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Industrialization and the problems it caused in Russia
In 1891, the railway began construction in Russia. Most industrialization took place between 1863 and the early 1900's. The government sought foreign investors and raised taxes, which boosted the growth of heavy industry. -
Czar Nicholas came into power
He continued the tradition of Russian autocracy. Autocracy is a governmental system where the ruler has unlimited power and uses it in a controlling matter. -
Development of Revolutionary Groups
In 1903, the Marxists split into two groups over revolutionary tactics. The Revolution was spurred by bad working conditions and low wages, as well as child labor. The Proletariat (workers) wanted to take power, and overthrow the Czar so they could rule the country. -
Bloody Sunday
200,000 workers and their families approached the Czar's palace in St. Petersburg. They were petitioning for better working conditions, personal freedom, and an elective national legislature. The Czar ordered soldiers to fire at the group. Over a thousand were wounded, and several hundred people were killed. -
World War I
A major war between the Allies and the Central Powers, which were made up of the world's most powerful nations. One of the largest wars in history. -
The March Revolution
Female textile workers in Petrograd led a city-wide strike, and riots persisted for the next five days over shortages of bread and food. -
The Czar Steps Down
The March Revolution led to Czar Nicholas abdicating his throne. A year later, Nicholas and his family were executed, ending the Czar dynasty. -
The Bolshevik Revolution
Armed factory workers stormed the winter palace in Petrograd, calling themselves the Bolshevik Redguards. They took over the government offices and arrested the leaders of the provisional government. -
Lenin in Power
After the war and revolution, the economy was destroyed, so many skilled workers fled to other countries. Lenin turned to reviving the economy and restructuring the government. -
Stalin Becomes a Dictator
Lenin had a stroke, but survived. Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky were two powerful associated with the Communist party. By 1928, Stalin was in complete command of the Communist party. With Trotsky in exile, he now stood poised to wield absolute power as a dictator.
