Main themes in Russian history

Main themes in Russian history

1. Change from above

   • Russia had a strong political, social and economic change from above, meaning change was from rulers or by gov.
   • 1855 - 1881 - Alexander II launched another period of change.
   • 1917 - 1924 Lenin forced through reform from above.
     • Due to mainly democratic politics - ruled by autocrats or dictators.

2. Revolution

   • 1905 revolution - resulted in October manifesto = creation of Duma/
   • Feb. 1917 - Revolution resulted in abdication of the Tsar and end of the 300 years of rule by Romanov family.
   • October rev. 1917 - Creation of world's first communist state. Transformation in social, economic and political structure of Russia.

3. War

   • 1854 - 56 = Crimean War. Defeat was major reason for Alexander II reforms in 1860s.
   • 1904 - 05 = Russia fought Japan in a war over the far east. Russias defeat helped fuel revolution during 1905.
   • WWI
     • Huge social and economic strains.
     • Defeat undermined the authority of the Tsar and helped bring him down in the February revolution 1917.