The Romanov Reign
What royal family ruled Russia until the middle of WWI?
The Romanovs
Which Tsar freed the serfs by decree in 1861?
Tsar Alexander II
What major event occurred in Petrograd (St. Petersburg) during WWI that helped spark the revolution?
Bread riots and widespread unrest due to war-weariness and food shortages.
Name the two main factions involved in the Russian Civil War.
The Reds (Bolsheviks) and the Whites (anti-Bolshevik forces)
What treaty ended Russia's participation in WWI?
The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
Describe the social structure of Russia before 1861.
A rigid, hierarchical system dominated by the aristocracy and the peasantry (serfs).
Who is Vladimir Lenin, and what was his role in the Russian Revolution?
The leader of the Bolsheviks, architect of the October Revolution, and the first leader of Soviet Russia.
Who came to power after the October Revolution in 1917?
The Bolsheviks (Lenin and the Communist Party)
What were some of the other factions or "colors" involved in the Russian Civil War beyond Red and White, and what did they represent?
There were various smaller groups with differing ideologies and goals, often regional in nature. Examples include Green (anarchists/peasant rebellions), Black (nationalist Ukrainian forces).
Why was the Czech Legion significant during the Russian Civil War?
A large force of Czech soldiers stranded in Russia who played a crucial role in the civil war, often siding with the Whites and even briefly controlling key areas.
Who is Karl Marx, and what is his significance in the context of the Russian Revolution?
A German philosopher and economist whose theories of Marxism provided an ideological foundation for the Bolsheviks.
Why was Lenin exiled from Russia?
For his revolutionary activities and opposition to the Tsarist regime.
What impact did World War I have on the Russian people and its government, ultimately leading to the revolution?
Widespread suffering and discontent due to war, economic hardship and immense casualties.
The Reds had a concise vision for the future. What was it?
A communist state, abolishing private property and establishing a classless society.
Why did the Allied powers initially intervene in Russia after WWI?
Concerns about the Bolshevik threat, the recovery of Allied supplies, and preventing the spread of communism.
What is Marxism, and how did it influence the Russian Revolution?
A socioeconomic theory advocating class struggle and the eventual overthrow of capitalism leading to a communist society. It inspired the Bolshevik ideology and revolution.
How did Lenin return to Russia?
With German assistance, via a sealed train during WWI.
What was the name of the provisional government formed after the February Revolution?
Provisional Government
What was the White Army's vision for Russia's future (generally speaking)?
A restoration of some form of order, typically a return to a monarchical or more moderate government, with varying degrees of commitment to capitalist reforms.
Name some of the countries that sent troops to assist the Whites in Russia.
Britain, France, Japan, the United States (though with limited involvement).
What was the name of the last Tsar of Russia?
Nicholas II
What major event led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II?
The February Revolution
What were the key differences between the Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks?
Disagreements over strategy and tactics, particularly the approach to the revolution. (Bolsheviks wanted to overthrow the government immediately, while Mensheviks desired a gradual transition.)
What does the term "Soviet" mean in the context of the Russian Revolution?
A council of workers, soldiers, and peasants; the basis for the Soviet system of government.
How did the foreign troops generally feel about fighting alongside the Whites?
Many were reluctant and disillusioned, viewing the Whites as disorganized and lacking a clear vision.