians
- ~2 million Russian soldiers were killed. ~9 million total casualties
- Morale was VERY low.
- there was an abundance of food shortages, weapons/medical equipment shortages, transport shortages
-Russian people looked for someone to blame, and the Tsar was a good target
Discuss the February revolution of 1917.
The fall of the monarchy and the end of Tsar Nicholas II’s rule!!
• 18 February 1917 = Putilov workers strike:
• Workers locked out of armaments factory – sparks protest in the streets (100 00 people)
• 23 February 1917: Following this, women workers in Petrograd (St Petersburg) went on strike on International Women’s Day.
• This brought thousands into the streets, carrying placards saying “Bread!” and “Our Children are Starving!”
• Wives of soldiers, called soldatki also joined and urged the soldiers not to fire on the women
• The Putilov Strike & women’s march triggered the February Revolution
• by March around 500 000 angry protestors were marching in the streets.
• Mikhail Rodzianko, President of the Duma, recommended that the Tsar form a new govt.
• The Tsar was forced to abdicate on 2 March
• A provisional govt took power under Prince Lvov and the royal family was arrested, ending the Romanov dynasty.
What was the provisional government?
•Members of the state Duma formed the Provisional Government
- Only meant to have power temporarily
- Until a Constituent Assembly was elected
•Shared power with the Petrograd Soviet
- Represented the cities workers and soldiers
- controlled the capitals transport, troops and communications
- much more Radical than the Provisional Government
• The new govt allowed political exiles back into the country (e.g. Lenin from Switzerland, Trotsky from the USA and Stalin from Siberia).
• The new Big Three (Lenin, Trotsky and Stalin) would be outspoken against the new govt.
• The Prov Govt did not deal with land redistribution.
• This govt also did not pull out of WWI.
• The people and the army were unhappy about this
Discuss Lenin’s return to Russia.
On 16 April 1917, Lenin returned to Russia.
• Upon Lenin’s return to Russia, he issued a series of directives
• In his Theses he called for:
- An end to the war with Germany
- For land to be given to the peasants
- An end to the food shortages
- For power to be given to the Soviets
• Lenin’s slogans ‘PEACE, BREAD, LAND’ and ‘ALL POWER TO THE SOVIETS’ won wide support
Why did Lenin’s slogans win such wide support?
The public wanted four things:
PEACE: The end of WW1 for Russia
BREAD: End of food shortages
LAND: Peasants wanted to own land and not simply enrich the landlords.
ALL POWER TO THE SOVIETS: More say in how Russia was governed
The slogan appealed to all of the things that the people wanted. It was short, concise and simple, and strategically easy to remember as well.
What was Lenin’s plan to seize control?
• Lenin had a very clear plan to seize power:
1. First the Bolsheviks had to gain control of the Petrograd Soviet
2. Then, they would take power in the name of the Soviet
3. The process would then be repeated in other cities
4. Communist revolution!!!
• Lenin’s energy, charisma, and drive convinced the Bolsheviks to agree on this plan
• Lenin constructed and drew on his Slogans to appeal to the masses so that he could win their support in the Soviets
What were the weaknesses of the provisional government?
• Provisional Government was not elected by the people
• Did not deal with land issues
• Did not pull out of the war
• Shared power with the Petrograd Soviet (Social Revolutionaries & Mensheviks) – increased the potential for political disagreement
• Provisional Government only wanted moderate changes
• The Petrograd Soviet wanted to give power to the working class
Discuss Russia’s economic problems in 1917 before the October revolution.
• The price of goods continued to increase
• Food was in short supply
• Fuel shortages made living conditions unbearable, especially during the harsh Russian winter
• The government could not guarantee enough grain, ammunition or weapons for troops fighting in the war.
• Only increased support for the Bolsheviks
• Peasants took things into their own hands and started killing their landlords and seizing the land
