Chapter 15: Russia—Past and Present  "The Russian Revolution"

Introduction Throughout its long history, Russia's people have suffered under a series of harsh, autocratic rulers. In the early years of World War I they endured military defeats on the Eastern Front, and suffered starvation and lack of other goods when the army used all the country's food and resources for its own needs. No wonder the common people were heartened by Lenin's cry of "Peace, land, bread." In this activity, you will take a closer look at the causes, effects, and key leaders of the 1917 Russian Revolution. Destination Title: Russia in Revolution Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window. Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips. Directions Start at the Modern World History: Russia in Revolution home page. Scroll down to read the full text of the page. Look at the graphs and illustrations that accompany the material. Use what you learn to answer the following questions. 1. Name two long-term causes of the 1917 revolution in Russia. 2. Why was it a terrible mistake for Tsar Nicholas II to dismiss the army's commander in chief and take command himself during World War I? 3. Who were the leaders of the Bolsheviks? 4. What two "decrees" did Lenin issue soon after gaining power in Russia? 5. Vladimir Lenin was the mastermind of the 1917 Russian Revolution. Using library or Internet sources, research to find out more about his life. Use what you learn to write a short one-page biography of Lenin. Be sure to cite the sources you used in writing the biography.