The Russian Revolution of 1917: Causes and Divisions - 7 Flashcards
(11 cards)
Who was the ruler of Russia in 1913 and what did his empire look like?
Tsar Nicholas II ruled Russia, which stretched over 4,000 miles and had around 130 million people.
What happened in February 1913 in Russia?
Russians celebrated 300 years of Romanov rule. St. Petersburg was decorated and filled with excitement.
What caused discontent during WWI in Russia?
Millions of soldiers died; food shortages and poverty grew; many were bitter and angry.
What major event happened in March 1917?
Workers in St. Petersburg protested; Tsar’s soldiers refused to fire on them and joined the revolution.
What is the difference between a demonstration and a revolution?
A demonstration is a protest; a revolution is a complete change in power or system.
What did Tsar Nicholas II do on 16 March 1917?
He abdicated (gave up the throne); a Provisional Government took over.
What did people do after the Tsar abdicated?
People across Russia celebrated; tsar statues were destroyed.
Who returned to Russia in April 1917 and what party did he lead?
Lenin returned and led the Bolsheviks.
What did the Bolsheviks believe in?
Communism – equality, land for peasants, shared ownership of factories, and ending the war.
What happened in October 1917?
The Bolsheviks seized power and began creating a communist state.
Why were Russians so divided in 1917?
Some supported the Bolsheviks and change; others opposed communism. The civil war (1918–1921) followed.
