Russian Revolution Overview for CAPE.pptx

An overview of the Russian Revolution. Includes timeline, causes and effects.

1. GLOBAL CONCEPTS AND TOTALITARIANISM The Bolshevik Revolution of October 1917-1924 Name: Jodi-Ann Powell History Unit 2 6A1

2. Objectives By the end of this presentation, students must be able to; - State the MAIN causes of the Bolshevik Revolution - Give at least 5 impacts of the revolution - Discuss the course of the revolution - Outline the impacts of the Bolshevik Revolution

3. LOCATION OF RUSSIA

4. FUN FACT The Bolshevik Revolution, also known as the October Revolution, took place in 1917 and led to the establishment of the Soviet Union. Several factors contributed to the outbreak of the Bolshevik Revolution:

5. Brief overview of the Bolsheviks The Bolsheviks were a faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (RSDLP) that emerged as a distinct group during the early 20th century. The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, played a crucial role in the Russian Revolution of 1917, which ultimately led to the overthrow of the Provisional Government and the establishment of Soviet power. Who were the Bolsheviks?

6. The term "Bolshevik" means "majority" in Russian, reflecting their majority status within the RSDLP after a split with the opposing faction, the Mensheviks, who represented the "minority." The split occurred at the party's Second Congress in 1903 over differences in ideology, strategy, and organizational structure. The Bolsheviks were characterized by their revolutionary stance, commitment to socialist ideals, and their belief in the need for a centralized and disciplined party to lead the working class. They advocated for the overthrow of the capitalist system, the establishment of a socialist state, and the transfer of power to the soviets (workers' councils).

7. In October 1917 (Julian calendar; November 1917 in the Gregorian calendar), the Bolsheviks, with Lenin at the forefront, seized power in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) during the October Revolution. This event marked the beginning of Bolshevik rule in Russia and set the stage for the formation of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) and, eventually, the establishment of the Soviet Union in 1922. The Bolsheviks played a central role in shaping the early Soviet state and were the dominant political force during the Russian Civil War (1918-1922), fighting against various anti-Bolshevik factions known as the White Army. The Bolsheviks established a one-party state and laid the foundation for the communist regime that would govern the Soviet Union for much of the 20th century.

8. The Bolsheviks were a revolutionary party that began as a radical faction of the Social Democrats, a Russian Marxist party. The Bolsheviks were formed in 1903 after a split from the Menshevik faction over issues of party membership and organization. The group was led by Vladimir Lenin and he employed his theories of revolution, the Bolsheviks carried out the overthrow of the Provisional Government in October 1917 and went on to govern the new Soviet republic.

9. Vladimir Lenin Vladimir Lenin was the leading personality behind the Bolshevik Revolution, but he required assistance to successfully organize the takeover. Let’s look at how Lenin and his party led the Bolshevik Revolution. Lenin had been the leader of the Bolshevik Party since the RSDWP started fracturing in 1903. He developed the ideology of Marxism-Leninism that he hoped would be a practical application of Marxist theory in Russia. However, due to his high profile as a revolutionary, he was rarely physically present in Russia, and so organized in the Bolshevik party from abroad in Western Europe.

10. Causes of the Bolshevik Revolution

11. Tsar Nicholas II’s Leadership The leadership of Tsar Nicholas II was marked by incompetence and autocratic rule. His decision to personally take command of the Russian Army during World War I further distanced him from the people. The Tsar's poor handling of political and social issues eroded support for the monarchy, contributing to the revolutionary sentiment. The Tsarist regime responded to dissent with harsh measures, including censorship, political repression, and the use of the secret police (the Okhrana). This led to a climate of fear and discontent among various social groups, creating fertile ground for revolutionary ideas.

12. World War I The impact of World War I on Russia was profound. The country faced economic hardships, food shortages, and high casualty rates. The war strained the Russian economy and highlighted the inefficiency and corruption of the Tsarist regime . The war effort exacerbated discontent among soldiers and civilians alike. Russia suffered heavily in terms of both human and material resources during World War I. The Russian army faced numerous defeats, and the war effort put immense strain on the country. High casualties, inadequate supplies, and a lack of military success undermined the morale of the Russian soldiers and the civilian population. The war exacerbated existing social tensions and inequalities within Russian society. The hardships faced by the general population, combined with the autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II, fueled discontent among workers, peasants, and soldiers. The war served as a catalyst for social unrest and protests against the government.

13. In summary, the cumulative impact of military failures, economic strain, social unrest, and political dissatisfaction during World War I created an environment conducive to revolutionary change. The Bolsheviks successfully exploited these conditions to take control and establish a new political order in Russia.

14. Popular Past Paper Question “ Discuss the view that the impact of World War I was mainly responsible for the outbreak of the Bolshevik Revolution 1917.”

