The Russian Revolution

BackgroundThe Russian RevolutionIvan the TerribleRuled in the 16th CenturyThe First Tsar of RussiaTransformed Russia from medieval state into huge multi-ethnic empireAbsolutist governmentCompensated nobles (decreasing their power) by increasing their control over the peopleHe creates Serfdom similar to feudalism where the farm laborers belong to the Local Lord

The Serfs of RussiaSerf represented over 95% of the Russian population in the 19th CenturyThe Tsars had increasingly taken away any rights that they hadBy the 19th century, they were basically salvesRussia had the highest poverty and illiteracy rates in EuropeWhile the rest of Europe was struggling with Liberalism and the impacts of the enlightenment the Tsars still ruled with absolute power and divine right

The Decembrist RevoltIn 1825, a group of young Military officers The Decembrists attempt to prevent the coronation of Tsar Nicolas the 1st Crushed by Nicolas who become violent and reactionary towards his own peopleAllowed no political reform

Alexander the 2ndNicolas was replaced by Alexander IIAlexander realized the backwards nature of his nation and wished to initiate reformHe rapidly industrialized the country, abolished serfdom and conquered land all the way to the pacific oceanRussia faced an immense amount of challenge the social upheaval of industrialization, the transformation of the countryside and dozens of new ethnicities were brought into the nationUnhappy peasants, unhappy working class and nationalist revolts were typical of Alexanders ReignHe was forced to become repressive to hold the country togetherHe was assassinated in 1880 by revolutionaries just before his greatest reform the DUMA a British style Parliament

Nicholas the 2nd Indecisive, weak and lacking leadership skillsInherited a country full of problems1905, absolutely embarrassed by the loss of the Russo-Japanese warThe country lost confidence in his leadership.

Nicholas Reign1905 Revolution started when over 100 workers and a priest were killed by police during a protest lead to political terrorism, strikes, peasant revolts and mutiniesIn response, Nicholas allowed a Duma.However, the revolution ended when Russian Prime Minister Pyotr Stolypin hanged 1000+ people.Nicholas left much of the governing to Stolypin, he was distracted by his sons Hemophelia.

Background to the Russian RevBackwards political system: Russia was autocratic, Duma was weak, unorganized, politically divided and meddled with by the Tsar.Weak Leadership: Nicholas constantly fell under the influence of conservative elements in Russian society.Terrorism: Several Russian political groups and secret societies used terrorism to accomplish goals in the early part of the 20th century. Stolypin was one of many Russian officials who were murderedViolence used against the people: Cossacks used against protesters, thousands hanged throughout country.RasputinGrigori Rasputinhealer, monk and mystic from Siberia. Heavy drinker, ladys man and public embarrassment.Became the personal confidant and advisor to Alexandra the TsarinaAlexandra was convinced he was a miracle worker who was helping her son.Further discredited Tsar. Rumors of sexual relations between Rasputin and Alexandra destroyed the Tsars creditability.