The 1917 Revolution (Communist Revolution)

• Communism:
  • Developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, advocating for the abolition of private property and a classless society.

  • Marx divided society into the rich (capitalists) and poor (proletariat) and encouraged the workers to rise against exploitation.

• Causes of the 1917 Revolution:
  • Impact of World War I: Russia lost many soldiers, and the economy suffered due to high costs and lack of resources.

  • Peasant Grievances: Extreme poverty and land issues angered peasants.

  • Industrial Workers’ Issues: Poor working conditions and low wages led to protests.

  • Rasputin’s Influence: Tsarina Alexandra was heavily influenced by Rasputin, who caused discontent with his behavior and influence on the government.

  • Weak Leadership: The Tsar was seen as ineffective, and the Duma was controlled by him with little power for reforms.

5. The March 1917 Revolution

• Revolutionary Events: Workers and students rioted due to poor conditions. The army refused to suppress the protests and joined the revolt.

• Tsar Abdicates: On March 15, 1917, Tsar Nicholas II abdicated after failing to control the protests. The monarchy ended.

• Provisional Government: A temporary government was formed, but there were no immediate plans to replace the Tsar’s leadership structure.

6. Key Terms and Concepts

• Duma: A parliamentary body created by Tsar Nicholas II after the 1905 Revolution, but with limited power.

• Soviets: Councils formed by workers and soldiers during the 1917 Revolution.

• Rasputin: A controversial monk who influenced the royal family, causing public discontent.

Summary of the Russian Revolution

• 1905 Revolution: Failed to overthrow the Tsar but forced some reforms.

1917 Revolution: Led to the abdication of the Tsar and the beginning of the Communist rule under Lenin. The monarchy ended, and Russia moved towards a socialist state.

The 1917 Communist Revolution

• Ideology: Communism as a classless system advocated by Karl Marx.
• Causes:
  1. World War I’s impact, leading to troop losses and food shortages.
  2. Peasant grievances regarding land ownership.
  3. Poor conditions for industrial workers.
  4. Repressive policies and discontent with the Czar and Rasputin’s influence.

The Revolution’s Progression

• Workers and students united against the Czar.
• Army sided with protestors; Czar Nicholas II abdicated on March 15, 1917.
• Formation of soviets (councils) to establish a new government structure.

Solutions Post-Revolution

• Formation of a Provisional Government to lead until elections could be held.

Provisional Government

• Formation: Established on March 14, 1917, after Czar abdication, led by Prince Lvov.
• Composition: Included ex-Duma members and the Petrograd Soviet.
• Main Issues:
  • War continuation vs. peace for nation-building.
  • Land redistribution vs. delaying for a proper government.
  • Food supply for cities.

Alexander Kerensky’s Promises

1. Immediate elections with voting rights for all.
2. Increased land for peasants and better pay for workers.
3. A renewed military campaign against Germany.

Reasons for Failure

1. Lenin’s Return: Influenced support for Bolsheviks.
2. War Continuation: Angered populace due to war hardships.
3. Election Delays: Eroded trust in the government.
4. Land Issues: Peasant unrest due to land seizures.
5. Hyperinflation: Enabled Bolshevik promises to resonate.
6. Worker Discontent: Poor working conditions and no wage increases.
7. Power Division: Confusion between the Provisional Government and Soviets.