Essay

Mensheviks The Russian Marxists split into two groups over revolutionary tactics. Mensheviks were a more moderate group. They wanted a more, broad base of popular support during the revolution. Bolsheviks The Russian Revolution of 1917 is also called the Bolshevik Revolution or the October Revolution. Bolshevik Red Guards took government offices and arrested leaders of the Provisional Government. After signing the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, they faced a new challenge, stamping out their enemies at home. Communism Bolsheviks renamed their party the Communist Party. The name came from the writings of Karl Marks. He used the name communism to describe the classless society that would exist after workers have seized pwer. In 1924, the Communists created a constitution based on socialist and democratic principles. In reality the Communists held all the power. [pic] Karl Marx Karl Marx believed that history was the story of class struggle. The struggle Marx saw was between capitalists and the proletariat, or the workers. Marx used the word communism to describe a classless society that would exist after workers have seized power. He saw communism as an end result of essential historical process. The Revolution would end with the communal ownership of wealth. [pic] Bloody Sunday On January 22, 1905, 200,000 workers and their families were heading towards the czar’s winter palace. They carried a petition asking for better working conditions, more personal freedom, and an elected national legislature. Nicholas II’s generals ordered to fire on the crowd. 1,000 plus people were wounded and several hundred people were killed. Russians quickly named the event “Bloody Sunday.” [pic] Rasputin While Nicholas II, moved his headquarters to the war front, Czarina Alexandra, fell under the influence of Rasputin. Rasputin was a mysterious man, self-described himself as a Holy-Man. Rasputin claimed he had magical healing powers. Czarina’s son suffered from hemophilia, a life threatening disease. Rasputin eased the boys symptoms, and in return Czarina allowed Rasputin to make key political decicions. [pic] Vladimir Lenin Lenin was the major leader of the Bolsheviks. His engaging personality made him an excellent organizer, and was also ruthless. Those traits soon helped the ability to gain command of the Bolsheviks. Lenin fled to western Europe to avoid arrest by the czarist regime. He still had contact with the Bolsheviks and waited till he could safely return. Reforms of the Revolution Nationalism Lenin organized Russian into several self-governing government republics under the central government. In 1922, the country was named the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in honor of the councils. The Bolsheviks The Bolsheviks renamed their party the communist party. They created a constitution based on socialist and democratic principles. Capitalism Lenin resorted to a small-scale version of capitalism called the New Economic Policy (NEP). The reforms under the NEP allowed peasants to sell their crops instead of turning them over to the government. Reasons for Revolution in 1917 Czar Nicholas II Czar Nicholas II, came to the Russian throne before he was ready or willing, showing little expertise at handling affairs of state. World War I World War I was an unpopular war in Russia. There was a huge loss of life and few victories. Few soldiers understood why they were fighting. Economy Russia faced famine in years leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917. Peasants were starving and unhappy, even Lenin recognized it. Rasputin Rasputin had an incredible influence over the Czarina, and political decisions. Rasputin convinced Czarina to hire inexperienced officials, and was distrusted by both Russian nobility and peasants. Expectations Many Urban and rural workers began to expect more freedoms and observations of human rights. Bolshevik and other political party members stirred up social unrest. The Duma was dissolved without any real consideration from the Czar. March Revolution In March 1917, Women textile workers led a city wide strike. In the next five days, riots flared up over shortages of bread and fuel. 200,000 workers swarmed the streets shouting, “down with the autocracy!” and “Down with the war!” Soldiers first were going along with there orders to shoot them but realized they ere going to kill a bunch of women, then they sided with them. The March revolution forced Czar Nicholas II to abdicate is throne. Soviets Bolshevik leaders seen nationalism as a threat to unity and party loyalty. To keep nationalism in check, Lenin organized Russia into many self-governing republics. Then the country was named the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), to honor councils that helped launched the Bolshevik Revolution. Results of Communist Revolution of 1917 The Russian Revolution created a national issue. It killed many people, and changed peoples lives. As much as 15 million lives were taken. Vladimir Lenin died and Joseph Stalin was brought up. Joseph Stalin took over the Communist Party. Joseph Stalin continued to rule Russia. Stalin controlled certain positions of power.