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Nicholas II becomes czar
Nicholas II succeeded Alexander III. He continued Russian autocracy, blinding himself to change in Russia's government and economy. People hated him because he wouldn't give them the change they wanted. -
Russia Industrializes
Factories more than doubled, program was launched to move Russia's economy forward. In 1900, the nation was the 4th highest ranking steel producer. Although this was good for the economy overall, many workers were put in unsafe conditions. Eventually these conditions would push workers to revolt. -
Russian Marxists split into two groups
Two seperate groups are formed called the Mensheviks and the Bolsheviks. The Mensheviks were more moderate and wanted a "broad base of support ] for the revolution" , while the Bolsheviks were a small number of radical revolutionaries (led by Lenin) who desperately wanted change. This increases tension and the drive towards revolution. -
Bloody Sunday
About 200,000 workers and families protested for more personal freedom, better working conditions, and an elected national legislature. Soldiers were orders to fire on the crowd. This event triggered more violence and strikes, which finally led to Nicholas II approving Duma. -
Nicholas II enters Russia into WWI
Russia was not equipped to fight in such a war. More than four million Russians were killed, wounded, or taken prisoner in less than a year. This displayed the weakness of the Russian government, and outraged those who were still pushing for revolution. -
Nicholas II goes to the warfront, leaving his wife in charge
Nicholas II went to rally his troops to win. Meanwhile, his wife, who is in charge of the Russian government while he is gone, is being greatly influenced by Rasputin. He made some important decisions, such as opposing reform, and putting his friends in higher positions. He was unliked by any who wanted reform and revolution. -
Nobles murder Rasputin
Those who wanted revolution did not agree or approve of Rasputin having any power. Finally, in 1916, a group of nobles murdered him. This was a success for all Russian revolutionaries, as it put someone who opposed reform out of power. -
The March Revolution
Women who worked in textile led a strike throughout the entire city of Petrograd. This was triggered by the shortage of bread and fuel. The chanted things like, "Down with the autocracy!" and "Down with the war!". This was a very public display of the desire for revolution. They chanted about how they wanted to change the government system, and about how Russian soldiers should not be in the war. -
Lenin returns to Russia
Germans help Lenin get back to Russia because they believe he and his Bolsheviks will cause unrest in Russia, making the Russian military easier to defeat. He arrived in April, and started his work to push for revolution. -
Provisional government topples
Armed workers stormed the palace in Petrograd. They took over government offices and arrested leaders. The called themselves the "Bolshevik Red Guards". The provisional government was destroyed. Soon after, Lenin began to equally distribute farmland, which is what revolutionaries wanted.
