Russian Revolution
A period of political and social upheaval in Russia, marked by the overthrow of the Romanov dynasty and the establishment of the Bolshevik government.
Industrialization in Russia
Rapid growth of industries in Russia, fueled by factors like the defeat in the Crimean War and the emancipation of serfs, leading to social unrest and revolts.
Rasputin
Grigori Rasputin, a Russian mystic and advisor to the Romanov family, who gained influence through alleged healing powers and charisma, contributing to the decline of the Romanov dynasty.
Abdication of the Tsar
Tsar Nicholas II forced to step down in March 1917, ending the 300-year Romanov dynasty and leading to the establishment of a provisional Republic government.
Bolsheviks
A communist party led by Vladimir Lenin, gaining popular support with the slogan "Peace, Bread, Land" and seizing control in the November Revolution of 1917.
War Communism
A policy during the Russian Civil War where the government seized all private land and businesses, aiming to facilitate the political transition, but leading to economic hardships.
Soviet Union (USSR)
Formed in 1922 after the Russian Civil War, comprising various Soviet republics, with a focus on collectivism, rapid industrialization, and centralized control under leaders like Stalin.
Collectivism
A program under Stalin to increase agricultural output by turning private land into state communes, leading to the Ukrainian genocide (Holodomor) and widespread famine.
Great Purge
A period of political repression under Stalin, targeting perceived enemies of the state, resulting in mass arrests, executions, and forced labor in gulags, with millions of deaths.