Russia Moved Toward Revolution

Life for the Peasants Under the Czars: What was it Like?

TWO WORDS:

NOT GOOD!!!

Revolutionaries Seek Change

Social Revolutionaries

VS.

Social Democrats

Who Are They?Social Revolutionaries

• Believed that peasants would revolt against the government

• wanted land to be distributed fairly

Social Democrats

• Believed urban workers would revolt against the government

• Wanted everyone to share in society’s wealth

Social Democrats Split

Menshevisks

VS.

Bolsheviks

Differing BeliefsMensheviks• means “minority” • wanted to bring about change in Russia gradually• larger following than Bolsheviks

Bolsheviks• means “majority”• wanted to bring about change quickly• led by Vladimir Lenin

Lenin Leads the Bolsheviks• Believed that working class was too small

and too poorly educated to stage a revolution.

• Argued that a small group of Marxists should take charge of government until the people were ready to take charge of society themselves.

Czars Lose Power - Why?Russo-Japanese War

– Nicholas II - Declared war on Japan in 1904– Russia lost badly

Revolution of 1905– Workers asked for better working conditions, more personal

freedom, elected national legislature. (Peaceful gathering)– Bloody Sunday - 500 - 1000 people killed

Formation of Duma (Russian Parliament)– Created it but then got rid of it.

Romanov Rule Ends

1914 - World War I begins and Russia goes to war with Austria and Germany

1915 - Nicholas II puts his wife Alexandra in charge of government

The Rule of the Czar Comes to an End

• Alexandra listened to Rasputin - considered to be a holy man because he seemed to cure their son of hemophilia

• Rasputin told Alexandra - “Resist Reform!”

• 1917 - Bread riots & soldiers refuse to fight anymore - Nicholas forced to leave

NOW WHAT???

Essay Question: Due Wednesday

• What was life like in Russia under Lenin? Under Stalin? Did the people of Russia benefit under either ruler? Explain (50 points, Typed, Formal Essay)