Overview
This lecture covers the events leading to the Russian Revolutions of 1917, the downfall of the Romanovs, the rise of Lenin and the Bolsheviks, the Russian Civil War, and Stalin's consolidation of power.
Russia in World War I
- Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination in 1914 led to Russia entering WWI.
- The Russian government was inefficient, leading to shortages, economic collapse, and starvation.
- Tsar Nicholas II became Commander in Chief, leaving his wife Alexandra and Rasputin in charge.
Collapse of Tsarist Rule
- Rasputin’s influence damaged the Tsar’s reputation; his murder further discredited the monarchy.
- By 1917, Russia was exhausted by war, leading to mass protests, especially from women and workers.
- Soldiers mutinied and joined protesters; the Tsar lost control and abdicated.
- The Romanov dynasty ended; neither Nicholas's son nor brother took the throne.
Provisional Government and Dual Power
- The Provisional Government formed, but so did Soviets controlled by Social Revolutionaries and Mensheviks.
- Dual power led to instability and confusion over authority.
- Lenin returned, criticized both governments, and issued his April Theses: "Peace, Land, Bread."
The Bolshevik Revolution
- Support for the Bolsheviks grew as the Provisional Government failed to end the war or address food shortages.
- After the failed Kornilov coup, Bolsheviks gained power in Soviets, with Trotsky as Chairman.
- The Bolsheviks seized power in October 1917 with minimal resistance and arrested the Provisional Government.
Establishment of Bolshevik Rule
- Elections were held; Social Revolutionaries won, but Lenin dissolved the assembly by force.
- Lenin established a one-party state and created the secret police (Cheka) to crush opposition.
Russian Civil War and Aftermath
- The Bolsheviks (Reds) faced the White Army, national separatists, and foreign intervention.
- The Reds' control of industrial centers and Trotsky's leadership led to their victory.
- The Tsar and his family were executed to prevent their rescue by the Whites.
Consequences of Revolution and Civil War
- War, famine, disease, and economic collapse devastated Russia.
- The newly formed Soviet Union faced massive inflation, famine, and population decline.
- Lenin suffered strokes and lost control, leading to Stalin's rise to power as General Secretary.
Stalin’s Rise
- Stalin used his position as party secretary to appoint allies and consolidate power.
- Despite Lenin's warnings, Stalin outmaneuvered rivals after Lenin’s death, becoming Soviet leader.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Soviet — Workers’ council, often controlled by socialist factions.
- Provisional Government — Temporary government formed after the Tsar’s abdication.
- Bolsheviks — Radical socialist group led by Lenin, advocating revolution.
- April Theses — Lenin’s directives demanding peace, land, and bread.
- Cheka — Bolshevik secret police used to suppress opposition.
- Red Terror — Campaign of political repression and executions by the Bolsheviks.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review causes and outcomes of the 1917 revolutions for the exam.
- Familiarize yourself with key figures: Nicholas II, Lenin, Trotsky, Stalin.
- Read about the Russian Civil War and its impact on Russian society.