RUSSIA DEPTH STUDY NOTES (FINAL ONES)

Tsar Nicholas II and the Lead-Up to Revolution

• Tsar Nicholas II’s Rule:

o Ruled from 1894-1917, focusing on autocratic rule with minimal political reform.
o Lack of significant political or social changes contributed to widespread discontent.
o The Tsar failed to adapt to the needs of a rapidly changing society, which led to
political opposition.
• The 1905 Revolution:
o January 22, 1905: Bloody Sunday—peaceful protesters were fired upon by Tsar’s
troops, sparking widespread unrest.
o The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) led to military defeats, worsening public
dissatisfaction.
o The 1905 Revolution forced the Tsar to issue the October Manifesto in October
1905, promising limited reforms, a constitution, and the creation of the Duma
(parliament), but it didn’t address core issues like land reform or workers’ rights.
• WWI and Tsar Nicholas II’s Decline:
o 1914-1917: Russia’s involvement in World War I had catastrophic effects on the
economy and morale.
o Military defeats and huge casualties contributed to widespread disillusionment
with the Tsar’s leadership.
o Tsarina Alexandra’s reliance on Rasputin further damaged the monarchy's
credibility.

The February Revolution (1917)

• Start of the Revolution:

o February 1917: Strikes, food shortages, and protests broke out in Petrograd (now
St. Petersburg).
o March 8, 1917: International Women’s Day protests triggered mass strikes and
protests in the capital.
o March 12, 1917: Soldiers mutinied, refusing to suppress protests. The situation
became uncontrollable.
• Abdication of Tsar Nicholas II:
o March 15, 1917: Tsar Nicholas II abdicated after losing support from both the army
and the public.
 o This marked the end of the Romanov dynasty (over 300 years of rule).
• Provisional Government Takes Control:
o After the Tsar’s abdication, a Provisional Government was formed, led by Prince
Lvov and later Kerensky.
o The Provisional Government promised a democratic future but lacked the power
and support to carry out its reforms.

The Provisional Government Under Kerensky

• Kerensky's Rise to Power:

o March 1917: Alexander Kerensky, a member of the Socialist Revolutionary Party,
became a key figure in the Provisional Government.
o Kerensky’s Goals: He aimed to continue Russia’s involvement in WWI and promote
political reforms.
• Challenges Faced by Kerensky:
o Lack of Support from Key Groups: The Provisional Government struggled to gain
support from workers, peasants, and soldiers.
o Kerensky's decision to continue fighting in WWI made him increasingly unpopular.
o The Dual Power situation: The Provisional Government had to share power with
the Soviets (workers' councils), which were dominated by more radical socialist
groups like the Bolsheviks.
o Kerensky had to ironically rely on the Bolsheviks to defeat the coup started by
General Kornilov

Bolshevik Revolution and the October Revolution (1917)

• Rise of the Bolsheviks:

o April 1917: Lenin returned to Russia from exile and pushed for a Bolshevik
takeover, with the slogan "Peace, Land, and Bread."
o The Bolsheviks gained influence, especially among soldiers and workers, as their
message resonated with the ongoing dissatisfaction.
• Kerensky's Weaknesses and the Bolshevik Seizure of Power:
o July 1917: Kerensky faced an attempted coup from the Kornilov Affair, but the
failure to suppress it led to his weakened position.
o October 1917 (Julian calendar): The Bolshevik Revolution took place, with Lenin
and the Bolshevik Party seizing control of key government institutions in
Petrograd.
 • The October Revolution:
o On October 25, 1917, the Bolsheviks seized the Winter Palace, leading to the
downfall of the Provisional Government.
o The Bolsheviks took full control of the government, with Lenin as leader.

The Russian Civil War (1917-1922)

• Bolshevik Consolidation of Power:

o After the October Revolution, the Bolsheviks moved quickly to consolidate power
by disbanding the Constituent Assembly in January 1918.
o The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (March 1918) was signed with Germany, taking Russia
out of WWI but at a high territorial cost.
• Civil War Between Reds and Whites:
o 1918-1922: A civil war broke out between the Red Army (Bolsheviks) and the White
Army (anti-Bolshevik forces, including monarchists, liberals, and foreign
interventionists).
o The war resulted in widespread destruction and casualties but ultimately ended in
Bolshevik victory.
• Bolshevik Victory and the Establishment of the USSR:
o The Red Army, led by figures like Leon Trotsky, successfully defeated the White
Army, and Bolshevik control was secured by 1922.
o In December 1922, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was formally
established.

