Characteristics of the Tsarist State - PowerPoint Presentation

Characteristics of the Tsarist StateThe LandRussia’s geographyIts great sizeThe People The Social structure Tiny dominant elite The “dark masses”80% peasant populationThe EconomyUndeveloped industryBackwards agricultureThe Tsarist System Autocratic governmentReactionary Church Corrupt bureaucracyOppressive Army Why was Russia Backwards? Political AutocracyNo opposition/ other political partiesNobles in controlSecret police (Okhrana) Conscripted Army EconomicHarsh winter – affected farmingBackwards farming methodsBanking undevelopedNo consumer demand for productsPoor communications SocialOver 80% of 130million population were peasants. “dark masses”Only 800,000 industrial workersNo demand to developSocial hierarchyMostly of Russian Orthodox religion3500 people in 6 universities Other FactorsClimate – frozen lakes, hard to import and trade onSize of Russia – Extremely hard due to the poor communications (over 8milliom sq miles) Key dates from Tsarist Russia1861Emancipation of the serfs1881Assassination of Alexander II1894Start of Nicholas II’s reign1894-1906Witte’s economic reforms1898Social Democrat party formed (SD’s)1901Socialist Revolutionary party formed (SR’s)1903SD party splits in Bolsheviks and Mensheviks1904-1905Russo-Japanese War1905Russo-Japanese peace Treaty, Formation of the Octoberists, Creation of Duma, Formation of Kadets, All Russian Union of peasants set up. The problem of Reform in Imperial RussiaDebate over Russia’s character as a nation!Westerners: Russians who believed that their nation had to model itself on the advanced countries of Europe. Slavophiles: Russians who urged that the nation should preserve its self as “holy Russia”, glorying in it Slavonic culture and traditionsRussia’s political system meant change could only come from the Tsar, so why didn't it?Reform would only weaken their own position and that of the Romanov DynastyThe amount of reform depended on the Tsar ‘s reformist inclination. However humiliation like the defeat in the Crimean War (1865) could spark reform Keywords Zemstva: Elected local councils (power was limited) Mir: the traditional village community Intelligentsia: Educated members of Russian society who wanted to see the country reform along western lines Autocracy: The absolute rule of one person. The Tsar

Nicholas II’s personal issues Pobedonostsev: Nicholas was tutored by this man. Known as the “Great Inquisitor” because of his repressive attitudes. He had a deep hatred for liberalism and democracy. Believed in Pogroms and that the “dark masses” should not be allowed to vote as they were too uneducated and vulgar. He said representative government was the “great lie of our time”Easily Manipulated and Swayed: Especially by his wife Alexandra and Pobedonostsev, and later RasputinLacked Imagination: Many of his policies were just a continuation or modification of older ones introduced by his father Alexander III. Ministers: He mistrusted most of his ministers and yet was incapable of carrying out the task of ruling the vast Russian empire alone.Nicholas II’s PoliciesRussification This Restricted the influence of non Russian national minorities with in the empire by emphasising all things Russian.Aim:To impose Russian ways and values on all the people within the empire Implications:Russian declared as official language causing all legal proceedings to be performed in Russian. Public office closed for those not fluent in Russian.Discrimination was more open and vindictiveOver 600 new polices introduced to pose heavy social, political & economic restrictions on the 5 million strong Jewish population Jews lived in Ghettos and suffered from Pogroms(fierce violent attacks) Russification and therefore Tsardom actively encouraged this. Group called “black hundreds” were notorious for Pogroms.Result:Policy alienated half of Russia's population. This led to large pockets of anti-tsarist minorites forming across the empire and many people joined political parties or just developed a hatred of Tsardom.Jewish Bund formed in 1897: this was a Jewish anti-tsarist movement Nicholas II’s polices: Witte In the 1890s industry grew so quickly the term “The Great Spurt” was used.State CapitalismThis is the direction and control of the economy by the government using its central power and authorityWitte believed that modernization could only be achieved though this. Witte thought Russia needed to raise capital. So he...Negotiated Loans from abroad.Protective Tariffs were set up as a means of protecting Russia’s domestic industriesGold Standard implemented on currency. Making it stable and encouraging Foreign Domestic Investment (FDI) in Russia. This was mainly successful. But penalised consumers at home. Since the higher value currency made products already scarce more expensive. Railwaysmost of the capital was invested in this. Called the “transport revolution”Foreign helpInvited foreign experts and workers to advice. Plus engineers and managers from Europe. yearMiles of track1881 13,270189119,5101900 33,270191343,850(+230% increase)Key DevelopmentsPrivate EnterpriseState CapitalismThe Great SpurtPopulation growthUrban Growth (urbanization)Witte’s reformsForeign LoansCapital investmentIndustrializationRailways Remember! The Tsar only wanted to modernise to give it a strong military force!! 1885 onwards – 50% of government spending on military

