ib history tsarist russia
DESCRIPTION
These are my IB notes on Tsarist Russia - covering Tsar Alexander II, Nicholas II and Alexander III, leading to the Romanov dynasty being overthrown and the civil war breaking out. Some notes were written in shorthand and if there's any difficulty in understanding any of the notes, please email me at [email protected] . Thank you and I hope this is helpful!TRANSCRIPT
Tsarist RussiaBackground info – The Land of the Tsars
Geography and Population:o 1/6 of Earth’s land masso 11 time zones and climateso Moscow and St Petersburg (main capitals)o The Winter Palace – main palaceo Boundaries insecureo Travel and communication difficulto Only 1/10 of land suitable for farming
Government:o Autocracy – one ruler with complete controlo Tsar and Tsarinao Romanovs ruled for 300 years!
Social Structure:o 0.5% ruling classo 12% upper classo 5% working classo 82% peasants – highly uneducated
Russian Orthodox Church o Traditional form of Christianityo Conservativeo Tsar is it head – so he head of country AND church
Economyo Weak agricultureo Empire in debtso Natural resources exploited by outsiderso Upper class didn’t have to pay tax (unfair!)
Reform and Reaction – Alexander II
Alexander II was ‘the best prepared heir the Russian throne ever had’ (Lionel Kochan) Acted as Regent(acting Tsar) when father away Well-travelled Strict military training – disciplined Educated Known as ‘Tsar Liberator’
The end of serfdom
In 1857, he created a committee to oppose defenders of serfdom. EMANCIPATION 1861 - private serfs were freed.
o Was given a small plot of land for 49 years of redemption tax + 6% interesto Given personal freedomo If unable to pay, had to do 2 years of labour services as payment
1866, state serfs were freed. o Better treatment – TWICE amount of land
Household serfs were freed with NO LAND AT ALL However, this deeply affected the economic, social and political future of the nation.
o Peasants had to pay huge amount so land not worth ito Still farming with poor methods
Strip farming o Led to problems
Peasant rioting Little incentive Landowners not happy – nobles had 40% less land Land shortage
“It’s better to abolish serfdom from above than below.” –Tsar Nicholas II
Alexander’s Other Reforms
Military
Men over 20 were liable to conscription (if medically fit) Length of service – less than 10 years Convicts not in army Officer – based on merit Introduction of budget – too much spent on Crimean War Prussian model – copy GE’s good army Introduction of military schools Modernise mobilization Training and discipline of soldiers were more humane and efficient
Governmental
In 1864, new bodies were created called ZEMSTVA o Chosen by 3 electoral colleges – peasants, townspeople and gentryo Responsible for public health, prisons, roads, education, etco Problem? 45% of nobility – unfair representation
In 1870, DUMAS were set up for towns and citieso Only people who paid taxes were granted votes in Dumas
New bodies = new opportunity for many people in political life
Law
Introduction of juries Judges well-paid – less likely to take bribes Public trials Ability to appeal Introduction of lawyers
Censorship and Press
Press openly discussed about issues Less censorship
Educational
Rapid growth of schools New regulations – common curriculum of religion, reading and writing (Russian only) and math Women – offered vocational training Universities
o Scholars able to travel abroado Curriculum broadenedo Liberal professorso Poor exempted from feeso 2/3 were scholars
Economic
Industrial force expanded Banks were set up Growing railway system Textile industry grew Metals imported Oil and coal greatly increased Jews allowed to work in society
Least reform – finial policies. Tax increased by 80% over Alexander’s reign.
The End of Reforms
Growth of Oppositiono New openness encourage unrealistic expectations for Tsar
Study Abroado Intelligentsia very radical and became very violent – turned to terrorism
Literature of Oppositiono Writers wrote with full freedom, dangerous- shouldn’t question status quo
First Attempt on Tsar’s Lifeo Dmitri shot Tsar, was arrested and executed. He was a landowner who had given away
his possession to peasant when they were freed. This caused the undoing of reforms. ‘Guests’ of the Tsar
o Tsar’s prisons were so full as prisoners had to wait a long time for trialso Arrest began with prison but most ended in internal exile in Siberia.
Hard labour sentences – undernourished and died Sentenced to exile – sent out but problem was you couldn’t go back
Political Trialso ‘Trial of 50’ and ‘Trial of 193’
Violence intensifieso Two particular groups
‘Land and Liberty’ – dressed as peasants to help the peasants ‘The People’s Will’ – people who believed in terrorist tactics
1 March 1881, Tsar was assassinated by bombs.
The Russia of Alexander III and Nicholas II
Alexander III (son of Alex II), moved his family away from Winter Palace in St Petersburg to Gatchina, where he only saw guests twice a week
He was more traditional
Undoing the Reforms (Reactionary – go back on reforms)
Policeo all centralised
Judges o given clear advice on sentences and verdict
Introduction of ‘Land Captains’o Authority in local court caseso Gentry in-charge
Prisons o severe conditions
Censorshipo Newspaper warned 3 times to censor before publicationso Govt ministers given power to close publications and ban editors and publisherso Libraries – restriction on books stocked
Universitieso Lost power to run own affairso Students were inspected on their non-academic activities
Educationo Lower class children banned from secondary education
Zemstvao Less peasantso Peasant not elected but appointed
Jewso Not allowed to be part of some professionso No say in govto Quota of how many educatedo Pogrom – organised violence against Jews.
