Lecture Notes: The Russian Revolution and Rise of Stalin

Context and Background

• Pre-WWI Tensions: Europe was tense; Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination in 1914 led to war.
• Russia in WWI: Patriotic wave in Russia, but inefficient Tsarist government led to shortages and defeats.
• Leadership Issues: Nicholas II became Commander in Chief, leaving his German wife and Rasputin in charge, damaging Russia's image.

Rasputin and the Fall of the Tsar

• Rasputin's Influence: Allegedly ruining Russia's image and control over the Tsar.
• Murder of Rasputin: Nobles killed him to restore Tsar's image, but it worsened the situation.
• Nicholas II's Abdication: Soldiers mutinied, and the Tsar lost control, leading to his abdication.

The Provisional Government

• Provisional Government Formation: Liberal politicians tried to restore order post-abdication.
• Challenges: Continued involvement in WWI led to more unrest and riots.
• Kerensky's Struggles: Attempted reforms backfired, leading to Kornilov's failed coup.

Bolsheviks and Lenin

• Lenin's Return: German assistance got Lenin back to Russia; he opposed the Provisional Government.
• April Theses: Lenin criticized the government and Soviets, calling for "peace, land, and bread."
• Bolshevik Popularity: Gained support due to appealing slogans and government failures.

October Revolution

• Bolshevik Takeover: Little resistance as they took control of Petrograd and the Winter Palace.
• Lenin in Power: Established a communist government but faced opposition and internal challenges.

Civil War and Aftermath

• Civil War: Anti-Bolsheviks (Whites) vs. Bolsheviks (Reds); Reds eventually victorious.
• Red Terror: Bolsheviks used violence to suppress opposition, leading to Nicholas II's execution.
• Economic Struggles: Civil war exacerbated famines and economic decline.

Lenin's Decline and Stalin's Rise

• Lenin's Health: Multiple strokes weakened Lenin's control.
• Stalin's Ascension: Used his position as General Secretary to build power and eliminate rivals.
• Trotsky's Exile: Stalin's maneuvers led to Trotsky's banishment.

Conclusion

• Lenin's Legacy: Never achieved communist utopia; dealt with war and economic collapse.
• Stalin's Path: Transitioned USSR into a superpower, setting the stage for further totalitarian rule.

Key Themes

• Inefficiency and Mismanagement: Key factors in the collapse of Tsarist Russia.
• Revolutionary Ideals vs. Dictatorial Reality: Transition from Lenin’s ideas to Stalin’s totalitarian regime.
• Impact of War: WWI and civil war as catalysts for revolution and change in leadership.