Good Annual production (millions of tons) Urbanisation – working classes reached aprox. 11 millionGrowth of railways by 230% in 30 yearsRussia became the 4th largest economyIn 1900 – economy expanding at 8% per annum (annually)BadNo doubt his policies were good, but did have drawbacksMade Russia too dependant of foreign loansNeglected areas such as light engineeringPaid no attention to agricultureGrowth figures are not as impressive as their was a huge increase in population at the timeWitte impacts: Good & BadCoalPig Iron Oil Grain18905.90.893.9 36191335.44.19.190 However!His freedom of polices were restricted and he often was told to focus more on military. Witte was disliked by the royal court and therefore not trusted. This meant the very system he was trying to protect restricted him despite his ability. Political Opposition to the Tsarist system Type Populists(revolutionaries)Liberals(Reformists)MarxistsGroups People’s WillSocial Revolutionaries (SRs)No real organised party pre 1900OctoberistsKadets * Social Democrats (SDs) (later split in Bol + Men) Importance Assassinations Contributed to many rising and unrest Remove Tsar from power Wanted to Keep the Tsar, but limit his authority by sharing power with the Duma Backwardness of Russia made them weak Industrial unrest would of occurred with out them because of industrialization, so easy to over state their importance at this time! Remove Tsar from power Bolshevik – Menshevik Split (SD) Mensheviks Bolsheviks Plekhanov (for founder of Russian Marxism ) Martov Disagreement over the party size had fundamentally split the party. Lenin claimed his side were the majority which means Bolshinstov in Russian. They split into two Marxist parties in 1903 LeninA mass organisation with membership open to all DisagreementThe partyA tight knit, exclusive organisation of professional revolutionaries Open, democratic discussion with the party. Votes of members made decisions. Decision makingAuthority to be exercised by the Central Committee of the partyAlliance with other partiesStrategyNo cooptation with other parties Russo-Japanese War 1904-1905 OutcomeRussia lost, but why?Russia's WeaknessMilitary poorly equippedLogistic problems in running a war from 6000 miles awayCommanders using 19th century tactics (bayonet charges) Underestimated JapaneseJapans StrengthUnder Meiji emperors Japan had rapidly modernized Better equipped & prepared View of JapaneseSaw them as an inferior nation and was very racist towards it. Referred to as “yellow danger, the new hordes of Mongols with modern tec” Russia turned it into a patriotic struggle. War was nothing less than the defence of Russia’s European identity against the Asian hordes. CausesTerritorial disputesMinster or war believed Nicholas wanted to expand empire into Asia further. (Nicholas cousins Kaiser Wilhelm once called Nic the Admiral of the pacific) Witte wanted to expand economy into the far eastObtain an ice free portDistract from domestic issues (Plehve said “a little victories war to stem revolution) Port Arthur fell in Jan 1905 Russian surrender of Mukden in Feb 1905 Russian fleet destroyed at Tsushima , may 1905 (after sailing for 8 months to get their was sunk immediately Effect National humiliation Showed incompetence of government Excited the unrest in the country (this shown by the assassination of Plehve in 1904, in Warsaw this was celebrated by crowds in the streets)

Key dates from 1905 & aftermath1905 JanBloody Sunday1905 MayUnion of Unions formed1905 JuneThe Potemkin Mutiny1905 OctOctober manifesto – Duma / St Petersburg Soviet formed1905 NovMoscow Soviet formed1906Fundamental Laws / First Duma1907Second Duma1907 -12 Third Duma1911Stolypin Assassinated1912Lena Goldfields1912 - 14Forth Duma / WW1Bloody Sunday (22nd January 1905) Aim Father Gapon led a peaceful march of workers and their families to the winter palace to present a petition to the Tsar, begging him to improve conditionsHoweverThe march caused the police force to panic and they fired on the marchers and charged down by the cavalry!Approximately 200 dead Disorder spreadsBecause of Russo-Japanese war, Bloody Sunday and all other