Problems
Tax collection became corrupt
Debts were increasing Absenteeism at assemblies were high
3 Improvements Alexander III made:
1. Poll tax – which was only paid by peasants, were abolished2. Peasants’ Land Bank created – help peasants buy land from landlords3. Nobles’ Land Bank created – offered loan at cheaper rates to peasants
BACKWARDS METHOD OF FARMING DID NOT CHANGE! Plots of land for peasants became smaller and lower yield from crops.
The 1891 Famine
Hit 17/39 provinces in Russia Had an early winter – long hot and dry summer which ruined crops Inevitable outbreak of cholera Govt responsible:
o Heavily taxed consumer goodso Censorship about famine until situation severe in Aug 1891
Solution to famine:o Govt had assistance schemes – get public to helpo Alexander III used 2 lotteries to raise money to buy emergency supplieso Nicholas II – in charge of Famine Reliefo Intelligentsia
Prince Lvov – organised FR Tolstoy – organised soup canteens Chekhov – playwright become doctor. Treated cholera
“We ourselves will not eat but we shall export” – peasants 350 000 died from starvation or disease HOWEVER, this showed how all social classes were able to work together
Economic Growth
Industrial Growth
Rate of growth – 8% per annum Highest growth rate in the world Credit given to COUNT WITTE Huge increase in coal, pig iron and coal
Railways
Purpose:o Unite countryo Open up trade o Growth of RU’s industry
Vast distance = safety and construction abandoned Centrepiece Trans-Siberia Railway, linking RU with Far East
The Urban Poor
Millions of peasants worked in developing industries Lifestyle:
o Lived in slums on the outskirts of the citieso Some slept next to factory machineso An apartment housed 16 peopleo Only a third had running watero Cesspools, piles of human manure and polluted water supply = constant threato Wages were lowo Employement insecure
Russia was badly hit with world depression in 1899o Peasants left for cities and mines to find better liveso Peasants were more knowledgeable and conscious of their surroundings. Not only
influenced by Russian Orthodox Church
Government Finances
Problems:o Govt forced to print more paper moneyo Inflationo 1/3 lost in debt interesto Hardly any left for education and social welfareo Debt of 8 billion roubles
Solutions:o Reduce importso Loands from Franceo Starts FORCED industrialisationo Invite foreign experts to help industrialiseo COUNT WITTE – created gold currency which turned into paper moneyo Allow trade union to set upo Allow child labouro Could only work 12 hours a day
The Intelligentsia and the Middle Class
Growth of professional and managerial middle classes Work of zemstva led to expansion of
o Educated teacherso Doctors o Experts
Large increase in the number of banks Intelligentsia – weren’t mostly noble in uni but wealthy peasants.
NATIONALITIES
Russia had two ways of approaching this:
a. Recognize and give independent structure to each nationalityb. Try and control and suppress manifestations
Russification (under Great Russia)
Tsar chose option b Russian language became the only language allowed in schools Ukrainian was banned in all publications Jews
o Death of Alexander II = widespread attack on Jewso Jewish houses and businesses were broken into, women raped, men beaten and raped.
47 diedo “I am always happy when they beat the Jews” – Alexander IIIo Alexander III and Nicholas II – strong anti-Semiteso Had many restricationso Forbidden to own land and be in the army
Successful?o Tsar felt it was an essential policyo Believed in Autocracy + Nationality + Orthodoxyo Ignored national differences
OPPOSITION
The Romanovs faced difficulties from educated and free-thinking middle classes.
In 1887, 5 university students in St Petersburg who were part of The People’s Will tried to assassinate Tsar Alexander III.
Problem – not successful
So these 5 were publicly hung. One of them was Alexander (Lenin’s bro).
Alexander III died a natural death and taken over by son, Nicholas II.
Populism
Land and Libery and The People’s Will = “Populists” Believed in a society where all land was held common Chosen method was terrorism and assassination Not doing well
o Secret police too efficiento Very little public supporto Short of money
Set up political party – The Party of Social Revolutionaries (SR)o Illegalo HQ in Switzerlando Had propaganda campaignso Had own combat group
Mensheviks BolsheviksPurpose Spread propaganda
Raise awareness of proletariat (working class)
Seize power as soon as possible
Future Revolution
Not ready for Marxist revolution Poor economic conditions Proletariat too small
Believed a dedicated party could lead proletariat into power
Bourgeois and proletarian could combine revolutions
Decisions in the Party
By members, after open debate and free voting
By party leaders All members would accept and
was known as ‘democratic centralism’
Membership As many as possible Only genuine reliable revolutionaries
Role of Party Educate workers to appreciate jobs
Support all forms of protest for better conditions
Plan for revolution Seize power on behalf of future
generations of workers
Secret police considered Mensheviks to be a greater threat – more involved and supporting working-class discontentment.
