Russian Revolution and Civil War: Crash Course European History #35

CrashCourse11 minutes read

World War I in Europe led to Russian revolution, Nicholas II's failure to support the war effort caused shortages, resulting in the Bolshevik rise to power, overthrowing the Provisional Government, and establishment of the USSR under Lenin's leadership which deviated from traditional Marxist ideals. Stalin marginalized Trotsky after Lenin's death, eventually leading to his assassination by ice axe.

Insights

  • The Russian Revolution of 1917 was fueled by the mismanagement of the war effort by Tsar Nicholas II, leading to shortages for soldiers and sparking protests that ultimately led to the abdication of the Tsar.
  • The Bolsheviks, under Lenin's leadership, capitalized on the chaos of the Russian Revolution, overthrowing the Provisional Government in 1917, establishing a new regime, and eventually forming the USSR in 1922, although deviating from traditional Marxist ideals and engaging in violent suppression to maintain power.

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Recent questions

  • What events led to the Russian Revolution?

    World War I, shortages, protests, Bolshevik rise.

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Summary

00:00

Russian Revolution: War, Revolution, and Communism

  • World War I led to immense violence in Europe, with the Russian revolution and civil war unfolding alongside it.
  • Tsar Nicholas II's government failed to adequately support the war effort, resulting in shortages of basic necessities for soldiers.
  • Russian soldiers faced severe shortages of materials like bullets and boots, leading to desertions.
  • Local organizations like zemstvos stepped in to care for wounded and maintain the home front as the imperial administration faltered.
  • International Women's Day protests in Petrograd in 1917 highlighted the mismanagement of the war effort and led to Nicholas II's abdication.
  • The Provisional Government, formed after Nicholas II's abdication, consisted of various political factions and struggled to maintain order.
  • Lenin's return to Russia in 1917 marked the beginning of the Bolshevik rise to power, with a focus on "Peace, Bread, Land" and grassroots organizing.
  • The Bolsheviks overthrew the Provisional Government in October 1917 through a coup, leading to the establishment of a new regime.
  • The Bolsheviks engaged in violence and suppression of democratic ideals, leading to the Civil War and the defeat of the White Movement.
  • The Bolsheviks established a Communist society, deviating from traditional Marxist ideals, and the USSR was declared in 1922 under Lenin's leadership.

13:17

Lenin's Death and Stalin's Rise

  • NEP-men and women in jewels and furs were a compromise by Bolsheviks for temporary domination.
  • Lenin had strokes starting in 1922, leading to his death in January 1924.
  • Stalin organized Lenin's lavish funeral, marginalizing Trotsky who was later killed by ice axe on Stalin's orders.
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