Russia's problems Strikes in all major settlements Terrorism against goverment and landlords (Plehve killed) Public buildings attacked large private estates attacked land and property seized by peasants Georgia declared itself an independent state Jews demanded equal rights Union of Unions formed (called goverment “gang of robbers”)Potemkin Mutiny June 1905Throughout 1905 had been instances of troops refusing to fire/disperse on unarmed peasants Crew of the Battle ship Prince Potemkin mutinied at sea. This was over the bad food and water they were given. Crew took over the ship from the officers and sailed to Odessa Their was serious anti-goverment strikes in Odessa and the crew were greeted as Heroes. Troops were sent and marched through with bayonets, trampling over people and driving many into the sea. 1000s dead! Very worrying for the goverment as a goverment that cannot rely on the loyalty of its armed forces is in a very vulnerable position.Witte feared troops returning form Russo-Japanese war would join the revolution. If this happened, he said “then everything would collapse”Reasons for 1905 RisingGovernments own responsibilityRepression Taxation leadershipSocial unrest – Economic recession – Bad harvestsPeasants anger over mortgage repaymentsWorkers anger over unemployment and falling wagesRussia’s humiliation to Japan

1905 Impacts (What it showed) 1905 showed that as long as the Tsarist goverment kept its nerve and the army loyal, the forces of protest would find it hard to mount a serious challengeLiberalsFew Liberals enjoyed co-operating with the workers. Many were frightened by the primitive forces (dark masses). Liberals betrayed workers and backed out of the revolution, leaving them to be crushed by the troops.TsardomTsardom emerged stronger than it had entered 1905 with the loyal support of its armies. Trotsky said about the Tsarist system: "although with a few broken rips, (Tsarism) had come out of the experience of 1905 alive and strong”Fundamental Laws April 1906Despite the concessions the Tsars’ power was not limited. The Duma was not a limitation of the Tsars’ autocratic power. This was made clear by the Fundamental Laws.A quote: “No law can come into law without his(Tsars) approval”Stolypin and the land reform 1906-1911How to feed Russia's growing population?Rural CrisisThe problem of land shortages and overpopulation of the countryside caused by rapid population growth.Bad harvests in 1890s led to famine in 1891 and 1897.“De-Revolutionising” the peasantsHigh price of land led to high mortgage (redemption) payments. One of the reasons that peasants joined the 1905 revolution is the fear that government would reposes land. In 1905 government cleared this debt to “de-revolutionise” the peasantsWager on the strong (1906-07)Stolypin introduced measure to restore peasants sense of security. His aim was to create a layer of prosperous, productive peasants. Whose new wealth would turn them into a Tsarist supporter (Kulaks) Farmers urged to abolish strip system with fenced fields A Land Bank established, to allow a independent peasant to buy his own landDid it work?Stolypin had little chance of success as Russian peasantry was so backwards and he had so little time to change things. Conservatism (suspicion of change, therefore resistance to it) of most peasants prevented change occurring. Also Stolypin admitted he needed 20 years to achieve success. He was assassinated in 1911 and therefore only got 5, The Russian Economy after Witte 1906-1914 End of great spurtGlobal RecessionPopulation explosion in cities Inflation - Unemployment - overcrowdingWorkers unrestResult: Economy increased, but Russia cant be called a modern industrial state as 4/5 of population are still peasants. Workers had terrible conditions. “At mercy of employers”

Dumas 1906-1914First DumaApril-June 1906Duma was dominated by Reformist parties, they demanded the Duma have more power, the opposition the Duma presented the Tsar caused him to say “curse the Duma, its all Witte’s doing”. He then dissolved it after only two months. It achieved nothing (then Vyborg Appeal)Second DumaFeb-June 1907Loss of Kadets seats were filled by SD’s and SR’s. This caused a clash between the Right-Wing and revolutionary parties, as well as a clash between the Duma and the Tsarist system once again. Dissolved by Nicholas IIWhy Tsar Kept Duma: Despite the opposition of first two Dumas the Tsar kept them because the Tsar wanted to show Russia as a democratic nation to boast foreign relations and trade, this worked. So: Stolypin rendered Duma docile by changing voting laws. Peasants and workers lost votes and Tsars’ supporters gained votes, third and forth Dumas were now PRO Tsar and full of ring wing partiesThird DumaNov 07 – June 1912Third Duma more cooperative