Popular Violence
Strikes Serious disputes Peasant protests
Russian RevolutionDifferent Factions:
Liberals – upper classo Most moderate of Tsar’s opponentso Goal:
to have a parliament BUT tsar not overthrown allow everybody (not only rich) to vote
Socialist Revolutionaries (SR) – Peasantso Biggest group of opponentso Goal:
Peasant uprising and overthrow Tsar Set up a republic
o No central organisationo Known as ‘populists’ and ‘people’s will’
Social Democrats (SD) – Working classo Goal:
believe in Marxist Revolution working class take over overthrowing Tsar to start Marxist govt
o Fight amongst themselves Bolsheviks
- use violence to come to power- small group of intellectuals- centralised leadership
Mensheviks- less violent- working class- democratic group
Marxism
Stages leading to Communism
i) primitive communism٭ no social class, no govt, no organisations – everyone equal
ii) futilism٭ serfs – most oppressed
iii) capitalism٭ ruling class: businessmen, bosses of workers
iv) socialism٭ working class would overthrow bosses and run country in EQUAL society
v) communism٭ no social class, no govt, no state control٭ utopian society – everyone contributes willingly
Currently, Russian between futilism and capitalism and going to communism – big mess!
RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR 1904-05
Tsar Nicholas II didn’t want to be king Liked leisure activities and disliked intellectuals Let things slide and other built up
He felt like Russia needed a small war to boost confidence and make profit. Created more problems than actually solving them.
Russia were interested in Manchuria and Korea (which were under the control of China) = better trading. But JP also interested and they were strong.
Japanese attacked Port Arthur and Russians stepped in to ‘help’. JP beat RU at EVERY confrontation which was VERY embarrassing for a small country to beat a large empire
Portsmouth Treaty
JP gets Port Arthur and Korea RU got Manchuria and
٭ Half a million casualties٭ Huge embarrassment
٭ Lost almost entire fleet٭ Spent 2.5 roubles on war
In July 1904, terrorists succeeded in murdering Phleve, Minister of Interior. The man most blamed for the war in Japan.
This led to Tsar appointing a new minister with more moderate views who lifted some restrictions on zemstva and press freedom.
As pressure on Tsar grew, Nicholas II issued a manifesto – stating his participation in public affairs.
HOWEVER, Russians were still dissatisfied.
The intelligentsia made the most of the fundamental reforms made by new minister.
BLOODY SUNDAY
9 January 1905 Peaceful demonstration led by Father Gapon (a RU priest) March was officially banned but went on anyways Crowds headed for the Winter Palace to
o Present a list of grievanceso Ask for radical reforms
Better working conditions Representation in govt
Crowd carried icons and portraits of Tsar + Tsarina and sang national anthem At first, armed troops tried peaceful dispersion but ended up shooting crowd
o Shot many women and childreno 200 killed and 800 wounded
“The day that innocent women and children, who were gunned down in cold blood, as they were simply trying to hand in a loyal petition to the Tsar.”
Tsar was not even at the Winter Palaceo Cannot be blamedo Can be blamed because he heard about it but doesn’t handle it.
The October Manifesto
Strikes swept the country Peasant revolts broke out in Russia Assassination of Tsar’s uncle = Tsar created a consultative assembly May – Union of Unions set up (creation of Soviets) June – Union of Peasants set up October – strike at Russian railways and cities By mid-October, Russia paralysed by general strike SUPPORTED by Union of unions.
Tsar’s opponents from all classes were united and against him
Tsar accepted Cabinet govt
Russia’s 1st president: COUNT WITTE
17 October 1905 – October Manifesto
Peasants happy aso No more emancipation paymento Civil freedomo Dumas given more authority
November – St Petersburg Soviet of Workers called general strike BUT no support from working and middle class.
Thus, govt used this opportunity to arrest soviet.
Bolesheviks wanted to help the SP and so they fought the police (2 weeks long of street-fighting, killing 1000 workers). The tropps then ended peasant uprising and strikes with force.
Thus, govt hated and mistrusted.
Electoral Law
Rigged and fixed Richer people’s votes worth more than poor people’s. Issues fundamental laws – he’s still the ruler of the country. He decides:
Law Military Foreign affairs Hire and dismisses ministers Dissolve Dumas (if necessary)
Dumas has 2 houses:o upper house
imperial council made up of wealthy RU appointed by Tsar elected by wealthy can veto anything lower house decides
o state Dumas 1 vote =
2 000 landowners 7 000 property owners 30 000 peasants 90 000 workers (most revolutionary)
Tsar has 4 Dumas until 1914o 1st lasted 3 months – argued about fundamental laws. Thus, dissolved. o 2nd lasted 3 months – disagreementso 3rd – rigged voting whereby peasant and worker representations were cut down by 50%.