Key Dates

• 1905: The 1905 Revolution leads to the October Manifesto.

• 1914-1917: Russia’s involvement in WWI worsens conditions, leading to widespread
dissatisfaction.
• February 1917: The February Revolution begins with protests and strikes, leading to the
Tsar’s abdication on March 15, 1917.
• March 1917: The Provisional Government is formed under Prince Lvov and later Kerensky.
• April 1917: Lenin returns to Russia, beginning the rise of the Bolsheviks.
• October 1917: The Bolshevik Revolution takes place, with the fall of the Provisional
Government on October 25, 1917.
• 1918-1922: The Russian Civil War, culminating in Bolshevik victory and the establishment of
the USSR by 1922.
1) Bloody Sunday

• Took place on January 22, 1905.

• Peaceful protest led by Father Gapon to present a petition to Tsar Nicholas II.
• Protesters demanded better working conditions, fair wages, and political reforms.
• Around 200,000 workers marched to the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg.
• The Tsar’s troops fired on the unarmed crowd, killing hundreds and wounding thousands.
• Event caused widespread outrage and loss of faith in the Tsar.
• Sparked the 1905 Revolution, including strikes and uprisings across Russia.
• Nicholas II issued the October Manifesto to quell unrest but retained autocratic power.

2) Impact of the 1905 Revolution

• Exposed the Tsar’s inability to address public grievances.

• Led to the establishment of the Duma (Russian Parliament).
• The Tsar issued the October Manifesto, promising civil liberties and limited reforms.
• Workers’ Soviets (councils) began to form, showcasing the rise of revolutionary
movements.
• Many reforms were superficial, as the Tsar retained veto powers over the Duma.
• Strengthened revolutionary groups like the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks.
• Increased the repression of dissidents through the Okhrana (secret police).
• Showed the military’s crucial role in maintaining the Tsar’s regime.

3) March 1917 Revolution

• Caused by economic hardship, food shortages, and dissatisfaction with WWI.

• Strikes and protests erupted in Petrograd (St. Petersburg).
• Troops joined protesters instead of suppressing them.
• Tsar Nicholas II abdicated on March 15, 1917.
• Marked the end of the Romanov dynasty.
• Provisional Government took control but faced immediate challenges
• Soviets, especially the Petrograd Soviet, held significant influence over workers and
soldiers.
• Dual power (Provisional Government and Soviets) created political instability.
4) Economic Problems (1905-14)

• Over-reliance on agriculture, with 85% of the population being peasants.

• Poor harvests led to famines and food shortages.
• Industrial workers faced low wages, long hours, and unsafe conditions.
• Strikes and worker unrest increased due to poor labor laws.
• Inflation soared, reducing the purchasing power of wages.
• Widespread poverty in rural areas, with peasants demanding land reforms.
• Heavy taxation to fund government policies and military expansion.
• Government focus on industrialization under Witte created social divides.

5) Impact of Russo-Japanese War on Russia

• War lasted from 1904 to 1905 over control of Manchuria and Korea.
• Russia suffered humiliating defeats, including the loss at Port Arthur and the Battle of
Tsushima.
• Exposed the inefficiency and corruption of the Russian military and government.
• War strained the economy, worsening domestic hardships.
• Contributed to the 1905 Revolution, as public confidence in the Tsar eroded.
• Highlighted the growing need for military and administrative reforms.

6) Issues Facing Provisional Government

• Dual power with the Petrograd Soviet, which controlled the military and workers.
• Continued Russia’s involvement in WWI, causing public discontent.
• Unable to address land reforms, disappointing peasants.
• Workers demanded better wages and working conditions.
• Lack of authority over national minorities seeking independence.
• Frequent strikes and protests destabilized governance.
• Bolshevik propaganda exploited the government’s weaknesses.
7) Kerensky’s Role in Provisional Government

• Served as Minister of Justice, then as Minister of War, and later as Prime Minister.
• Tried to maintain stability by balancing socialist and liberal interests.
• Advocated for continued participation in WWI, losing public support.
• Failed to deliver on land reforms, angering peasants.
• Overestimated his ability to suppress Bolshevik influence.
• Relied on the Kornilov Affair, which backfired and discredited him.

