The Russian Revolution 1917

The Rise of Communism and the Totalitarian State

TERMS

CAPITALISM

An economic system based on private ownership of the factors of production (land, natural resources, labor, capital). Entrepreneurs compete to produce goods and services in a free market system for profit.

Marxism aka Marxist Socialism- Karl Marx (pg. 438) The economic/political philosophy that believes that

capitalism is the cause of the world’s problems. History is the story of class struggle Struggle between the capitalists (bourgeoisie) & the workers

(proletariat). When the proletariats’ numbers become so great a

spontaneous revolution will occur. The revolution would end with a “dictatorship of the

proletariat (worker)”-with communal ownership of wealth

No need for a government

Communism-Lenin (pg. 438)

History is a story of class struggle. Struggle is between the capitalists and the

peasants and the proletariat Proletariat And Peasants are not capable to lead a

revolution and need guidance from professional revolutionaries.

After the revolution, the state needed to be run by a single party, centrally directed administrators in order to ensure goals-The Communist Party.

DOMESTIC CLIMATE

INSIDE THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE BEFORE THE REVOLUTION

Political Climate before Russian Revolution Romanov dynasty ruled for 300 yrs. Autocratic rule: ABSOLUTE POWER BY Divine

Right Czar Nicholas II and Czarina Alexandra (GER

princess) Rasputin’s influence on the Czarina Political reforms, domestic policies & foreign

policies: limited, ineffective & unsuccessful. WWI not going well.

Rasputin: The Mad Monk

The Last of the Romanov Dynasty

Economic Climate before the Russian Revolution Feudalism: Very Rich & Very Poor Crop failures, food shortages Beginning of Industrial Revolution-rising

middle class & emerging working class wanting more.

Russian Orthodox Church : powerful land owner

Social Climate before Russian Revolution Russian Orthodox Church-very powerful

cultural influence Education was limited to the upper class Strong Anti-Semitism (hatred of Jews) led

to “pogroms” Pogrom: Gov’t organized oppression,

harassment, and massacre of an ethnic group

FILM: Witness to History:The Russian Revolution Intro: The Climate before the Revolution The Seeds of the Revolution The Revolution The Civil War & Lenin’s Policies

Your Task:

Now watch the primary source footage and take notes on each section. Remember your terms.