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Russia Industrializes
Russian factories doubled in size and employed more workers. The Russian government sought foreign investors and raised taxes. The working conditions were poor and people wanted to see a raise in wages. -
The Mensheviks and Bolsheviks Split
The moderate Mensheviks, who wanted a broad base of popular support, split off from the more radical Bolsheviks who supported a small number of committed revolutionaries that were willing to sacrifice anything. The Bolsheviks now saw nationalism as a threat to unity and loyalty so Lenin organized Russia into self-governing republics under a central government. Communism then came into play and would remain prominent for the rest of the revolution. -
Russo-Japanese War
Russia and Japan wanted control of Korea. Russia broke the agreements over the territory, which caused Japan to retaliate and attack the Russians at Port Arthur. Russia was defeated by a lower power and was embarrassed. -
Bloody Sunday
Russian workers attempted to petition Czar Nicholas II for better working conditions, freedoms,and a representative government. The czar's troops fire on the petitioners and kill several hundred. This event demonstrated the socioeconomic problems suffered by average Russians and the unwillingness of the monarchy to reform. -
World War I
Russia was unprepared to handle the military and economic costs of the war and were losing. They didn't trust Czar to manage the war. This event called for a change in the monarchy. -
March Revolution
Women textile workers went on strike to protest bread and fuel shortages. Soldiers then went on to side with the women who were protesting. This was the official beginning of the revolution. -
Lenin Arrives in Russia
The Czar steps down after the March Revolution. The Germans then arrange Lenin's return to Russia following many years of exile. Lenin goes on to help the Bolsheviks gain power and becomes the leader of Russia. -
Bolshevik Revolution
The Bolsheviks gain control of Petrograd. Amed factory workers then storm the Winter Palace. This led to a collapse in the provisional government. -
Russian Civil War
The White Army was formed by those who supported return to rule by the czar, those who wanted a democratic government and even socialists who opposed Lenin's style of socialism. They fought against the Bolshevik Red Army led by expert revolutionary leader Leon Trotsky. From 1918 to 1920 the war was fought and left Russia in a state of chaos. By the end of the war, the Red Army had crushed all opposition and the Bolsheviks were able to gain and maintain power. -
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
Russia and Germany signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk where Russia surrendered a majority of its territory to Germany and its allies. However, many Russians were humiliated and angry with what the treaty had to offer. As a response to this treaty and the Revolution as a whole, the Russians objected to the Bolsheviks, their policies and to the murder of the royal family.