Wealthiest 1% controlled seats in elections Lasted 5 years
o 4th – interrupted by WW1
Dumas were more right-winged. Looks good to other EU powers = seems democratic
Stylopin’s Reforms
July 1906, Peter Stylopin became Minister of Interior.
Firm Ruthless Attracted liberals Greatly disliked (house bombed) Still determined
The land
Problem (Peasants)
Made up majority of electorate Numbers were growing rapidly
Reforms Introduced
All land were available to Peasant Land Bank for purchasing Withdrawal from their commune (mir) without needing consent Peasants who withdrew could still keep their land (instead of strip farming) End to redistribution of land (land = hereditary property)
Aims
Hoped to create new class of well-to-do peasants = kulakso Peasants could leave commune, extend their landholdings and build independent farmso Try new agricultural techniques and grow any crops they wisho Incentive to improve
Success!!!!!!!!
HOWEVER, by WW1, almost 2 million had left mirs. They OPPOSED the idea as they appreciated security from the mir.
Other Reforms
Educational Reforms – no. of primary schools doubled Zemstva expenditure – doubled on health, agriculture and poor relief Reintroduction of elected magistrate Religious toleration – for Jews. Passed by Dumas but vetoed by Tsar Extension of zemstva into non-RU areas
‘Stylopin’s Necktie’
Conducted vigorous campaign AGAINST terrorists and revolutionaries Many were arrested and executed – hung No judge/jury EFFECTIVE!
This caused...
Revolutionary parties to lose support Bolsheviks & Mensheviks failed to unite Membership of RSDLP declined drastically
o Lenin had difficult time as he found himself as minority amongst Bolsheviks
End of Stylopin
Shot at gala performance in October 1911 Extreme right and left rejoiced Reappointment of Goremykin (aged 74) – no commitment to post so basically, Nicholas back in
charge.
LENA GOLDFIELDS
Serious strike in 1912 Working condition were appalling Bad wages and working conditions Police arrested strike leaders Confrontation ended with troops firing at unarmed
demonstrators = MASSACREo Created a storm of protest throughout RU
This shows how the govt had not reached a new way of living.
Workers were denied right to trade unions & no political representation Dumas & State Council did not criticise govt (dominated by landowners)
At the Outbreak of WW1 (Economic Situation)
Russia was making a great economical progresso Savings grewo Average annual growth rate – very higho National debt dropped
HOWEVER, to continue this success, RU needed:o Domestic harmonyo Peace with neighbours
Which were shattered upon the assassination of Franz Ferdinand
RU Bad Performance in WW1
Public Reaction to Outbreak
Display of patriotic feelingso Soldiers and civilians feel to their knees to the Tsar
Dumas met a week after outbreak and gave govt little confidence
Military Problems
Badly trained and badly equipped soldiers Lost over 4 million in the first year of war Transportation difficulties Tsar decided to take command over armed forces
Problems Caused by WW1 (leading to revolution)
Scarcity of food and goods RU burnt and destroyed their own property – ‘scorch earth property’
o GE can’t get to them o But also destroying themselves
Corruption and crime high – no one maintaining law Cost of war escalate year by year, causing overwhelming debts and inflation Military problem publicized – causing people to worry
Tsar seen as incompetent – took control of army Tsar’s wife (Alexandra)
o First cousinso German (big problem!) = thought to be a spyo Disliked by RUo Took control of govto Converted to orthodox
Tsar’s only sono Sickly (haemophilia – internal bleeding : TOP SECRET!)
Rasputin (monk)o Stange mano Felt closer to god through sinso Drank a loto Bad reputationo Had a ‘magic touch’
Whenever he came near the son, the son felt bettero Alexandra did EVERYTHING Rasputin asked of her
Followed his orders blindly Most of the time – he was wrong! Rumour – both Alexandra and Rasputin were having an affair
Thus, Alexandra was blamed for RU defeats as Nicholas was very dependent on her and she was dependent on Rasputin.
Rasputin’s murder:o Went to prince’s houseo Wife was beautifulo Food at party was poison – a lot but didn’t dieo Prince so he shot Rasputin, threw the body into basement and lefto He somehow escaped, so shot again and threw into freezing riveo Found days later – died of suffocationo Before death: he said no hope for Romanov Dynasty and that’s exactly what happened!
Romanov Dynasty Overthrown
February 1917o 23 February
Strikes became worse Intl Women’s Day demonstration Putilov Strikers About 1 million people
o 25 February Wide-spread strike across city = PARALYSED! Soldiers joined demonstrators Forced military action taken on demonstrators (some killed – more fights)
o 26 February Dumas dissolved
o 27 February REVOLUTION! Aimed at overthrowing govt ½ of troops joined revolution Winter Palace and govt building seized Prison broken into and police stations burnt down (releasing revolutionaries)
Who led Revolution?
