Aim: What were the causes of the Russian Revolution

Mr. McEntarfer * Global IV* HSLPS

Do Now: What do you think this symbol means?

The Hammer is A symbol of the factory

workers.

The Sickle is a symbol of the farmers.

Why was this symbol put on the flag of the new Russian nation, renamed the Soviet Union, after the Revolution?

Instructional Objectives• We will be able to:

– Describe the causes of the Russian Revolution

– Explain the changes brought about by the Russian Revolution.

Agenda:

• Do Now

• Discuss Causes of Revolution

• J.A.I.L

• Lenin’s Promise

• Play

• Summary

Setting the Stage

• The Russian Revolution was like a bomb with a long fuse. The explosion came in 1917, but the fuse had been burning for years. For a century the oppressive rule of the czars promoted revolt and assassination.

Causes of Revolution

• Nationalism • Social Injustice• Economic Distress• Unpopular Methods of Rule• Enlightenment Ideas

The Russian Revolution put the Czar in J.A.I.L

J – Japan humiliates Russia in the Russo-Japanese War.

• Japan crushed Russia destroying their navy and taking over territory in the East. The Russian people are embarrassed and blamed the Czar.– Which cause of Revolutions would make the Russian people

want to revolt after losing a war?– Nationalism– Unpopular Methods of Rule

Where was this published. Why was it published?

The Russo-Japanese War:The Russo-Japanese War:1904-19051904-1905

The Russo-Japanese War:The Russo-Japanese War:1904-19051904-1905

The The Battle of TsushimaBattle of Tsushima::The results startled the world!The results startled the world!

A - A Lot of Military Losses During WWI

• Losing battles, millions dying because Russian soldiers will poorly prepared and lead for a cause many did not understand. Two casualties by 1915.– Which cause of revolutions would make large

numbers of soldiers want to revolt after numerous defeats?

• Nationalism • Unpopular Methods of Rule

World War I

Why did entering World War I prove devastating for Nicholas?

I – Incompetence of Czar Nicholas the II

• The Czar could not solve food and fuel shortages.

• The Czar had his soldiers open fire on civilians protesting outside his palace creating a massacre “Bloody Sunday”

– What cause of revolution would make the people want to revolt because of an incompetent Czar and food shortages?

• Unpopular Methods of Rule • Economic Distress

Bloody Sunday

How would people feel about the government if soldiers opened fire on protesters here?

L - Landless Peasants Want Land• The peasants worked the land, but didn’t

own it.

– What causes of Revolution would make landless peasants want to revolt?

• Economic Distress • Social Injustice

J.A.I.L Leads to Revolution of 1917

• Causes– Nationalism – Social Injustice– Economic Distress– Unpopular Methods of Rule– Enlightenment Ideas

Lenin• Lenin’s Party - Bolsheviks

• Lenin believed in – Socialism

• Lenin’s Promise: Peace, Land and Bread. – What cause of revolution would make Russians

want to revolt after hearing Lenin’s new ideas?• Enlightenment Ideas.

Germany’s secret weapon was Lenin. They sent him in a sealed rail car from exile in Austria to Russia where he immediately started talking revolution.

Why did the Germans send Lenin to Russia?

Upon his arrival Lenin began speaking out against the war and

the provisional government.

Peace, land and Bread!!!

Why did Lenin’s message of peace, land and bread appeal to the Russian peasants and

workers?

Power to the people! Factory workers and

farmers rise up! Peace, land and bread!

Political Cartoon

• According to this poster what is another one of Lenin’s goals?

• Effects– Russia becomes USSR (Soviet Union). The

first communist country.– WWI – Russia drops out of the war– Lenin’s Plan –

• Forced Socialism (Communism) – Redistribute the wealth and land. Bring all industry and property under the control of the government with public ownership.

• NEP – New Economic Plan – Include a little bit of capitalism to get the economy going.

Czar and his family are killed

• Why did Lenin have the Czar and his family killed?

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

• According to the treaty with Germany Russia had to give up massive amounts of territory. It was the only way that Lenin could fulfill his promise of peace.

What does this map tell us about how Russia was

doing in the war with Germany?

Activity

• Read the Play “What was Life Like in Czarist Russia”?– Players

• Ivana Break • Ufis• Lifis Tuff• No Nameski

Answer questions from play

Summary Questions:

• What are the causes of Revolution?• How did the Russo-Japanese War lead to

revolution?• How was the Czar an ineffective ruler?• How did WW1 contribute to the Russian

Revolution?• What did Lenin promise the people of

Russia?• What changes did Lenin make in Russia

Homework: Handout on Russian Revolution.