Russian Revolution for AC

Introduction:

  1. What was the significance of the first revolution?

The abdication of Nicholas II and an establishment of a provisional government in his replace.

  1. What was the significance of the second revolution?
    The Bolsheviks took over and the provisional government was thrown out.

RUSSIAN REVOLUTION: BACKGROUND

  1. Who was leading the government prior to 1917?
    Czar Nicholas II
  2. Why had people lost faith in Nicholas II?(4 reasons)
    The government was seen, and was, corrupt. The Russian economy was suffering because it was not as industrialized as the rest of the world. The Czar repeatedly got rid of the Duma that was the people’s elected legislative body.
  3. What was the difference between Russia and Germany?
    Germany was far more advanced than Russia. Russia had the advantage of a much larger population. However, Germany was a lot more industrialized than Russia.

FEBRUARY REVOLUTION: 1917

  1. When was the FebruaryRevolution? Why was it not in February?
    Russia, at the time followed the Julian calendar. Therefore, the revolt started in March. However, it is called the February Revolution.
  2. What were the protestors originally asking for?
    The protesters wanted bread which was their immediate problem.
  3. What are some actions taken by the protestors during their protest?
    The protesters destroyed police stations.
  4. How did the Government respond on March 11th? What did Czar Nicholas do?
    The government sent in troops to stop the uprising and shot many of the protesters. However, this caused many of the troops to waver on their beliefs. Many of the troops became sympathetic to the cause.
  5. What actions did the military take on March 12th?
    Many of the troops switched sides and started to support the soviets. Many elected officials to the Petrograd Soviet.
  6. Look up Petrograd Soviet and define it.
    The Petrograd soviet was an organized body to counteract the provisional government. The two governing bodies existed at the time and competed for power.
  7. After the Imperial Government resigned, what two groups were competing for power?
    Petrograd Soviet and the Provisional Government.
  8. What was Order No. 1?
    This was an order to the military from the Petrograd Soviet, that the soldiers should not follow orders from the Provisional Government if it conflicts with the Petrograd Government. This shows that while the two governments were operating at the same time, it showed that it was not going to last and eventually the military would have to make a decision.
  9. What happened on March 15th? What was Michael’s reaction?
    Nicholas the II abdicated the throne to his brother Michael. He refused to take it. It is unclear of the exact reason why but he refused to take the throne. However, it could have been that he was predicting the future and saw the end of the dynasty. It also could have been because his girlfriend was non-royalty and he would have had to leave her behind. Either way, he was imprisoned and executed after the Revolution.

BOLSHEVIK REVOLUTION: 1917

  1. What happened on November 6th an 7th?
    Linin with the Bolsheviks take over the government buildings in Petrograd and stop the Provisional government.
  2. Who did the Red army have to defeat before they could take full control?
    They had to defeat the pro Czarist “White” army.
  3. What was the name of the country that they formed?
    The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)