Genuinely spontaneous Streets filled with people from every possible social background Lenin shocked by this,
o A month before he said “We older ones will not live to see the revolution in our lifetime.”
Leaders emerged – released out of prison, respected men
1 March 1917: Dumas leaders took over govt
Nicholas never made it to the capital. Disloyal troops blocked him. He signed an abdication for his brother, Grand Duke Michael, who rejected the throne.
ROMANOV RULE ENDED AFTER 300 YEARS!!!!!!!!
February Revolution 1917
Different from revolution of 1905 More range in opposition Quicker Happening in St Petersburg Dumas warned Tsar about unrest in St Petersburg
o Everyone was disloyal to himo No honest men left in Dumas
Full on strike – paralyse work effort 1917 winter
o Everything frozen overo Food not getting into citieso Trains couldn’t moveo 1500 – 2000 died
1st Revolution!
1917 – A Year of Promise and Turmoil
Introduction
No one wanted Nicholas back in power – not even him ‘a nationwide honeymoon’ New govt faced same problems Provisional Govt:
o Mostly Dumaso Govern country volunteerilyo Not electedo High expections from peopleo KERENSKY (leader of govt!)
Russia = anarchy & lawlessness October Bolsheviks take over PG even though they were a small minority of 23 000 people
March 1917 (government)
Provisional Govt – not representative of the people Their principles:
o Any political prisoner are forgiven and freed by the stateo Freedom of speech and right to strikeo Abolish privilegeso All soldiers could keep weapons and don’t necessarily have to fight
Problemso Helped Bolsheviks reorganizeo Had weaponso Freedom of speech – continuous complaints
The System of Dual Authority
2 political bodieso The Petrograd Soviet
Created at the end of February – after revolution Wide variety of people representing them Only appeared in major cities ‘authentic body of people’ – elected and mixture of both genders Variety of political ideas
o The Provisional Govt Member of ex-Dumas: didn’t disband after Tsar’s departure Ok with political changes BUT not ok with social changes
Mostly nobles and basically upper class Temporary until elections
CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLYo Ensure voteso Get powero Not a good time at beginning to elect people
Relationship between these 2 groups were goodo Good communicationo Happy to kick out Tsar – sense of optimismo The Soviets didn’t want to run country, wanted to just ‘supervise’ otherso If PG went against PS, then everyone would be against each other
They’ll have had no army, police, workers... nothing!
Provisional Govt... why they became popular?o Success
Freed prisoners Allowed personal freedom Abolish death penalty Improve working conditions Replace old and corrupter ministers and police under Tsar
o Failures Continued to fight WW!
Everyone was suffering and losing already Afraid Allies would feel betrayed
Land problems in countryside
People expected better quality and quantity of land but nobles didn’t give any
Minorities felt that they could take over RU Wanted INDEPENDENCE!!! Ukraine, Georgia, Belarus
Did not fix econmy Delayed Constituent Assembly – people felt no right no rule
April Thesis – Lenin’s Speech!!!o Lenin returns from Switzerlando GE govt smuggled him back
Knew he was radical Had to create total unrest, overthrow govt and pull out of WW1 Lenin had imperial west
o Preached that a revolution needed to happen Response? People thought he was crazy and too radical
o His two famous slogans “ALL POWER TO THE SOVIETS” “PEACE, BREAD AND LAND”
The ‘Kerensky’ Offensive – July 1917
Kerensky believed that only a successful war would stop the disintegration of RU BUT RU army was a) inadequately equipped and b) had low morale.
Initial success against Austrianso 400 000 men losso Armies worse
MORE CHAOS!!!!
JULY DAYS
Armed demonstations supported by workers, soldiers and sailorso Mostly Bolsheviks and anarchist(don’t want govt)o 200 000 sailors – mutiny
3rd Julyo Beginning of demonstrationso Called on PS to take powero Chanted Bolshevik slogans of “PEACE, BREAD AND LAND” and “ALL POWER TO THE
SOVIETS!”
5th Julyo Bolshevik press closed downo Loyal troops cleared the streetso Govt saved
8th Julyo Kerensky became Prime Minister
Lenin fled to Finland and 800 leading Bolsheviks were imprisoned July days gave Bolsheviks a bad impression though Mensheviks were blamed and Bolsheviks fled
the country.
The Kornilov Coup
Aim at overthrowing govt 26 Aug : Kornilov ordered troops to march to the capital ‘to hang GE supported and spies’ and
close down the Petrograd Soviet FAILED bcoz unable to advance, blocked by railways workers This showed how workers and soldiers still against PG
Lenin = >:) = YES! TIME TO SEIZE POWER MUAHAHAHA
Kerensky supported Kornilov at first but later saw him as a threat, wanting to take over PG, so instead, Kerensky let all Bolsheviks out of jails with weapons (STUPID MUCH?!)