15. Synopsis of how to answer… The connection between World War I and the Bolshevik Revolution is complex and multifaceted. While the war itself may not be considered the sole cause of the Bolshevik Revolution, it played a crucial role in creating the conditions that allowed the revolution to take place. Several factors contributed to this relationship: Economic Strain: World War I imposed a severe economic burden on Russia. The country was ill-prepared for the scale and duration of the conflict, leading to economic hardships, food shortages, and inflation. The war placed an immense strain on the Russian economy, exacerbating existing social and economic tensions. Military Failures: The Russian military faced a series of defeats and setbacks during World War I. These failures contributed to a loss of morale among soldiers and civilians alike. The war effort strained resources, and the inadequacies of the military leadership became apparent. As a result, discontent and disillusionment with the government grew. Casualties and Losses: Russia suffered significant human losses during World War I. Millions of soldiers were killed, wounded, or went missing, leading to widespread grief and resentment among the population. The perception that the war was causing unnecessary suffering added to the discontent with the government.

16. Nicholas II's Leadership: Tsar Nicholas II's leadership during the war was marked by poor decision-making and a lack of responsiveness to the needs of the people. His decision to take personal command of the Russian army further disconnected him from the day-to-day governance of the country. The resulting power vacuum and ineffective governance created an opportunity for revolutionary movements to gain traction. Social Unrest: The combination of economic hardships, military failures, and discontent with the monarchy fueled social unrest. Strikes and protests became more frequent, and revolutionary ideas gained popularity. The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, capitalized on this discontent, promoting their revolutionary agenda and advocating for the end of the war, land redistribution, and workers' control. In summary, while World War I was not the sole cause of the Bolshevik Revolution, it acted as a catalyst that intensified existing problems and created a fertile ground for revolutionary ideas to take hold. The war contributed to economic strain, military failures, and social unrest, which, in turn, played a crucial role in the eventual success of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917.

17. July Days Protest A group of workers took arms and began to lead protests against the PG in July, demanding that the Petrograd Soviet take control of the country instead. The workers were quoting Bolshevik slogans inspired by Lenin's April Theses. The protests were violent and getting out of control but demonstrated the increasing support for the Bolsheviks. The PG could not control the July Days protests, and the Petrograd Soviet refused to heed the protesters' demands and take sole control of Russia. Although the Bolsheviks reluctantly began to support the protesters with a peaceful demonstration, they were not prepared to stage a revolution. Without the strategic means of the Bolsheviks or the political backing of the Soviet, the protest eventually de-escalated in a matter of days. The PG reorganized again and placed Alexandr Kerensky as prime minister. To reduce the support of the dangerously revolutionary Bolsheviks, Kerensky issued the arrests of many radicals, including Trotsky, and outed Lenin as a German agent. Although Lenin fled into hiding, the arrests showed how the PG was now counter-revolutionary and therefore not striving for socialism, adding grist to the Bolshevik cause.

18. The Dumas After the 1905 Russian Revolution, Tsar Nicholas II allowed the creation of the Duma, the first elected and representative governmental body. However, he limited the Duma's power with his 1906 Fundamental Laws and allowed Prime Minister Pyotr Stolypin to rig the third and fourth Duma elections to reduce socialist representation. Although the Duma was supposed to change Russia into a constitutional monarchy, the Tsar still held autocratic power. The failure to establish democratic systems in Russia lent support to the Bolshevik's proposals of a dictatorship of the proletariat and the overthrow of the Tsar. A duma is a Russian assembly with advisory or legislative functions.

19. Economic Issues The strain of the war, coupled with mismanagement of the economy, led to the collapse of the Russian economy. Inflation skyrocketed, and the value of the Russian ruble plummeted. The economic chaos further fueled popular discontent and anti-government sentiments. Russia was undergoing rapid industrialization, but the benefits were not evenly distributed. The majority of the population, particularly peasants, faced economic hardships and land shortages. The industrial working class, concentrated in urban areas, endured poor working conditions and low wages. The war disrupted agricultural production and transportation, resulting in food shortages and famine in urban areas. The prices of basic necessities soared, making it difficult for ordinary Russians to afford essential goods. The scarcity of food contributed to social unrest and increased dissatisfaction with the government. This economic inequality fueled dissatisfaction and support for radical solutions.

20. The Kornilov Revolt General Kornilov was a loyal Tsarist general of the Russian Army and began marching on Petrograd in August 1917. He defected against Prime Minister Kerensky and appeared to be preparing a coup d'état against the PG. Kerensky asked the Soviet to defend the PG, arming the Red Guard. It was a major embarrassment for the PG and showed their ineffective leadership. In September 1917, the Bolsheviks gained a majority in the Petrograd Soviet and, with the Red Guard armed after the Kornilov revolt, paved the way for a swift Bolshevik Revolution in October. The PG barely resisted the armed Red Guard when they stormed the Winter Palace, and the Revolution itself was relatively bloodless. However, what followed saw significant bloodshed.

