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In 1891, the railway began construction in Russia. Most industrialization took place between 1863 and the early 1900's. The government sought foreign investors and raised taxes, which boosted the growth of heavy industry.
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He continued the tradition of Russian autocracy. Autocracy is a governmental system where the ruler has unlimited power and uses it in a controlling matter.
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In 1903, the Marxists split into two groups over revolutionary tactics. The Revolution was spurred by bad working conditions and low wages, as well as child labor. The Proletariat (workers) wanted to take power, and overthrow the Czar so they could rule the country.
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200,000 workers and their families approached the Czar's palace in St. Petersburg. They were petitioning for better working conditions, personal freedom, and an elective national legislature. The Czar ordered soldiers to fire at the group. Over a thousand were wounded, and several hundred people were killed.
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A major war between the Allies and the Central Powers, which were made up of the world's most powerful nations. One of the largest wars in history.
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Female textile workers in Petrograd led a city-wide strike, and riots persisted for the next five days over shortages of bread and food.
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The March Revolution led to Czar Nicholas abdicating his throne. A year later, Nicholas and his family were executed, ending the Czar dynasty.
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Armed factory workers stormed the winter palace in Petrograd, calling themselves the Bolshevik Redguards. They took over the government offices and arrested the leaders of the provisional government.
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After the war and revolution, the economy was destroyed, so many skilled workers fled to other countries. Lenin turned to reviving the economy and restructuring the government.
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Lenin had a stroke, but survived. Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky were two powerful associated with the Communist party. By 1928, Stalin was in complete command of the Communist party. With Trotsky in exile, he now stood poised to wield absolute power as a dictator.
