this is a very well written document containing all the details one would need to study the Russian revolution. the document is colour coded and all important terms are highlighted as well as explained. this document contains information about the Romanov family, the revolutions in both 1905 and 19...
THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION
COMMUNISM CAPITALISM
Political ideology of a class list society An economic system I which individuals
where the means of production are own and operate in means of production.
collectively owned and controlled. Private ownership, competition and make
your own profit.
RUSSIA BEFORE THE REVOLUTION
THE CAUSES OF THE COMMUNIST REVOLUTION IN RUSSIA (1903 – 1917)
1. THE STRUCTURE OF RUSSIAN SOCIETY BEFORE THE REVOLUTION
• Russia ruled by royal family (Romanov’s) à last imperial dynasty to rule Russia.
• à : when an empire bases its leadership succession on heredity, meaning that the
throne is inherited by birth/ born into royalty
• Tzar Nicolas II as well as the army didn’t tolerate resistance. à Opponents of Tsar
forced to live in exile.
2 groups opposed the Tsar:
1. the Bolsheviks (intended a communist society in Russia)
2. Mensheviks (wanted change but revolution was too extreme) (collectively known as
the Social Democrats).
à Capitalism exploits workers so communism seemed like the logical alternative.
• Communism appealed to poor and exploited people in industrial colonies. It was
based on the work of 2 German philosophers: Karl Marx and Fredrich Engels.
As Europe and England industrialised, they believed communism was a dangerous threat.
• Marx concerned about the social inequality that stemmed from the Industrial
revolution. àHe believed the capitalist system was morally wrong and doomed to
fail, it exploited the workers who were poor and powerless.
à His ideas attracted intellectuals and political activists throughout Europe, including
Russia.
2. LACK OF INDUSTRIALISATION IN RUSSIA.
• Most Russians were peasant.
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• Farmers and lived in poverty in the early 20 century.
• Most land belonged to the royal family, nobles, or the church.
• Peasant land was owned by communities, not individuals, and there was too little for
a growing population.
• Only 16% of the population (population was over 175 million) employed in the
industry.
• Russia was a backward agrarian society, that had not industrialised like Britain,
France, and Germany
à : any community whose economy is based on producing and maintaining crops and
farmland. Not focused on any technological developed. Follow a very traditional and old
finished way of life. Not willing to modernize
, 2
3. GRIGORI RASPUTIN
à In 1903, a man with “mystical healing powers”, Grigori Rasputin arrived in St. Petersburg.
• The inner Royal circles of St. Petersburg were entertaining themselves by delving into
mysticism and the occult (mystical powers).
• Rasputin unkempt wanderer with brilliant eyes and allegedly extraordinary healing
talent was warmly welcomed.
1905: Rasputin was introduced to the royal family and joined the royal inner circle.
1908:he was summoned to the palace where Alexei, the prince and son of Nicholas and
Alexandra Romanov, was bleeding due to severe haemophilia.
à Rasputin succeeded in easing his suffering and upon leaving the palace warned the
parents that the destiny of the child and the dynasty were irrevocably linked to him, thereby
setting in motion a decade of Rasputin’s powerful influence on the imperial family and affairs
of the state.
• As Russia entered WW1, Rasputin predicted that calamity would befall the country.
à calamity: a disastrous event marked by great loss and lasting distress and suffering
1915: Nicholas II took command of the Russian army + Alexandra took responsibility for
domestic policy (internal affairs within Russia).
Always Rasputin’s defender, she dismissed ministers who were said to be suspicious of the
“mad monk” (Rasputin).
à Government officials tried to warn her of Rasputin’s undue influence, but she continued to
defend him, giving the impression that Rasputin was her closest advisor.
4. THE REVOLUTION OF 1905
There as a revolution in Russia due to Tsar’s troops firing on a peaceful demonstration of
workers.
• This was followed by strikes, riots, mutinies, and easing unrest throughout the
country.
• The workers formed Soviets (worker councils) to organise protests and present
worker demands.
à The unrest eventually ended with Tsar Nicholas II needing to make concessions (one being
that he had to create a more representative society and a Parliament was introduced).
5. THE DECISION TO ENTER WORLD WAR ONE
Tsar Nicholas II made the decision as the supreme leader of Russia to join the war on the
allied side.
àgreat opposition to this decision as most Russians felt that war had nothing to do with
Russia.
• WW1 was a European war, fighting German nationalism in their quest to create a
German empire in Europe.
• The war rerouted resources and soon after entering the war, there was serous famine
in Russia.
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