Russian Revolution Lesson: Causes, Events, and Impact

Lesson Overview

• Background: Russia Before the Revolution
• Causes of the Russian Revolution
• Major Events of the Revolution
• Key Figures of the Revolution
• Important Concepts
• Impact of the Revolution
• Study Tips & Memory Aids
• Sample Questions with Explanations

The Russian Revolution of 1917 marked a turning point in world history, leading to the collapse of the Romanov dynasty and the rise of the world's first communist government. The revolution reshaped Russian society, politics, and the global order, setting the stage for the Soviet Union's rise as a superpower.

Understanding this revolution provides insight into how social inequalities, war, and ineffective leadership can fuel radical change.

Background: Russia Before the Revolution

Russia's late industrialization created economic and social tensions. While it became a major steel producer, factory workers endured harsh conditions, long hours, low wages, and child labor. The majority of Russians were still peasants struggling to survive. The Trans-Siberian Railroad, completed in 1916, helped connect distant regions but did not alleviate widespread discontent.

Causes of the Russian Revolution

Several major crises exposed weaknesses in the Tsar's rule:

1. Bloody Sunday (1905): Peaceful protesters demanding reforms were shot by the Tsar's guards, igniting national outrage.
2. Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905): Russia's defeat humiliated the government and weakened public confidence.
3. World War I (1914–1918): Russia suffered massive casualties, food shortages, and economic collapse, leading to widespread anger.

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World History - Russian Revolution

Major Events of the Revolution

February Revolution (March 1917)

• Started with protests over food shortages in Petrograd.
• The Tsar's soldiers joined protesters, leading to Nicholas II's abdication.
• The Provisional Government was formed but failed to withdraw from WWI.

October Revolution (November 1917)

• Led by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks.
• Overthrew the Provisional Government.
• Established a communist state with "Peace, Land, and Bread" as its promise.

Key Figures of the Revolution

Important Concepts

Impact of the Revolution

• End of Monarchy: The Tsarist regime was permanently abolished.

• Rise of Communism: The Soviet Union was established, influencing global politics.

• Cold War Origins: The revolution created ideological tensions between communism and capitalism.

• Social Changes: Peasants gained land, and workers had greater rights, though freedoms remained restricted under Bolshevik rule.

Study Tips & Memory Aids

• Use a Timeline: Plot major events from 1905 to 1921.
• Acronyms for Causes: Use "BRW" – Bloody Sunday, Russo-Japanese War, World War I.
• Slogan Recall: Remember Lenin's "Peace, Land, and Bread" as key policies.
• Compare to Other Revolutions: How does Russia's revolution compare to the French or American revolutions?

Sample Questions with Explanations

1. As Russia was industrializing, it created a large amount of ______.
2. The Trans-Siberian Railroad was built to move more quickly across Russia. (True/False?)
3. What were working conditions like for Russian workers before the revolution?
4. The _______ was the average worker in Russia.
5. Which crises led to the revolution?
6. The first Russian Parliament, established by Nicholas II, was called the ______.
7. Who was the mystic advisor to the Tsar's family, later assassinated?
8. Which revolution led to the establishment of the Provisional Government?
9. The two main rival factions during the revolution were the ______ and the ______.
10. Local councils that had more influence than the government were called ______.

Answers & Explanations

1. Steel – Russia's economy focused on heavy industry to modernize.
2. True – It improved transportation and trade across the vast nation.
3. Harsh conditions, long hours, child labor, and low wages – Workers faced extreme exploitation.
4. Proletariat – The industrial working class.
5. Bloody Sunday, Russo-Japanese War, and World War I – These events weakened the monarchy and fueled unrest.
6. Duma – It had limited power and was eventually dissolved.
7. Rasputin – A mystic who influenced the royal family.
8. February Revolution – Led to the formation of the Provisional Government.
9. Bolsheviks and Mensheviks – Two socialist factions with different revolutionary strategies.
10. Soviets – Councils that held local power during the revolution.

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World History - Russian Revolution