with government, enabled Stolypin to push though his Land Reforms . Among the 2571 bills it approved were social reform measures that included the setting up of schools for poor children and national insurance for industrial workersForth DumaNov 12- August 1914Social reform work continued. But this Duma did criticise the government. An Okhrana report in 1912 blamed the tensions in Russia on the awkward and searching questions the Duma was asking of government policy Before first Duma met the Tsar Loans from France to restrict Dumas’ financial control Issued Fundamental laws Made Duma “Bi-Cameral” {this split the Duma in two, one chamber elected, another (with right to Veto) were appointed by Tsar} Result: Dumas had no real power, Tsarist regime no intentions of allowing concessions it had made in 1905The Vyborg Appeal After the first Duma was dissolved the frustration led to 200 Kadets and Labourists deputies to reassemble in Finland. Here they drew up the “appeal” urging Russia's people to defy Russia's government by... Refusing to pay taxes Disobeying conscription ordersHowever Russians did not conduct widespread passive disobedience, but scattered violence occurred.Reaction by Government: violence gave government the excuse for retaliation. Stolypin was appointed by Tsar as a strongman. Vyborg deputies arrested and banned from re-election into Duma.This led to Stolypin’s policy of repression. Martial Law proclaimed Military courts opened and used to quell disturbances between 1906-1911, 2500 people were executed Hangman's Noose renamed the “Stolypin Necktie” Liberals never recovered from humiliation. Which allowed left and right parties to think reform could only be achieved though revolution Growing tensions in Russia, 1911-14Following Stolypin’s assassination in 1911, the various ministers appointed by the Tsar were all incompetent. And just enforced further repression. Terror was used to programs returned to province From 1911 to 1914 strikes rose from 24 to 2400 17000 acts of terrorism (although a lot not political, just mindless) The Lena Goldfields Incident, 1912Demands from miners in the Lena Goldfields, Siberia, for better pay and better conditions led to the employers appealing to the police. When the police moved in the Miners closed ranks and situation worsened. Resulted in troops firing on miners and killing large numbersAnger among the Moderates (Tsar’s supporters)In 1913 the Octoberist leader told his party that their aim for“a peaceful, painless transition from the old condemned system to a new order” Had failed.This shows even the Tsar’s supporters were starting to turn against him due to his government’s incompetence to deal with problems Russia faced.Government remained hostile towards reform, not only economic change needed, but also political, which government was not willing to accept, instead just repressed. After Witte and Stolypin that “might” have saved Tsarism were either ignored or killed Tsarism was doomed. War and Revolution1914August 1stGermany declares war on RussiaForth Duma suspended1915June-JulyForth Duma reconvenedJune 25thProgressive bloc formed in DumaAugust 22nd Nicholas made himself Commander-In-Chief of Russia's armies1916December 1stRasputin killed by group of aristocrats1917Feb 18 – March 4th February revolution Feb 18thStrike Begins in PetrogradFeb 23th IWD sees the beginning of widespread workers demonstrationsFeb 25th City-wide strike in Petrograd Feb 27th Unofficial meeting of Duma coincides with first meeting of Petrograd soviet Feb 28th Nicholas ii prevented from returning to Petrograd by railway workers March 4TH PG formed from Duma committee Tsar signs abdication decree

Russia's entry into the War Russia's concerns Growth of United Germany Formation of Austria-Hungary Russia saw itself as protector of Slav culture (Balkans, Serbia) Austro-Hungary& Russia fighting over Balkans (Serbia) On 28 June 1914 Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated by Serbians who wanted to break away from Austro- Hungarian influences. In July 1914 Nic II sent telegrams to his cousin Kaiser William II regretting the growing crisis between the countries. These are called “Willy-Nicky” exchangesRussia mobilised in order to scare of Austria-Hungary (realistic chance) however Germans plan was a lighting quick attack so it mobilised as well (Schiefflen Plan) and declared war on Russia on August the 1st.Germany and Austria-Hungary VS. Russia, Britain And FranceFirst Months of WWI Patriotism and unity Nicholas II became the symbol of nations resistance French ambassador said about the Tsar “the absolute master of their bodies and souls” shows level of support at start of War. Special Duma session all the deputies pledged themselves to the national struggle all political