unrest in Russia
Russia wasn't industrialized before or during WWI. While the other countries in Europe grew in industry and began to claim colonies, Russia was left in the dust with an czar who was not kind to the people. Czar Nicholas II was not a kind czar. He gave Russians very little rights and put down their protests with force. He gave them the Duma, a council to vote on laws and rules but took it away one month after it's creation. This, of course, angered the people. He also entered Russia into WWI when they didn't have the resources or ability to fight in it. WWI left Russia devastated . The un-industrialized nation couldn't keep up with goods and weapon production and often left soldiers in the cold without ammo or guns. Out of all the Allied Powers, Russia suffered the most casualties: 9,150,000 people. 76% of Russians who entered the war never came back. With tempers running high and anger towards Czar Nicholas, the Russian people take action to get their country out of the war.
overthrowWWI caused the spark that ignited the revolution. Czar Nicholas is overthrown March 15, 1917. But this doesn't solve all of Russia's problems. The new government keeps Russia in the war which continues to deplete its resources and people. The new government lasts until November of 1917, when they are overthrown by the Bolsheviks and their leader, Lenin. The Bolsheviks were a communist group and the Russians believed that this is what would lead them to greatness.
|