Problems in RU
Peasants dissatifisfied with land; began to seize it themselves Elections finally fixed for November Command structure of army – collapse! Wanted self-govt; eg. Ukraine and Finland Workers saw no change in going on strike
Bolsheviks
Formed new govt in Petrograd in October Stayed loyal to working class Lenin felt Bolsheviks would take over govt alone 7 October – Lenin returned to RU (wanted an immediate rising!)
The October Revolution, 23-25 October
Led by Trotsky 3 days to take over capital Took over railway stations, buildings and Winter Palace! Kerensky escaped Only 5 deaths ‘500 loyal troops’ who could stop uprising, disappeared! :o Almost no opposition, no real violence and all PG captured 1/6 Russians supported Bolsheviks
Provision Govt – lose support
The Sovietso Petrograd controlled by Soviets mostlyo PG lacked authority
The Waro Didn’t want to let allies downo BUT soldiers didn’t want to fight anymore
Peasant Committeeso Cut rents and increased wages
Armed forceso Soldiers and sailors undermined/destroyed power of officerso Unpopular officers killed
Unrest in factorieso Horrible working conditionso No action taken to change that
Inflationo Price bad: winter 1916-17o Made EVERYTHING worse
Nationalitieso Wanted self-govt
Second All-Russian Congress of Soviets (25 October)
Soviet meeting to discuss what to do 670 members Mostly Bolsheviks Non-Bolsheviks walked out. Trotsky said “Go where you belong – to the rubbish bin of history!”
Bolshevik Strength Provisional Govt Weakness Control Petrograd Soviet – union
protecting people Gained people’s trust after Kornilov Policies support
o End waro Peace, land and bread
Trotsky led Red Army Party leadership organized Ruthless & destroyed enemies Military and economic collapse benefitted Strong leadership skills
Its nature – flawed Lose people’s trust after Kornilov Failed to gain popular support Underestimated Bolsheviks Defence half-hearted Had to share power with Soviets Kerensky – not as determined as Soviets
Communists won because of their strength and PG’s weaknesses.
Why Bolshevik Able to Stay in Power?
How Bolshevik establish dictatorship?
PG wasn’t getting much support – Bolsheviks quickly seized power October Revolution – at first, it was seen as a ‘Bolshevik takeover’
Sovnarkom
a one party government bourgeoisie title of ‘ministers’ abolished, replaced with ‘people’s commissar’ Lenin believed that only Bolsheviks could rebuild Russia
o Refused to invite other socialist partieso Leaders protested to Lenin’s narrow view in politics
The Army
Promised to end war An officer was ordered to sign an immediate armistice with GE but he refused. He got murdered
by his own troops. Younger officers ordered to sign. He signed. Officers returned to civilian life or moved to non-Bolshevik Russia
Cheka
Sovnarkom’s secret police Hunted down oppositions – bourgeoisie, anarchists – executed them without trial Strong support Killed 50 000 people in 1918
The death of Constituent Assembly
ELECTIONSo Finally held in Novembero SRs got most amount of vote (mostly from peasants)o 47/80 million RU voted – most representative body of RU ever!o Bolsheviks got 23.2% (2nd place!)o Non-Bolshevik Assembly formed – SR leader Chernov (president)
Third All-Russian Congress of Soviet heldo Bolshevik = majorityo And thus, formed Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR)
How Bolshevik govt try to change Russia?
1) Decree on Peacea. ‘a peace without annexations and indemnities’
2) Decree on Landa. Abolish landlord’s right of propertyb. Land confiscated from large states and redistributed to peasant soviets
3) Decree on Nationalitiesa. Allowed self-govt to any national groups
4) Housing in cities removed from private owners5) Civil marriage and divorce introduced 6) Schools not under church anymore7) Titles abolished – everyone referred to as ‘comrade’8) Institution for the Protection of Mothers and Children was formed
The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (March 1918)
Peace treaty between Russia and her allies Lenin wanted to sign it because RU could not fight anymore Trotsky wanted to adopt strategy of ‘NO PEACE, NO WAR’
o Hoped it’ll inspire GE army to mutiny and take revolution back to Berlino GE tired of strategy, ended armistice & went to Petrogrado Dropped bomb!!!!o RU govt move to Moscowo Lenin persuaded party to accept GE termso Agreed to harsh terms
Lost 1/3 of EU land Lost ½ of industry Lost Ukraine
o People blamed them for betraying ‘Mother Russia’
The Suppression of Opposition – October 1917 to July 1918
Decrees of Sovarkom
Banned all bourgeoisie parties and their newspapers Used Cheka and loyal troops to prevent anti-govt demonstrations Opposition groups were disbanded by force or went underground
JULY 1918, BOLSHEVIKS TOOK OVER RUSSIA!