pressure disappeared as parties jointed the national struggle BolsheviksThey were against the war so classed as traitors or German spies. Everyone went into hiding. Impacts of WWI on Russia (1) Three years of total war proved too much for Russia and it became crippled economically InflationValue of money sharply declined, creating instability and high prices Problem : between 1914 & 1917 government spending rose from 4 million rubles to 30 million. Solution Increased Taxes at home Heavy borrowing Abandoned gold standard, thus allowing quantitative easing However this made money worthless. Severe Inflation followed. Wages doubled, but price of food and fuel quadrupledFood SuppliesDwindled as a result of requisitioning and transport disruption – urban areas suffered shortagesProblems: Requisitioning of horses and fertiliser, lowered production Inflation made trading unprofitable so peasants stopped selling food.Army had first claim to food Army priority of transport systems meant food supplies didn't get where they were needed, the cities Petrograd suffered badly during war, residents easting a quarter of their 1914 diets TransportBroke down under stresses of Total WarProblems in 1916/17: Signalling system on which train network relied broke blocked lines and trains stranded by engine issues were common 575 stations were no longer capable of handling freight Implications of this: Food rotted in stranded trains Pile up of supplies at Archangel port that goods sunk into the ground under the weight of newer goods placed on top. Before war Moscow received 2200 wagons of grain per months, was 700 in February 1917 Lack of food in Urban areas Military shortages of equipment Impacts of WWI on Russia (2) The Army Russian army was very strong because of its size, however its crippling weakness was that it was lack of equipment. Problem : Lack of equipment. This was not caused by lack of resources but by poor administration. Transport chaos also effected the army and meant it was often under supplied. Government departments for supplies didn't work well together Troops even fought bare footed because of lack of boots. Role of the Tsar Nicholas being Commander-An-Chief made the survival of Tsardom dependant on Military success Problem: Nic II became commander-In-Chief in order to rally the nation around him. But this made him personally responsible for the war effort. Implication : Russian army was being beaten and were losing the war. Implication : Nicholas II had to take the blame for Russia's poor war performance, he could no longer blame his other men.MoraleAfter 1914 spike in moral it sunk rapidly and people became very pessimistic Why Morale was low: Suffering from food shortages Collapsed transport system Poor leadership by Nicholas Large Casualty list from warImplication: Some soldiers deserted (but so did other countries?) growth of opposition to Tsardom

Growth of Opposition to Tsardom Duma RecalledIn August 1914 Duma voted to be suppressed for duration of the war, this was sign of total support for the Tsar. By 1915 Duma demanded to be recalled as a result of Russia's poor military showing. “Progressive Bloc”Duma’s deputies tried to persuade Nic to replace his cabinet with Duma members.Nic Rejected Denied a direct voice in national policies over half of Duma members formed a “Progressive Bloc “within Duma. Bloc was a supporter of the Tsar trying to persuade him to make concessions. But his unwillingness to co-operate made the Bloc a focal point of political resistance.RasputinBrought it to heal Nic’s son. Became Alexandra’s confidant whilst Tsar was away.“The German woman” and a “mad monk” effectively ran the country. The fact that Rasputin became so prominent with the Tsarist system convinced many the system wasn't worth saving.February Revolution 1917 (events)Strikes in major factories: Putilov works23rd February: International women's day protest turned into bread riot Disorder spreads throughout city Nicholas ordered troops to take control, they changed side and joinedBy 26th only 1000 of the 150000 garrison in Petrograd hadn't deserted12 rebellious Duma members create provisional committee Nicholas tries to return to Petrograd but is halted by mutinous troops4TH: Army advises Nic to abdicate Dual authority established February Revolution 1917 (Character) Not a revolution from belowBolsheviks played no partRevolution started by Tsardom’s traditional supportersA failure of leadership and nerve at the topA revolution in one city – PetrogradNot result of social or political movement, just of warAn institutional crisis? Soviets27th February. First meeting of Petrograd Soviets. Represented sailors, soldiers and workers. Formed the Dual Authority with PGFrom 27th the Soviets and PC became the De Facto government of Russia(De