Catalyst & Contents of the Revolution

Background

Background

Underlying Causes:

-For centuries, autocratic and repressive Tsarist regimes ruled the country and most of the population lived under severe economic and social conditions.

-During 19^th century and early 20^th century various movements aimed at overthrowing the oppressive government were staged by students, workers,, peasants, and members of the nobility.

-Russia’s badly organized and unsuccessful involvement in World War I (1914-1918) and government’s corruption and inefficiency.

Russian Revolution Consists of two successful revolutions of 1917

February Revolution:

-Feb. 23-27

-Frequently called the Feb. or March Revolution

-Spontaneous uprising that led to the destruction and removal of the

Tsarist regime.

-Led to formation of Provisional Government.

-immediate cause was the collapse of the Tsarist regime under the strain of World War I

-Underlying cause was the backward economic condition of the country, which made it unable to sustain the war effort against Germany.

October Revolution:

-Oct. 24-25

-Often called the Bolshevik or Oct. Revolution.

-Planned and carefully organized revolution led by the Bolsheviks who wanted power.

-Allowed the Bolsheviks to take power and rid of the Provisional Government.

-Two underlying causes:

The government’s policy of postponing for future determination by a constituent assembly the solution of such problems as economic disorganization, continued food crisis, industrial reforms, redistribution of land to peasants, and growth of counterrevolutionary forces.
Growing conviction that was decisively molded by Bolshevik propaganda following the mid-April arrival in Petrograd of Lenin.