Reasons for Civil War in Russia
1. The collapse of Russian Empire Many territories declared independence 33 sovereign(independent) govts in RU Patriotic RU wanted to stop disintegration and keep ‘RU, one and indivisible’.
2. Political Opposition ‘Union for the Defense of Motherland and Liberty’
i. Organized revolts Other opponents gathered at the edge of Bolshevik-controlled Russia
3. Allied Opposition Caused direct military action against Bolsheviks Trotsky published ‘secret treaties’ signed by Tsar with former allies
i. Showed Allies planned to seize territory when GE defeatedii. Not actually fighting for democracy
Bolsheviks seized foreign property and cancelled Tsar’s vast debts Because of Brest-Litovsk Treaty, FR and BR left to fight Western Front alone
4. Breakdown of law and order Growing lawlessness in country No govt strong and determined enough to restore law and order
5. Food Requisitioning Peasants had no incentive to sell products – inflation soards Lenin’s solution:
i. Send soldiers, worker and Cheka to look for grains from kulaksii. Urged poor to seize food from neighbours
Successful BUT cause more enemies for Bolsheviks
The Civil War
Fighting broke out as Bolsheviks seized power: October 1917 Continued until 1922 more misery and hardship Ukrainian capital, Kiev, change hand 16 times.
Phase 1 – Early resistance
Kerensky failed to get army to fight Bolsheviks defeated Cossack Army and Volunteer Army
Phase 2 – war with Whites
Whites = imperialists (wanted Tsar). Right winged. No central leadership Traditional conservatives: landowners, businessmen, army officers August 1918, Red Army forced to abandon Kiev Winder, Red Army advanced on all fronts Jan 1920, they got Kiev back April, Polish army successfully attacked RU October 1920, Treaty of Riga – ended Russo-Polish War
Phase 3 – war with Greens
Greens = anarchists. No political ideology. Bandits Peasants who resented Bolshevik policies Ended in 1921
Allies (BR, FR, USA and JP) – also involved
FR had helped RU modernise BUT Bolsheviks nationalized FR companies JP wanted more territory USA and BR – wanted someone to be there at Eastern Front All anti-communists But did not engage in much fighting
WHY COMMUNISTS WON CIVIL WAR?
Geography:o Petrograd and Moscow – densely populated with Bolsheviks
Thus, easy to recruit armyo Good transportationo Had weapons
Unity and Organisationo Led by only one general – Trotskyo Clear indication of what to doo One military strategy, one aim
Supporto People were happy with decreeso Good in countryside, had food
Propagandao Visual images for peasants who can’t reado Striking colours
Leadershipo Trotsky
Politically intelligent Good military leader
Goes to the front himself Propaganda spread Good motivation for soldiers Lived in train Defended capital well Strict in discipline
Red Terroro Bolsheviks imposed strict controlo Cheka ensured disciplineo Shot anyone who deserted them or were unfaithful
Red Armyo Did not exist in 1918 but 5 million strong by 1920o Introduced conscriptiono Limitless human resourceso Had experienced officers – tsar’s former officers but Bolsheviks ensured loyaltyo Red Cavalry – disrupted enemies’ communication lines
Lenin gives orders to kill Tsar Nicholas and family to stop whites from getting back into power.
WHY WHITES LOST?
Allied helpo Portrayed as puppets of allieso Made recruiting for Red Army easier – RU patriotismo Foreign forces rarely involved in fighting though
White divisionso No common purposeo Many fiercely territorial and would not advance from area
Lack of co-operationo Differing goalso Mutual suspicionso Geographical distance – meetings in Paris!
Lack of commitmento Difficult to recruit and keep solders
Effects of Civil War
Violent Bolsheviks – very militaristic 2nd civil war in history – leading to famine, deaths and diseases. Utter devastation No world revolution – only in Russia
The Economics of Survival
After Lenin seized power, he announced:
“In 6 months, we will build communism in Russia”
State Capitalism (1917-18)
Set up after October Revolution Bolshevik used existing economic structures during transition period Problem: not the communist way/went against their ideology After Brest-Litovsk, RU didn’t get grain from Ukraine. White armies controlled rich farming areas
o EXTREME FOOD SHORTAGESo RATIONING:
Based on social classes Army and govt got most to eat Professionals (doctors, skilled workers) – 2nd
Aristocrats – ate least
War Communism (1918-1921)
June 1918 – a decree nationalized all industries All production concentrated on war effort Needed to keep Red Army fed and supplied
o Grain Requisitioning: Soldiers got grain from countryside and brought into city Either offer little money or not at all Farmers not bothered to produce grain Less grain, less food “Kulaks hoarding grain” –made them the scapegoats by Lenin
Ban private tradeo Result? A black market is formedo People barter amongst themselves
Nationalisation of industryo Workers committee eliminatedo Bosses called specialistso Labour discipline reinstated – more strict than beforeo Spieso Workbook = to stamp if work and thus, this gave foodo Paid workers by amount of work done and not timeo Internal passports
All this led to MAJOR INFLATION and:
a. Famine (1920) Worse than Tsarist times Cannibalism – corpses were stored to be eaten by their families Lenin told them to steal from churches – took advantage of situation
b. Kronstadt Mutiny (1921) Sailors mutiny against Bolsheviks They wanted Soviets Rebellion!! – even though they were loyal supporters before 10000 killed Lenin blamed other political parties (Mensheviks)
c. Tambov Rising Uprising in countryside by disgruntled peasants Red army sent to put down revolts
Lenin realised War Communism not working.