21. Soviets and Workers' Councils The Soviets, which were workers' councils that emerged during the 1905 Revolution, played a crucial role in organizing opposition to the Tsarist regime. By 1917, the Soviets were powerful political entities that could mobilize workers, soldiers, and peasants. he early 20th century saw widespread dissatisfaction among Russian workers due to poor working conditions, low wages, and economic hardships. Workers' Councils, or Soviets, emerged as a response to these issues, providing a platform for workers to voice their concerns and collectively bargain for better conditions. The existence of the Provisional Government, which came to power after the February Revolution in 1917, did not fully address the socio-economic concerns of the working class. The Workers' Councils, or Soviets, operated alongside the Provisional Government, creating a dual power structure. The Soviets gained popularity among workers and soldiers due to their more direct representation and responsiveness to the needs of the working class.

22. Soviets and Workers' Councils The Bolsheviks, under the leadership of Lenin, recognized the potential of the Workers' Councils as a powerful tool for revolutionary change. They actively worked to gain influence within the Soviets, promoting the idea of "All Power to the Soviets" as a rallying cry for the working class to take control. The Bolsheviks, with the support of the Soviets, seized key points in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) in October 1917. The Red Guards, consisting of armed factory workers, played a crucial role in the revolution. The Second All-Russian Congress of Soviets, dominated by Bolshevik and Left Socialist Revolutionary delegates, ratified the transfer of power to the Soviets. In summary, the Workers' Councils, or Soviets, were seen as a cause in the Bolshevik Revolution because they provided a means for the working class to express their grievances, they operated parallel to the Provisional Government, and the Bolsheviks strategically aligned themselves with the Soviets to mobilize support for the overthrow of the existing government structures.

23. POP UP QUESTION

24. TIMELINE OF THE BOLSHEVIK REVOLUTION

25. Timeline of the Bolshevik Revolution 1917-1924 February March French Revolution (1917 ): The mostly liberal, bourgeois) Provisional Government (PG) assumed power. Tsar Nicholas II resigned. Petrograd Soviet was established. April Lenin returned to Petrograd and issued his April thesis outlining the Bolshevik agenda for socialist revolution. July The July days protests. Alexander Kerensky takes office as Prime Minister of the Provisional Government August The Kornilov Revolt. The Petrograd Soviet’s Red Guard was armed to protect the Provisional Government.

26. Timeline of the Bolshevik Revolution 1917-1924 September October Trotsky became chairman of the soviet gaining a Bolshevik majority. Bolshevik Revolution. Lenin became chairman of the council of People’s Commissioners, leading Russia’s new Soviet Government. November Lenin returned to Petrograd and issued his April thesis outlining the Bolshevik agenda for socialist revolution. December Following internal pressure in the CPC, Lenin agreed to allow some Left-Socialist Revolutionaries in the Soviet Government. They late resigned in protest of the March 1918 Treaty of Brest- Litosvk .

27. IMPACT OF THE BOLSHEVIK REVOLUTION

28. REHABILITATION OF THE COUNTRY'S SHATTERED PRODUCTIVE RESOURCES The resolution declared that the unions must undertake the chief burden of organizing production and of rehabilitating the country's shattered productive resources. It was in this spirit that it listed the most urgent tasks of the unions as being energetic participation in all central bodies regulating output. The organization of workers' control, the registration and redistribution of the labor force, the organization of exchange between town ad country, active participation in the demobilization of industry, the struggle against sabotage, the enforcement of the general obligation to work etc. was described as cells of the coming socialist social order, the order without political power.

29. THE FORMATION OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT OF THE BOLSHEVIK PARTY UNDER LENIN, WHICH WAS LATER KNOWN AS THE COMMUNIST PARTY The impact of hunger and civil war had thrust the soviet regime along a path of expediency which seemed also the path of socialism. This dual character of measures which were taken to meet an inescapable emergency and were at the same time the expression of communist principles was the essence of what came to be known later as "war communism." The coincidence was not accidental and was accepted by the Bolsheviks as an expression of the Marxist thesis that the principles enunciated by communists were scientifically deducible consequences of an objective situation .

30. DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD The decree issued three days after the October revolution making the municipal authorities responsible for the distribution of food, as well as other goods of prime necessity and for the control of food shops, restaurants, inns and flour mills in all towns of 10,000 inhabitants or over 2 was no more than a gesture; for, according to all the evidence, shortages were chiefly due not to inadequacies in distribution within the towns, but to failure of supplies to reach the towns from the country.

31. THE NATIONALIZATION OF THE BANKS AND THE ANNULMENT OF THE FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS OF PREVIOUS RUSSIAN GOVERNMENTS The sixth party congress of August 1917- the first to give any consideration to financial questions- called for the immediate cessation of the further issue of paper money and for various fiscal reforms, including a property tax, high indirect taxes on articles of luxury and a reform of the income tax. These last aspirations were to be regarded as moves to discredit the inactivity of the Provisional Government rather than as items in a positive program and no thought was given to ways and means of carrying them out. After the October Revolution, the first step was to give effect to the major demands for the nationalization of banks and annulment of debts.

32. POP UP QUESTION

33. MAP OF RUSSIA DURING THE BOLSHEVIK REVOLUTION

34. Map of Russia After the Bolshevik Revolution

35. THE END