facto means to denote the real situation, even though technically not correct)The October RevolutionMarch 2ndFormation of the Provisional government March 12th Stalin and Kamenev arrive In Petrograd March 14th Petrograd Soviet issues its “address to the people of the world” April 3rd Lenin returns April 4th Lenin issues April Theses April 20th Bolshevik red guards formed June 16th Kerensky offensive July 3-6th Failure of July Days July 8 th Kerensky became prime ministerAugust 30thBolsheviks released to protect PetrogradSeptember 25thBolsheviks gain majority in Petrograd SovietOctober 9thPetrograd Soviet set up the Military Revolutionary Committee (MRC) October 23-25October Revolution, Bolsheviks seize power

The PG and its many problemsThe WarIf Russia didn't fight on in the war it would no longer receive War Credits . The PG relived on these to survive finically as Tsardom had left Russia bankrupt. This meant the PG was preoccupied with the war and therefore could not focus on Russia's economic or social issues. It was in a paradoxical situation, in order to survive the PG needed to keep Russia in the war, but the war was destroying its chances of survival. “Address to the people of the whole world”14th of march this was issued by Soviets calling for peace without reparations, government accepted this addresses. However it became known that Milyikov had pledged to allies that Russia would fight until Germany was defeated. This caused demonstrations against Milyikov in late April and caused him and few other ministers to resign and caused a reshuffle of the cabinet with it shifting left. Provisional GovernmentInitial BalanceConsiderable cross-over and jointed membershipPetrograd SovietBut considerable cooperation in the early months after Romanov fall“Soviet order number 1” gave the Soviet effective veto over the governmentThis enabled the PG to achieve a number of progressive reforms such as Full civil and religious freedomsTrade unions legally recognised Dual Authority Bolsheviks Return All the Bolsheviks came out of exile when they learned of Tsar abdication But their was two views on what they should do...Stalin & Kamenev: AccommodationismThese two believed in Accommodationism, this is the idea that Bolsheviks should accept the situation that followed the February Revolution and co-operate with the PG and other parties Lenin: RevolutionBefore returning his “letters for afar” urged WW1 should be turned into a class war with all armies turning on their governments. On the third of April he arrived in Petrograd and gave a speech. He declared the Feb Revolution had created a ”parliamentary- bourgeois republic” “Old Duma in a new form” he called for a genuine revolution.The April ThesesIssued on the 4th of April this set out future Bolshevik Policy He condemned Accommodationsim and all that had happened since the Feb Rev. He instead the Bolsheviks were the only truly revolutionary party and they must; Abandon all co-operation with other parties Work for a true revolution Overthrow the PG Pass power to the workers demand authority pass to the soviets Lenin created two slogans to some up his aims “Peace, bread and land” “All power to the Soviets”The first highlighted the problems in Russia, that could not be solved by the PG because they were only interested in their own classes affairs. That's why he wanted to sweep ministers aside with a completely new class of people, hence the second slogan.

Kerensky became war minister and campaigned for Russia to embrace the conflict as a struggle to save the revolution. The July DaysIn July it seemed the government was not in control of events, the signs of this were The spread of soviets Workers control of the factories Widespread seizure of land by the peasants the creation of breakaway national minority governments- Ukraine mostlyMinisterial clash over Ukraine's independence coincided with larger street demonstrations that were as a result of the Kerensky Offensive failure and other issues. These demonstrations turned into a direct challenge to the PGHoweverHowever the rising was crushed easily as it was a confused affair with demonstrators often fighting themselves. Troops loyal to the PG scattered the demonstrators. What this showed Bolsheviks weren't the dominant revolutionary party, and in no position to take over PG still had strength to be able to put down armed insurrection Two days after Kerensky became prime minister, he arrested Bolsheviks (Trotsky and Kamenev) and closed Pravda. Land shortage was a problem. It was a chief concern of the peasants unrest since the Emancipation of the serfs in 1861. The February revolution had led peasants to believe they would benefit from a major land redistribution. This wasn't the case.KerenskyKerensky offensiveThis was a major