-
Karl Marx dies
Karl Marx, a German sociologist, is an influential figure on the Revolution, because he published many works on human equality and introduced the first concepts on hypothetical socialism. -
Empress Alexandra Feodorovna
Although well-liked for her loving relationship with Czar Nicolas II, Alexandra became hated after she hired Grigori Rasputin to heal her son of a disease in 1914. Their relationship led to the hatred Russian citizens had for the royal family. -
Russo-Japanese War Ends
Russia is defeated by Japan in multiple battles, and agrees to withdraw from the areas of Manchuria and Korea in the Treatry of Portsmouth. The citizens of Russia do not support this costly war. -
World War One Begins
Russia joins the war against Austria-Hungary and Germany, although the Russian citizens disapprove. The war will become the spark for future protests. -
Petrograd Women's Protest
On International Women's Day, factory workers begin a protest after months of food shortages because of World War One. A week of continued protests followed, resulting in the abdication of Czar Nicolas II on March 2. -
The Provisional Government
Immediately following the abdication of Czar Nicolas II, the members of the Duma, a politcal group, established the First Provisional Government. The new government refused to withdraw from World War 1, which would prove to be their downfall. -
Vladimir Lenin Takes Power
Lenin, a socialist that had been sent to exile in the 1890's, returns to Russia, convinces thousands to follow him, and joins the Bolsheviks. Troops loyal to the Bolsheviks and Lenin then attack Petrograd, sieze power, and rename themselves the Communists. -
Whites Versus Reds
Although they were out of World War 1, some people in Russia were not happy with Lenin and the Communists. Hunger problems had not been solved, so the monarchists, liberals, and others against the Communists, broke out into a civil war. -
Execution and Civil War
In mid-July, Communist forces murdered the Czar Nicolas II, Alexandra, and all five of their children. This execution makes Allied troops realize the Commmunist problem, and they provide supplies for the Whites, makiing the Civil War last another two whole years. -
Death of Lenin
After finally winning the civil war, Vladimir Lenin integrated a number of new policies to confrom to the poeple's wants. However, ultimately the peasants of Russia would not approve of his policies, and Lenin died of natural causes in 1924. This opened the door for a new politcal powerhouse. -
Joseph Stalin
Joseph Stalin, general secretary of the Communist Party, reeives sole power when he kicks Leon Trotsky out in 1927. He then attempts many reforms, ultimately killing millions of peasants with his government-controlled economy. His policies cause the ourbreak of the Cold War