8) How Did Kerensky Rule the Provisional Government?

• Used rhetoric to rally support but failed to enact substantive reforms.

• Focused on military campaigns during WWI, which drained resources.
• Struggled with growing Bolshevik influence and unrest in Petrograd.
• Maintained a fragile coalition of socialists and liberals.
• Lost credibility after the failed Kornilov Coup.

9) Impact of July Days

• Took place in July 1917 with worker protests and Bolshevik uprisings in Petrograd.
• Bolsheviks failed to seize power, leading to their temporary suppression.
• Lenin fled to Finland; Trotsky was arrested.
• Kerensky’s Provisional Government temporarily regained authority.
• Exposed the growing unrest among workers and soldiers.

10) Importance of Petrograd Soviet (March-Nov 1917)

• Represented workers and soldiers, holding significant grassroots power.

• Issued Order No. 1, undermining Provisional Government control over the military.
• Became a platform for Bolshevik propaganda and influence.
• Played a key role in the October Revolution.
11) Importance to Russia of Defeats in WWI

• Heavy casualties undermined public morale and confidence in leadership.

• Exacerbated food shortages and inflation.
• Army mutinies showcased the collapse of discipline.
• Contributed to both the March and October Revolutions.

12) Impact of Lenin’s Decrees

• Decree on Land redistributed land to peasants.

• Decree on Peace ended Russia’s involvement in WWI through the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk.
• Decree on Workers’ Control gave workers authority over factories.
• Strengthened Bolshevik control and popular support.

13) Russian Civil War

• Fought between the Reds (Bolsheviks) and Whites (anti-Bolsheviks) from 1918-1921.
• Reds won due to strong leadership (Trotsky) and control over industrial regions.
• Whites lacked unity and widespread support.
• War devastated the economy and population.

14) Stalin’s Rise to Power (By 1929)

• Gained control of the Communist Party by outmaneuvering rivals like Trotsky.

• Used positions like General Secretary to build a loyal power base.
• Advocated for "Socialism in One Country", contrasting with Trotsky’s internationalism.
15) Importance of Lenin’s Death

• Left a power vacuum in the Communist Party.

• Stalin manipulated Lenin’s legacy to consolidate power.
• Exposed divisions within the Party over future policy direction.

16) Campaign Against Kulaks

• Began during collectivization under Stalin.

• Kulaks (wealthier peasants) were blamed for resisting reforms.
• Many were arrested, exiled, or executed.
• Aimed to eliminate class enemies and enforce state control over agriculture.

17) Impact of Collectivization

• Consolidated individual farms into state-controlled collective farms.

• Led to widespread famine, especially the Holodomor in Ukraine.
• Increased state control over the rural population.
• Caused the deaths of millions due to starvation and repression.

Stalin's Show Trials

• Used to eliminate rivals, consolidate power, and spread fear (1936–1938).

• Key trials targeted Bolsheviks like Zinoviev, Kamenev, and Bukharin.
• Confessions obtained through torture; outcomes pre-decided.
• Purged Communist Party and weakened the military.
• Created a climate of fear across Soviet society.
• Later condemned during Khrushchev's De-Stalinization.
Impacts of WW1 on Russia
Leadership/Military

• Tsar Nicholas II led the army despite lacking experience, worsening defeats.
• Severe shortages of supplies crippled the military.
• Nicholas was blamed for military failures, tarnishing his reputation.
• Nearly two million soldiers died.

Political

• Rasputin’s influence caused scandals and unrest.

• Duma was dismissed for demanding control over the war effort.
• Tsarina’s German heritage led to distrust; she appointed weak ministers.
• Revolutionary groups gained support, with Pravda popularizing their ideas.

Economic

• Russia faced economic collapse by 1917.

• Trade disruptions caused shortages; railways prioritized war needs, creating food supply
issues.
• Farming declined as peasants were conscripted.
• Inflation hit 200%, collapsing the rouble’s value and driving up prices.