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Communist Manifesto Published
The Communist Manifesto was a book written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engles advocating for the rising-up of the working class, which acted as a key piece in inspiring the revolutions that produced the USSR. -
Tsar Alexander II is Assassinated
Tsar Alexander II's assassination by a group advocating for radical change was one of the early symbols of the growing conflict between Russia's ruling class and the proletariat, contributing to the weakness and unpopularity of the tsars. -
1905 revolution
The 1905 revolution was an attempted uprising in a time of intense political unrest in Russia, as a large amount of citizens desired a more equal government, eventually leading the tsar to make small compromises with the intent of keeping the general population satisfied. Jan 22, 1905 - Jun 16, 1907 -
World War 1
World War 1 was a massive conflict that caused severe damage to Russia's economy, population, and society, as large amounts of resources and manpower was devoted with little to no return, further increasing the unrest. Jul 28, 1914 - Nov 11, 1918 -
The March Revolution
As turmoil created by the war clashed with a growing anger towards the Tsar, creating a series of protests that resulting in the abdication of the throne by Tsar Nicholas II and the establishment of a quite ineffective government.
Feb 22, 1917 - Mar 3, 1917 -
Bolshevik Revolution of November 1917
The November Revolution was the Bolshevik party taking Russia from an inefficient government that was slow to implement change.
November 7, 1917 - November 8, 1917 -
Russian Civil War
The Russian Civil War was between the "Reds," who were fighting on behalf communist Russian government, and the "Whites" who were supported by the Entente Powers to try and bring Russia back into the war against Germany. The Reds ultimately won. 1918 - Mar 18, 1921 -
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
A peace treaty between Russia and Germany which took Russia out of World War 1 (one of Lenin's promises). -
Lenin Dies and Stalin Takes Over the USSR
Lenin died in 1924 and Stalin took over, causing the government to shift into an even more totalitarian, rigid state. -
Stalin's First Five Year Plan
Five year plans were a staple of the Soviet economy under Stalin, as pressure to compete in a conflicting world grew. 1928 - 1932