Lesson #7 - Russia: From Czar to Communism

Our goal for today will be to make sense of Russia's transition from the Romanov Dynasty to a totalitarian, communist state known as the Soviet Union, or the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

As I've mentioned, I've taught this material in a couple different classes over the years. I'll share some of my own notes with you so that you can look more in depth at the issues if you would like.

Russia: From Czar to Communism - Initially, let's back it up to the pre-WWI period in Russia. For most of the 19th century, Russia was ruled by czars named Alexander and Nicholas... Here is a set of notes on The Last Czars. Take a look at these for a minute to get a feel for the challenges and issues facing Russia at the time. We can talk about those.

Czar Nicholas II is the last of the Romanovs to rule Russia. Let's take a look at my Nicholas II - Notes and see some of the ways in which he is accused of weakening Russia. Be sure you understand "Bloody Sunday" and the role of Rasputin here.

As you certainly have seen by now, 1917 is the key year for Russia. It is here that Russia undergoes a pair of revolutions. Let's take a closer look at the The Russian Revolutions of 1917. Following these revolutions, Russia (as you read) fights a brutal civil war which ends with the Bolsheviks and Lenin in charge.

Communism in Russia: We'll have you more closely examine some of the ideas that Lenin and the Bolsheviks put into place in Russia. Considering this Introduction to Communism and your reading, as well as your own background knowledge, try your hand at answering these questions.

Tomorrow, we'll turn our attention to the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin. In preparation for that, you might take a look at some of these resources.