offensive in June. Low morale which was made worse by Bolsheviks agitators meant it was a massive failure. Whole regiments mutinied or deserted.Kornilov called for the PG to stop offensive and focus on crushing the “Political Subversives” at home. This appeal was taken up by PG and Lvov stood down. Kerensky became prime minster with Kornilov Commander-In- ChiefThe Land QuestionGovernments SideDid not redistribute land, this led to peasants seizing property of local landlords, this happened throughout 1917. can be called a National peasants revolt. Majority of PG’s members came from landowning classes, so they didn't want to threaten their own position . Bolshevik AdaptabilityAs they were a party for the workers they didn't have a land policy.However Lenin adjusted. He knew it was impossible to ignore the problem that angered 4/5 of the population. Lenin asserted that the peasants were acting as a revolutionary force. Thus allowing them to be classed as part of the proletarian.Lenin then stole SR’s land policy and all this caused a swing for the Bolsheviks in the countryside. The Kornilov AffairKornilov the commander in chief, believed before Russia could defeat Germany it had to destroy the socialist enemies within. He said “Its time to hang the German supporters and spies, with Lenin at their head, and to disperse the Soviet” DisorderLarge number of refugees flooded into Petrograd spreading disorder. Kornilov feared that Russia was on the edge of anarchy. He told Kerensky that he would bring his loyal troops to Petrograd to save the PG. (perform Coup)ResponseKerensky publicly condemned Kornilov and ordered him to surrender his post, he placed Petrograd under Marital law for its protection. Kerensky called on loyal citizens to take up arms and defend the city. Weapons were given to anyone who was willing to fight. BolsheviksWere given weapons by the very government they were trying to overthrow. Many released from prison Gained popularity as seen as defenders of the city showed PG weakness to Coup Kornilov stopped by Railway workers on 1st September

October Revolution (1): Soviet role Bolshevik Majority By middle of September the Bolsheviks had a majority in both the Moscow and Petrograd Soviet. However this was only because attendance had dropped massively meaning it was easier for Bolsheviks to influence Soviet. TrotskyElected chairman of the Petrograd Soviet in Sept. On 9th October the Soviet set up the Military Revolution Committee (MRC) in order to protect the city against another Kornilov. Trotsky was on the Troika meaning he had control of the only effective fighting force in Petrograd. “All power to the Soviets”. Lenin said this in the April theses because he saw the Soviets as power base that could give his small party the power in which to take over.October Revolution (2): LeninUrgency“History will not forgive us if we do not assume power”Lenin wanted to overthrow the PG when it was at it weakest point, he was concerned about two events that were taking place in the Autumn. the meeting of the All-Russian Congress of Soviet in late October the election of the Constituent Assembly in November The “Pre Parliament”Kerensky created this as body to fill in before the Constituent assembly, was a body of a variety of parties to advise the government. Lenin instructed his Bolsheviks to condemn the Pre- Parliament then walk out. ReturnLenin returned to Petrograd from Finland on the 7th October and spent the next two weeks convincing all the Bolsheviks that the time was right for revolution.October Revolution (3): Course of eventsLeakedKamenev and Zinoviev (both on the central committee) wrote in an article that they felt it would a mistake to overthrow the PG at present circumstances. Kerensky acted first and ordered an attack on the Bolsheviks, on 23rd October Pravda was shut down. Attempts were made to round up Bolsheviks by PG troops. In response Lenin ordered Coup to begin and Trotsky directed Red Guards and MRC to seize key locations over Petrograd (bridges, telegraph offices)FightingIn the three days (25th -27th) that it took for Bolsheviks to take control only 6 men died, all Red Guards. The PG had hardly any military force, the ones it did have were not willing to fight a futile struggle so surrendered. October Revolution (4): PowerThe Bolsheviks did not seize power; it fell into their hands. On the 27th of October Lenin said “from being on the run to supreme power makes one dizzy”The next day at the All-Russian Congress of Soviets it was announced that the Soviets had seized power. A list of 14 names were read out of the new government, all were Bolsheviks or left SR’s. Mensheviks and others walked out saying it was not the Soviets who had taken power, but a Bolsheviks military Coup. They were right...

