The document summarizes the history of Russia leading up to the Russian Revolution in 1917. It describes the authoritarian rule of the Czars from Ivan the Terrible to Nicholas II, and the social and economic problems facing Russia at the time, including peasant uprisings and involvement in World War I. The revolution occurred when Nicholas II abdicated the throne in February 1917 due to public unrest. A provisional government took over but faced opposition from the Bolsheviks led by Vladimir Lenin, who seized power in October 1917 and established communist rule, taking Russia out of World War I.

1. A Changing Russia Why did the Russian Revolution occur and how did it impact WWI?

2. Russia Before Lenin and StalinCzarist Russia Czar (Csar, Tsar, Tzar) is a play on the word Caesar from Roman times. Russia is the new Roman Empire. Ivan the Terrible (Reign 1533-1584) – “Created” Russia after the expulsion of the Mongolians by uniting many groups under one ruler. Peter the Great (Reign 1682-1725) – Westernized Russia by… Changing customs such as dress and appearance. Built St. Petersburg Sought a warm water port (ongoing saga for Russia) Catherine the Great (Reign 1762-1796) – “Enlightened Ruler” that publically encouraged discussion and philosophy, but still held a grip on the nation. Modern Autocracy Abolition of serfdom = Russia is modern! Emancipation Decree of 1861 “Slavophiles” - Preserving Russia’s traditional culture, rejected Westernization Some pushed for continued “Westernization” - science, technology, education, possible democracy Expansion - pressed east, south along Silk Road, did not assimilate other cultures

3. Nicholas IIBecame Czar in 1884.Russo - Japanese War was a failure for him.Many individuals wanted wealth and land, but little was allowed.Modernization was rare, manual labor done by animals in other countries was still done by man.Some peasants amassed in the cities, only to find dangerous industrial jobs for little pay. A short revolution occurred in 1905 that was not organized, but it did scare Nicholas into creating a constitution and a parliament called the Duma.WWI involvement was especially hazardous for Russia. Nicholas II was not a good general.While he was away, the mystic monk Rasputin tended to his sick son. Many believed he was controlling the czar's wife so he was assassinated.

4. Russian Revolution – Weak Czar to Weak RepublicBelieving the war was pointless and that there was a political vacuum, many turned to the various political parties for guidance. February 23, 1917: International Women’s Day (Petrograd), women marching joined by military, Nicholas abdicates and Communist follower Vladimir Lenin returns from exile to guide the Bolshevik party to power. Provisional government (mostly middle-class leaders in Duma) took over.Petrograd Soviet (council) - Claimed to be legitimate power, desired a negotiated settlement with Germany and Austria

5. Russian Revolution – Lenin and the Bolsheviks Bolsheviks attacked Provisional government in October Revolution (1917)With Bolsheviks in power, they moved against all political opposition.They negotiated a separate treaty with Germany, ending the violence and supplying natural resources such as coal. Supposedly, lower Bolshevik officials had the royal family killed.