Name: ______________

Period: ____
The Russian Revolution Web Quest
Visit the following websites in order to accurately and efficiently answer the
questions associated with each site.
Part I: The Path to Revolution: http://www.geographia.com/russia/rushis06.htm
1. Before the Russian Revolution what form of government was the head of
Russia? Before the 1905 Revolution the government was an absolute
monarchy.
2. What happened with the Czars (Tsars) to make the Russian people unhappy?
The Russians were sick and tired of the war effort. It hurt them economically
and they were unable to afford to rebuild their country.
3. Explain what happened in the Decembrist Revolt? On December 14, 1825 the
military had to swear allegiance to Nicholas I in Senate Square in St.
Petersburg. Around 3,000 men began to revolt against Tsar Nicholas.
4. Who abolished serfdom in 1861? Serfdom was abolished by a decree issued
by Tsar Alexander II in 1861.
5. Why was Czar Nicholas II not a great Czar? He was not prepared to be a Tsar.
6. What reforms were made after Russias defeat to Japan in 1905? Treaty of
Portsmouth.
7. In 1912 the Social Democrats split into 2 groups. List the two groups and
describe them: The Mensheviks and Bolsheviks were both revolutionary
political parties of Marxist origins.
8. In February 1917 why did riots break out in St. Petersburg? The peasants
were frustrated with the harsh conditions and the tsars apparent lack of
interest in helping the poor.
9. After Nicholas II gave up the throne who ran the Russian Government?
Alexander Kerensky wielded significant political power after Nicholas IIs
abdication.
10.On October 25th who stormed the winter palace to take over the
government? The Bolsheviks.
11.Three years later, in 1920 the Russian Government was finally controlled by
what group? Vladimir Lenin.
Part II: Social Organization: Define and provide the information for the system.
12.Communism: http://www.diffen.com/difference/Communism_vs_Socialism
a. Definition: a political theory derived from Karl Marx, advocating class war
and leading to a society in which all property is publicity owned and each
person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs.
b. Key elements: managing economies and countries.
c. Countries that have this system: China, Cuba, and Laos.

Part III: Key people: Write a brief biographical summary (2-4 sentences) of each
person and then explain their role in the Russian Revolution.
13.Vladimir Lenin: http://www.biography.com/#!/people/vladimir-lenin-9379007
a. Who was he? The founder of the Russian Communist Party, leader of the
Bolshevik Revolution and architect and first head of the Soviet State.
b. List three ways in which he was involved in the Russian Revolution and the
events that followed. Lenins call was soon supported by events on the
ground of Russia going to war. Lenin went to exile again during World War
I. Lenins group, known as the Bolsheviks, had sparred since partys
Second Congress.
14.Josef Stalin: http://www.biography.com/#!/people/joseph-stalin-9491723
a. Who was he? Ruled the Soviet Union for more than two decades.
b. List three ways in which he was involved in the Russian Revolution and the
events that followed. He instituted a reign of terror while modernizing
Russia and helping to defeat Nazism.