Strength of Bolsheviks MRC; Trotsky said their control of this gave them “Three Quarters” of their victory. Ruthless and hugely dedicated to the revolution. Absence of challenge from the other parties Lenin’s leadership Trotsky's organisation skillsWeakness of PG Wasn't elected therefore lacked mandate to rule, would only be judge on its dealing with Russia's problems Authority limited by “Dual Authority” with soviets No military support in October as seen as not worth struggling to save Feared Tsarists (right) more than Socialists (left) Strain of war No answer to the land question Lack of popular supportOctober Revolution: Weakness Vs. StrengthThe Bolsheviks in Power, 1917-201917 NovBolsheviks issues the Decrees on Land and Workers controlDecemberCheka created 1918 JanBolsheviks forcibly dissolve the Constituent AssemblyRed Army EstablishedMarchTreaty of Brest-LivoskJuneDecree on Nationalisation JulyForced grain requisitions beginRomanovs killedSeptemberRed terror officially introduced 1918-20 Civil War1918-21War Communism1919 marchComintern established (aiming for world revolution) Bolsheviks renamed the communist party 1920 AprilRed Army driven from Poland The Bolsheviks in powerProblems confronting them Bolsheviks controlled only Petrograd and Moscow Low industrial production High Inflation Large food shortages The War Measures to take problems Economic State Capitalism – a compromise measure to achieve the transition to a socialist economy Decree on land – abolished private property and recognised peasant takeovers Decree on Workers control – Vesenkha – body to oversee economic developmentPolitical Cheka – secret police to crush counter – revolution and impose Red rule. Dissolution of the Constituent Assembly Truly democratic elections that took place in November 1917.Results go badly for Bolsheviks (24% of the votes)January 1918: After one day Bolsheviks forcibly disperse the Assembly Lenin's Reasons Assembly would be a brake of Bolsheviks’ power Elections condemned as corrupt bourgeois manipulation The soviet government already expressed the will of the people (apparently) Reaction to dissolution Criticised by some Bolsheviks (Maxim Gorky said “Peoples Commissars have ordered the shooting of this democracy”) Widely condemned by international people

The Treaty of Brest-Litvosk 1918Views on a treaty Lenin took a realistic stance Russia could not win, so best to make peace and fight another day(Lenin believed that after the war the capitalists would fight among themselves) Idea that if Germany won on both fronts Russia would be no worse off, but if it lost Russia would just get the land back anyways. (However this not the case, Poland independence) Trotsky took a compromise position: “Neither piece, nor war” Russia could not win; but delay peace settlement as long as possible to encourage mutiny in Germany. Used deliberately disruptive tactics at talks (yawned when Germans speaking, talked to fellow colleges, random speeches about Revolution)The Treaty Lost third of its European lands With 45 million people in them To pay 3 Billion roubles in reparationsConsequence Conflict between Lenin and SR’s However Germanys defeat in Nov 1918 made treaty pointless as Russia got original land back. Important to remember Lenin and Trotsky were International Revolutionaries. This meant they were willing to sacrifice national interest for the cause of world revolution of the workers. This can help explain why Bolsheviks were willing to sign a devastating peace treaty. Treaty a small account when set against the great sweep of world revolution. Reasons for war Reds: Needed military victory to consolidate grip on power. Whites: War was the only way to challenge Bolshevik absolutism Greens: Fighting for national independence The Civil War 1918-20Red Strengths Area they held had.. - Administrate centres of Russia (Moscow & Petrograd) - Most of the rail network, this meant they could keep troops supplied and on the move. - Industrial centres: this gave them access to munitions and resources the whites didn't have. Red army and Trotsky leadership Reds could be seen as champions of Russian people due to allied intervention. Red Terror (Cheka & Red Army) High Morale, confident in final victory White Weaknesses Various white armies fought separately and with different aims, very rarely worked together to form a united opposition to reds. Too reliant on supplies from abroad, which didn't arrive in right quantities, place or time. lacked Leadership of Trotsky like figure. Political differences often caused conflicts. Bolsheviks had the peasent support at start of conflict; however brutality when dealing with peasants matched white brutality. Only reason people leaned towards reds is that Whites could just offer return to pre- revolutionary past. The Land question meant peasant support was very low for the whites. Effects of Civil War on Bolsheviks ToughnessThe Bolsheviks had taken power during war, they now had to set up a government during war. Of all the members of the Communist party (Bolsheviks) in 1927, a third had joined in the years 1917-20 and had fought in the Civil War. This created a tradition of military obedience and loyalty. Bolsheviks were tough men. Authoritarianism Because of the large military aspect of early Bolsheviks government it would of been impossible to of survived without resorting to authoritarian measures. CentralisationAs war required speedy day-to-day decisions to be made their was a move away from the Central Committee, that took to long, towards the Politburo and Orgburo. These two sub committees set up in 1919 could make decisions quicker. Why the Interventions? Resentment at Russia withdrawal from war Fear of Bolshevikism Anger at wiping of foreign debt To support the whitesWho came and where?Americans = Archangel & Siberia France = OdessaJapanese = Vladivostok Why the interventions fail? Lack of Co-ordination and liaison Tired after WW1 Very limited objectives Not a concerted effort to bring down the BolsheviksForeign Interventions 1918-20ConsequencesAfter failure of Invasion into Poland and revolutions in Germany and Hungary Lenin concluded the world was not yet rip for revolution. He therefore modified his foreign policies to avoid conflict with other nations. Background of Hunger. Transport issues of WW1 continued, plus Russia lost Ukraine in Brest-Livosk. Russia's “wheat Basket”!