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Revolution of 1905
Occurring during the Russo-Japanese War and begins after Bloody Sunday. Revolt and mutiny across the land, commoners taking over local government, minorities calling for independence from Russia, officials targeted by terrorists and assassins -
World War I
Due to their loyalty to Serbia, who was fighting Austria-Hungary, Russia entered the war as part of the Triple Entente. Once entered in war, it was evident that Russia was not prepared to fight in this modern war. Russia eventually backed out of the war in 1917. -
Influence of Rasputin
Rasputin was an illiterate peasant who gained power when he cured Tsarina Alexandra's son of hemophilia. She leaned on him for support and advice, much to the Russian people's dismay, until his murder on December 29, 1916. -
The March Revolution
Russia used a different calendar at the time, so this revolution is also referred to as the February Revolution. Unrest was rampant in the country due to the Duma's lack of power and Tsar Nicholas II's corruption. The people of Russia wanted change, so they revolted. -
Abdication of Tsar Nicholas II
In response to the revolt in the country and the government's inability to control the people, Tsar Nicholas II followed the advice of political and military leaders and stepped down. -
The November Revolution
Russia used a different calendar during this time, so this event is also referred to as the October Revolution. The provisional government set up after Tsar Nicholas II's abdication falls apart after failing to resolve continuing unrest in the country. People are exhausted and bitter, rallying for food, land, and an end to war. After the revolution, the Bolsheviks took control and instated communist policies. -
Russian Civil War
Conflict was between Reds (Bolsheviks, communists in favor of ending the autocracy) and Whites (imperial officers and others in favor of keeping the autocracy). Fighting was brutal; the Reds utilized a secret police and executed ordinary citizens for even suspicion of opposing the revolution. They also set up labor camps and "war communism", which forced peasants to hand over almost all of their crops. The Reds were victorious and the war ended on October 25, 1922. -
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
Made peace with Germany, although it also surrendered a large portion of land and people to Germany as well. Ended Russia's participation WWI. -
Excution of Tsar Nicholas II and his family
Because he was not properly prepared to be rule, Tsar Nicholas II ruled with an "iron fist", forbidding those within his empire to speak non-Russian languages, limiting freedoms, and even going so far as killing citizens. Such a terrible track record on the throne spelled doom for Tsar Nicholas II and his family. Yakov Yurovsky orchestrated the murders of the entire Romanov family on behalf of the Bolsheviks, because they were symbols of the autocracy the Bolsheviks so despised. -
The New Economic Policy
During their loyalty to the Soviet Union, their economy was controlled by the Soviet leaders. The New Economic Policy was adopted to reverse this situation and to give power back to the state. The state controls large scale operations but smaller businesses were allowed to reopen. Finally, the states stops pressuring peasants for crops and allowed them to control their own land, giving them freedoms.