NEP, New Economic Policy (1921)
Lenin realised that peasant = key to communists retaining power A compromise between capitalistic and communist elements Had to ensure survival of revolution:
o Grain requisitioning ends: Farmers only give 10% of crops to govt Extras could be sold Thus, incentive for farmers to produce more
o Small businesses can reopen Motivate farmers to grow and earn more $$
o Private trade resumeso Rationing endso State controls heavy industry
Lenin said this policy would be temporaryo “One step forward but two steps backwards”
Capitalism Communism + Capitalism
o Some Bolsheviks don’t agree. Fight. NEP statistics not as high as State Capitalism
o Not so efficient and productive
Lenin’s First Problems
i) Coalition with other govts He decided no. He didn’t want to combine Bolsheviks with other left-winged party Russians unhappy that Bolsheviks run country because they thought PS would take over
ii) Constituent Assembly Delayed again until January 1918 Bolshevik soldiers at gun-point closed down/eliminates assembly No democracy Lenin shot! By a woman 3 times but he survived
i. Woman supported Lenin but he eliminated democracy so she >:(ii. Lenin’s health deteriorated in 1918 onwards
iii) Set up government Trotsky – commissar of war and foreign affairs Stalin – commissar of nationalities (speak on behalf of minorities) Central Committee – made of 21 members and part of Politburo
Power (in decreasing order):
1. Lenin2. Politburo3. Central Committee4. Communist Party
Decrees (law made by Lenin) – not democratic
Peace decree – signed Brest-Litovsk treaty
o Trotsky’s strategy of ‘no peace, no war’ Hoped GE will have their own revolution, overthrowing Kaiser, causing RU to ok
o Lenin wanted treaty to be signed quickly To restore order Soldiers and ammunition – could be used in civil war
o Lenin needed $$ from GE. GE promised $$ if RU out of waro GE advancing. Afraid GE would overthrow Lenin if he doesn’t deliver his promiseo Lenin threatened to resign, thus they finally agreed.
Land decreeo Communal land – land belonged to everyoneo This was happening but he legalized ito Wealthy people had peasant families living their house
Workers’ Control decreeo Workers take more control over jobo They can run the factories and create unionso 8-hour work dayo 48-hour work weeko Allowed holidayso Paid overtime
Rights of the People of RUo Promises self-determination for minorities
Press decreeo All non-Bolshevik press banned
Chekao Secret police of Bolshevikso Keep control, spy on peopleo Take over judicial system
Abolishment of titleso ‘comrade’ = everyone equal
Lenin’s Role in History
“HISTORY WILL NOT FORGIVE US IF WE DO NOT TAKE POWER NOW.” – Lenin, September 1917.
Lenin’s importance in October 1917
Lenin’s arrival in Petrograd in April 1917o Transformed Bolshevik attitude to PGo Inspired October coupo April Thesis was initially received badly but Lenin persuaded Bolshevik revolution
Lenin’s adaptation of Marxism
HOWEVER
Research shows that there would’ve been a workers revolution without Lenin, which would end with a coalition of all parties
o THUS, Lenin hijacked the opportunity to set up a one-party state Lenin’s rise to power was accidental
o Result of blunders of otherso Growing chaos in RU
Came to power under false pretenceso Demanded Constituent Assembly BUT closed it down when it was finally set upo Called for “All Power to the Soviets” BUT set up narrow Bolshevik regime
Thus, Lenin = duplicitous and lucky
Was Lenin a dictator?
Trotsky acknowledged Lenin’s enormous personal authority Lenin unable to persuade Sovnarkom to sign treaty immediately
o Only when capital threatened by GE and Lenin threatened to resign, then they signed.
Why Lenin’s govt ruthless?
Many innocent people died under the Bolsheviks Normal rules of law & justice disappeared Lenin saw political terror as ‘revolutionary justice’
o “freeing all from bondage” However, those who shared Lenin’s ideology saw no wrong in harsh-ness
Lenin’s Legacy
According to Krushchev, October Revolutions opened a new beginning for oppressed ppl Others blamed him for millions of death and imprisonment
o Demanded one-party govto Set up Chekao Put end to interparty debateo Created powerful bureaucracy
From summer 1921 onwards, he was increasingly absent.
By JANUARY 24 1924, Lenin died.