The RUSSIAN Revolution, Explained [AP Euro Review—Unit 8 Topic 3]

Summary

The Russian Revolution of 1917, driven by political stagnation, social inequality, and disastrous involvement in World War I, marked a major turning point in history. Tsar Nicholas II’s failure to address these issues led to his abdication, and the Bolshevik faction, led by Vladimir Lenin, seized power. Promising 'Peace, Land, and Bread,' Lenin’s revolution resulted in the creation of the Soviet Union. Despite early economic struggles, Lenin’s New Economic Policy aimed to stabilize the country by introducing limited capitalism. The revolution not only transformed Russia but also had lasting global impacts, setting the stage for the rise of communism worldwide.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Russian Revolution was a pivotal event in European history, with massive long-term consequences.
• 😀 Russia’s participation in World War I amplified existing political, social, and economic problems.
• 😀 Political stagnation and dissatisfaction with Tsar Nicholas II were key factors leading to the revolution.
• 😀 Despite limited reforms after the 1905 revolution, Tsar Nicholas II's regime remained resistant to significant change.
• 😀 Social inequality, especially among peasants and workers, exacerbated discontent, despite the abolition of serfdom in 1861.
• 😀 Russia's incomplete industrialization left the military unprepared, contributing to severe shortages during World War I.
• 😀 The March Revolution of 1917 was triggered by food shortages and factory workers' protests, with women playing a major role.
• 😀 Tsar Nicholas II's attempt to quell the protests by commanding his troops backfired, as many soldiers joined the rebellion.
• 😀 The provisional government, led by the Duma, struggled to maintain control due to pressure from revolutionary Soviets.
• 😀 Lenin’s Bolsheviks, a more radical faction, seized the opportunity to overthrow the provisional government and establish a communist regime.

Q & A

What were the key problems in Russia leading up to the Russian Revolution?

Russia faced four key problems: political stagnation (especially after the failed 1905 revolution), social inequality (with a significant gap between the wealthy elites and the poor), incomplete industrialization (leading to shortages of basic supplies for troops), and food and land distribution issues, particularly among peasants.

How did World War I exacerbate Russia's internal issues?

World War I aggravated Russia's problems by draining resources, causing massive casualties, and highlighting the country's lack of industrial development. Troops were poorly equipped, which worsened morale and public opinion, especially when Tsar Nicholas II took direct command of the military despite his incompetence.

What triggered the March Revolution of 1917 in Russia?

The March Revolution was triggered by food shortages and rising prices, leading factory workers, many of whom were women, to protest. Nicholas II's absence from domestic matters and his attempt to quell the protests by force only escalated the situation, leading to widespread support for the protests and his eventual abdication.

What was the role of the Duma in the March Revolution?

The Duma, Russia's legislative body, seized control after Nicholas II's abdication. They formed a provisional government, but this government faced significant opposition, particularly from working-class councils known as Soviets, which represented the interests of the lower classes.

What were the key differences between the Mensheviks and the Bolsheviks?

The Mensheviks were more moderate, supporting a socialist state through a parliamentary democracy. The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, were more radical and sought a violent overthrow of the tsarist regime and Western capitalism, advocating for a more immediate and revolutionary approach to socialism.

What were the key points of Lenin's April Theses?

Lenin's April Theses called for 'Peace, Land, and Bread,' advocating for Russia's withdrawal from World War I, the redistribution of land to peasants, and worker control of production. He also called for all power to be transferred to the Soviets.

How did the Bolsheviks seize power in November 1917?

In November 1917, Lenin led the Bolsheviks in a relatively bloodless coup to overthrow the Provisional Government. This event marked the start of Bolshevik rule in Russia, which would eventually lead to the creation of the Soviet Union.

Why did Lenin negotiate a peace settlement with Germany in 1918?

Lenin negotiated a peace settlement with Germany, giving up substantial Russian territory, because his primary focus was on establishing a communist state in Russia. He believed that the spread of Soviet communism worldwide was more important than holding onto the land lost in the peace settlement.

What was the New Economic Policy (NEP), and why did Lenin introduce it?

The New Economic Policy (NEP), introduced in 1921, allowed some capitalist measures to revive Russia's economy after the devastation of war and revolution. It permitted private ownership of small businesses and farms while the state retained control of larger enterprises. Lenin believed this would stabilize the economy temporarily before fully transitioning to a socialist system.

How did Lenin's New Economic Policy contradict his earlier revolutionary goals?

The NEP contradicted Lenin's earlier goals of establishing a fully communist society by allowing limited capitalism, which was seen as a necessary compromise to stabilize Russia's economy. Lenin believed that introducing capitalism temporarily would help pave the way for a more complete socialist revolution later on, although this was seen as 'cutting corners' in his original plan.

How did the Russian Civil War contribute to the establishment of the Soviet Union?

The Russian Civil War, which began shortly after the Bolshevik takeover, was fought between the Bolshevik 'Reds' and various anti-Bolshevik 'Whites' and their allies, including foreign intervention. Despite facing significant opposition, the Bolsheviks, under Lenin and Trotsky, eventually emerged victorious. This victory led to the consolidation of power and the formal establishment of the Soviet Union by 1922.