Russian Revolution

Aim: What were the effects of the Russian Revolution? Do they matter today?

Do Now: Russian Revolution Worksheet

Lesson Overview:

Item	Approx Time
Do Now	3-5 Min
Mini Lesson	15-20 Min
Activity	15 Min
Discussion	5-7 Min

The Russian Revolution

Causes:

Throughout the 19th century, Russian Czars attempted to westernize and industrialize, without also importing French Revolution liberal ideas. They were mostly unsuccessful, and many Russian liberals called for reform. In response, the Czars became harsh and oppressive. A rigid social class system added to this problem by denying the majority peasant class most basic rights. The peasant class, composed of both farmers and urban workers, were mostly poor, overworked, and hungry, which would lead them to support liberal ideas that promised better living conditions.

A small revolution in 1905 forced Czar Nicholas II to enact some minor reforms, however, these did not last. Finally, as Russia suffered through many defeats during World War I, and the country faced shortages in food, fuel and housing, the people began to revolt. The czar was forced from power in March of 1917, and a provisional government was setup. In November, after this government had been slow in reacting to the country's problems, a group known as the Bolsheviks, took control of the country. This is known as the Bolshevik or Communist Revolution, as the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, later renamed themselves Communists.

Effects:

Russia became the first country to base its government on the writings of Karl Marx. By 1922, Lenin and the Communists had retaken most of the old Russian Empire and renamed it the Soviet Union. Initially, the Communists fulfilled their revolutionary promises by improving basic living conditions, and ending Russia's involvement in World War I, but ultimately failed to provide a government of equal rights and participation.

Classwork & Homework

Lesson PowerPoint: The Russian Revolution

Lesson Video: Russian Revolution Timeline

Lesson Activity: Russian Revolution Activity

Homework: Communism Worksheet