Events
What conflict was Russia involved in before the Revolution began?
World War One.
Who was the last Tsar of Russia?
Nicholas II
What is a soviet?
A council of workers and soldiers that represented the people.
What is communism?
A government run by and for the working class, with no private property or capitalism.
What is a revolution?
A major, often violent, change in government or society.
Which event sparked the Russian Civil War?
The October Revolution occurred in 1917, as Bolsheviks arrested leaders of the Duma and took control of the country, leading to a three year civil war.
Who led the Bolsheviks and became the first leader of Soviet Russia?
Vladimir Lenin
What does "abdicate" mean?
To abdicate is to give up the throne or step down from power, which Nicholas II did after the February Revolution.
What is totalitarianism?
A form of government where all aspects of civilian life is controlled by the government.
What is the difference between reform and revolution?
A reform is a change within a system, a revolution is an overthrow of the system.
What event forced Tsar Nicholas II to abdicate the throne?
The February Revolution- the October Revolution would happen later in 1917 and overthrow the Duma.
Who influenced the Czarina in controversial ways while Nicholas II was at war?
Rasputin
Who are the "bourgeoisie"?
The middle and upper class (the owners of businesses and capital).
What was the Duma?
A representative assembly created by Nicholas II, then later dissolved. It also became the provisional government after Nicholas II abdicated the throne.
How did WWI lead to the Russian Revolution?
What event caused the 1905 revolution?
Bloody Sunday.
Who took control of the USSR after Lenin's death?
Joseph Stalin
What is a "proletariat"?
The working class people, especially industrial workers.
What was the "New Economic Policy"?
Lenin's 1921 plan to implement some private businesses in Russia.
In what ways was violence used against Russian Civilians after the revolution?
Secret police were used for violent oppression of other political ideologies.
Which event ended Russia's Involvement in WWI?
The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk.
What revolutionary leader organized the Red Army during the Russian Civil War?
Leon Trotsky
Who were the "Mensheviks"?
Menshevik means minority, and the Mensheviks were the less radical communists that opposed Bolshevik rule.
How many systems of government did Russia have in the year 1917 alone?
Three- Autocracy under Tsar Nicholas II, Representative Democracy under the Duma, and Communism under Lenin.
Why did communism eventually lead to totalitarianism?
Under communism, leaders are able to keep power and money that is supposed to be handed back to the people.