Russia was ruled by the Romanov dynasty from 1613 to 1917. The Czarist regime was very strong and many people were loyal to the czar for a great amount of time. The last czar of Russia was Nicholas II. He was inconsiderate of his people, which led to their dissatisfaction. Also many were influenced by the Czar's friend, Rasputin, who said he could heal his son of hemophilia.Rasputin warned that if something were to happen to him, the Czar and Czarina would be in trouble. Little did he know that he was talking about the Czarist regime. This would change people's lives forever.
Czar Nicholas II
The Russian Revolution (The overthrow of the czar)
Many things led to the over throw of the Russian czar. When Nicholas met Rasputin, Rasputin warned that if he were to die, it would be the end of the Czarist rule in Russia. Many were upset with Nicholas for continuing with the war even though there was no chance of winning. Soon people began to revolt. Nicholas did not want to lose his control over his country, so he appointed a Duma. The Duma made decisions on what was best for the people.They demanded reform or a change in rulers. Nicholas tried to pass power onto his brother, The Grand Duke Michael, but he refused. After a while, the Czar grew tired of sharing his power and he dissolved the Duma. The Duma then formed a Provisional Government. This ending the rule of the Romanov Dynasty. Nicholas then fled the country. During this time there were many people who opposed the government. There were the Kadets, the Social Revolutionaries, and the communist supporters, the Mensheviks and the Bolsheviks. The Bolsheviks would lead a revolution that would lead to a great change in Russia.
What happened before the Bolshevik Revolution?
After creating a Provisional Government, the people expected a change, but were disappointed when there was no change at all. The Provisional Government insisted that they stayed in World War I, even though they were losing. Soon the Provisional Government was overthrown and taken over by the Petrograd Soviets. During this time, a leader of the Bolshevik party began to rise up. His name was Vladimir Lenin. All the commotion and chaos in Russia made it easier for him to gain control. He gave speeches of "Peace, Bread, and Land" and promised them as well. Soon he began to influence the majority of Russia. Many soldiers refused to fight and workers refused to work. These riots became known as the July Days. The government got a hold of it and arrested and killed many supporters of the Bolsheviks. Lenin fled to Finland.
The Bolshevik Revolution
While Lenin was away, someone had to take over. He left the planning in the hands of Leon Trotsky, the leader of the Red Army. Trotsky planned when and where the Red Army would seize. By October 23rd, 1917, Lenin had returned back to Russia and the Bolsheviks were ready for the revolution. Within just three days, the former government fell and the Bolsheviks gained power. In 1918, they captured the former Czar and Czarina and had them executed. The people were excited because of all the promises that were made to them by Lenin. They were ready for reform. Little did they know, it wasn't going to work out that way.
Vladimir Lenin
Lenin to Stalin.
In 1922, Lenin changed Russia to the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics). During his years of ruling, one of his fellow followers, Joseph Stalin, was climbing his way up the Soviet ladder. Stalin was soon appointed as general of the Central Committee of the Communist Party. Then when Lenin died in 1924, Stalin saw it as an opportunity to seize power. He became he dictator of the Soviet Union.
Joseph Stalin
Stalin's rule (stalinism)
Stalin's method of ruling was based on Karl Marx's idea of communism, but added ideas from himself. This form of government became know as Stalinism.
Life Under Stalinism
Stalin wanted full control over every aspect of life. He controlled their education system by censoring books and rewriting history. Children were taught how to be a good communist and how to clean properly. He made it difficult for women to get a divorce or an abortion. Although he was a strict ruler, the country became a major industrial nation. The government was more stable and there was more medical care than before.
Detente
Detente is used to describe the period of improved relations between the United States and Russia. Both countries had nuclear weapons and a high interest in trade and they didn't want to start another war. So they decided to work things out. It soon came to an end when Reagan came to power.
Mikhail Gorbachev
In March 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev assumed the role of the leader of Soviet Russia. Like many leaders before him, he planned to destalinize. He called it glasnost . He allowed people of other parties participate in elections. The second form of reforms was know as perestrokia, or economic restructuring. He allowed people to own their own businesses. Workers were allowed to strike. These reforms only helped the suffering economy a little. Soon Gorbachev realized what was happening. In 1988, the Soviet Union collapsed freeing many of communist rule.