Session Date
Lesson Topic
The Russian Revolution
Lesson Outline
For centuries, people in the Russian Empire were poor and lacked the standard of life in the the West. In 1848, Karl Marx wrote a manifesto about an ideology called "Communism." Vladimir Lenin read this manifesto and loved the idea of a Communist Utopia. Years later, countries throughout Europe were experiencing another Industrial Revolution. In Russia with feudalism still present, most Russians were living in extreme poverty under the autocracy of Tsar. After the death of Nicholas I, Alexander II became Tsar of the empire. He created many reforms, which emancipated the serfs. When Alexander was assassinated in March 1881, his son, Alexander III, became Tsar. Alexander III reversed his father's reforms, repressed Non-Russians, and created a secret police named the "Okhrana." He died due to kidney inflammation, and his childish son, Nicholas II, became Tsar Nicholas who was unpopular among the Russian public. Many people wanted to install a republic in Russia. Still, several people, most notably Vladimir Lenin who was living abroad in exile wanted to replace the autocracy of the Tsars with Communism. In Europe, Lenin joined other Communist Russians. Lenin would create a division in the group by starting his own radical faction called the Bolsheviks. In the meantime the Russian empire industrialized. This led to multiple revolts led by peasants, workers, etc. Nicholas led Russia into a war with Japan. Still, the Russian army suffered numerous defeats, and the whole country was angry. Leon Trotsky created the Soviets, and the navy started to mutiny. However, Nicholas defeated the protesters. Nicolas II then increased repression all over Russia. Grigori Rasputin became famous for his "healing" powers, then came to good terms with Nicholas after supposedly helping his son's hemophelia. Rasputin abused his favor and position with the royal family and his conduct will cost all of them dearly.

Session Minutes
30
Minutes Student Attended
30
Lesson Comments
Unfortunately, our class had to be cut by a 1/2 hour today.
Session Hours
0.50
Hours Attended
0.50
Entry Status
Review Status
Student Name(s)
Subject