-
In 1848, Karl Marx and Frederik Engels, two German philosophers, published The Communist Manifesto, a political book. The manifesto outlined why the two authors believed communism was superior is capitalism. They said capitalism would eventually ''self-destruct'', be replaced by socialism, and replaced once again by communism. To this day, the Communist Manifesto remains relevant and has amassed a cult-like following. -
In late 1894, Tsar Nicholas II was crowned emperor of the Russian Empire. This is significant as Nicholas was the ruler who led the country throughout its revolutionary times. He is widely known for his poor ruling style, lack of responsibility, and, lastly, for his abdication which ended the Romanov Dynasty. -
Vladimir Lenin, a Russian Revolutionist developed a big following soon to be called the Bolshevik Party. They believed in abolishing capitalism and bringing communist ways to Russian Society. Eventually, the group split in 2. The more radical and aggressive half remained as the Bolsheviks, while the Mensheviks, the minority, were known to be less passionate and looked for a progressive change instead. -
Bloody Sunday marked the beginning of the 1905 Revolution. It occurred when a group of working-class Russians peacefully protested their working conditions and wages. They made their way to the Winer Palace to discuss ways of reform with Tsar Nicholas II, but their journey was cut short when Russian soldiers opened fire upon the innocent protestors. Ultimately, this tarnished the already unpopular Tsar's reputation even more. -
Due to the chaos enduring in the Russian Empire, Tsar Nicholas II issued the October Manifesto. The manifesto ruled out what was to come next for Nicholas II's empire. For example, it promised social and political reforms which, at the moment, was a big wish among the working-class in Russia. -
Due to the lousiness of the Russian army, Tsar Nicholas II took charge. In 1915, during World War I, the Tsar named himself commander-in-chief, in hopes of firing up his army. He believed that with his leadership, the soldiers would feel inspired to fight with more passion than ever. -
As previous attempts to reform Russian society had remained unsuccessful, the working class, yet again, began to revolt. The country was now going through a political and economic catastrophe, and it seemed as if the government had no plans to mend it. One of the ways the February Revolution was successful was that it led to the abdication of the Tsar. Angry protestors, and even his own army, forced Nicholas II to step down from the throne, ending autocratic rule in Russia. -
The radical Communists of Russia, the Bolsheviks, took over Russia in a civil war. The group wanted to continue reforming Russia into an industrialized communist country as they were still unhappy with their government. The Bolsheviks gained support and eventually took the Winter Palace and dissolved the Provisional Government. -
After his abdication, Tsar Nicholas II and his family were banished to Yekaterinburg. There, on July 18th, 1918, they were tragically murdered by a group of Bolsheviks. This was due to the Bolsheviks' fear of the White Army possibly freeing the family. -
Through the early 1920s, Vladimir Lenin, a once radical politician, had gone weak. After suffering from multiple strokes, Lenin retired from politics in 1922. He passed away 2 years later on January 21st, 1924. Shortly after, Joesph Stalin rose to power and began a dictatorship in the Soviet Union which was established just 2 years prior.