1. Pre-revolutionary Russia was an absolute autocracy led by Czar Nicholas II who believed he was appointed by God to rule. 2. The population was divided between the very rich and very poor serfs, who worked long hours for landlords in exchange for small housing and land, with most of their crops going to taxes. 3. Growing unrest led to riots and protests against the Csar's rule, especially after Russia's poor performance in World War I caused further hardships from casualties, shortages and an ineffective government. 4. Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks seized power in 1917, overthrowing the provisional government and establishing the Soviet Union with communism.

1. The Russian Revolution Unit 4b Notes

2. Pre-Revolutionary Russia Only true autocracy left in Europe Nicholas II became last Russian czar in 1884 He believed he was the absolute ruler anointed by God

3. Buddy Check #1 Discuss the following questions with your buddy and then answer them on your graphic organizer. After the lesson, you will have few minutes to glue them in your Interactive Notebook. What does the word “autocracy” mean? What type of government system would an autocracy most likely fall under?

4. Russia’s Serfs (Peasants): Russia was divided into 2 groups—the very rich and the very poor (serfs) In exchange for working long hours for a landlord, a serf received a small log hut, a tiny piece of land, and a few animals. Most of the serfs’ crops went to pay the landlord’s taxes. Anyone who resisted the rules was beaten with a leather and wire whip. Many tried to escape, but few succeeded.

5. Buddy Check #2 What were the poor people (peasants) in Russia called? What did they receive for working long hours for a landlord? Did they get to keep the profits from all of their crops?

6. Serfs

7. “ Bloody Sunday” 1905: Russia lost a war with Japan This angered many serfs and workers January 22 nd : thousands of people marched on the Winter Palace to ask Czar Nicholas for reforms Palace troops shot people in the crowd; this became known as “Bloody Sunday” More and more riots began to occur after this…

9. The Effects of World War I 1914: Russia entered World War I and did not do well Millions of soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing, people suffered severe food shortages, Soldiers did not have enough clothes, shoes, or weapons

10. Buddy Check #3 Why did Russia enter WWI? What does the term “alliance” mean? What was the name of the alliance that Russia was a part of? What other countries were in that alliance?

11. The Effects of World War I Czar Nicholas ignored the signs that people were unhappy He was seen as a weak man & became increasingly remote as a ruler He did not see that changes were needed in the way that his country was run Numerous soviets thus began to appear on the scene…

12. Time for a Change Early 1917—there were riots in the streets Women, factory workers, and farmers demanded a change Groups greatly outnumbered the police & the military could not keep the peace Czar Nicholas was forced to give up his throne, and a weak government took over Czar & his family were captured

13. Buddy Check #4 What does the word “riot” mean? Why were the people rioting?

15. The Revolution Spreads…

16. Opening of the Duma “ Duma” = Russian Congress There were 3 attempts to make the Duma work, but each was too radical & still favored only the wealthiest Russians In the end, there were just too many problems Time for another revolution…

18. Lenin Brings Communism to Russia 1917: Vladimir Lenin pushed the weak government aside and Communists took control of Russia The name of the Lenin’s followers were called “The Bolshevik’s” Czar Nicholas & his family were executed Lenin reorganized the country and named it the Soviet Union

19. Video Clip: Lenin and The Bolsheviks Lenin and the Bolshevik Party [01:07]

21. Why Communism? A theory that says the government should own the farms and factories for the benefit of all the citizens Everyone should share the work equally and receive an equal share of the rewards Appealed greatly to many Russians (split between rich and poor) Lenin promised that communism would bring fairness and equality to ALL Russians…

22. Buddy Check #5 What was the “Duma”? What was the name of Lenin’s followers called? What happened to the Czar Nicholas and his family? Was communism the answer to Russia’s problems? What do you think?