Russian Revolution of 1917: From Tsarism to Communism
The Russian Revolution of 1917
The Tsarist Autocracy
At the beginning of the 20th century, Russia was a vast empire under Tsar Nicholas II, clinging to monarchical absolutism. Its economy and social structures lagged behind Europe. The Tsar held absolute power, governing by decree without a constitution or parliament. A loyal bureaucracy and a powerful army enforced his control, with the Orthodox Church serving as a key ideological pillar. Agriculture dominated the economy, with land concentrated
Read MoreKey Events: From Absolutism to Enlightenment and Revolutions
Key Historical Events: Absolutism, Enlightenment, and Revolutions
CCAR: The Old Regime
Economy: Manorialism entailed land belonging to the lords and had replaced feudalism. Peasants also had to pay a tithe to the church.
Society: Society was divided into three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and ordinary people.
Policy: Absolutist monarchy prevailed. The king had absolute power and issued laws, appointed judges and ministers, and administered justice.
Change: The bourgeoisie aspired to participate
Read MoreImperialism, Colonialism, and the Road to World War I
Imperialism and World War I
From the 1870-71 war between Prussia and France, the creation of the German empire, and the disappearance of the French empire, several factors contributed to the outbreak of World War I:
- Economic rivalry: colonialism.
- Political rivalry: Alliances, new powers (the USA and Japan), and the Basque Country.
- The Balkans conflict.
Losses Due to Colonialism
- Between 1811 and 1825, Spain lost its South American colonies.
- In 1898, Spain lost its final colonies in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and
Spanish Civil War: Causes, Key Events, and Aftermath
The Road to Civil War in Spain (1936)
Tensions between the Popular Front coalition government and accusations of corruption fueled calls for new elections in February 1936. Centrist-leftist forces, grouped in the Popular Front (Front d’Esquerres in Catalonia), presented a united front. Right-wing parties in Catalonia reacted by advocating for order against what they perceived as Catalan separatism. The rest of Spain became divided between the Spanish Bloc, led by Calvo Sotelo, CEDA, and the Falange.
Read MoreImperialism and World War I: Causes and Consequences
Imperialism: Domination Through Force
Imperialism: A political theory that advocates the extension of political or economic domination of a country through force.
Economic Reasons for Establishing Colonies
- Exploit material resources and obtain cheap labor.
- Create new markets exclusive to the metropolis, prohibiting trade with other nations.
- Attract European capital investment to build necessary infrastructure.
- Welcome the growing European population, alleviating pressure from population explosion.
Causes
Read MoreSpanish History: Key Figures, Events, and Concepts
Spanish History: Key Concepts and Figures
1. Matching Exercise
- VI-VII, Implemented-Repealed
- Pragmatic Sanction-Salic Law
- The Criollo Bourgeoisie-Spain
- The Spanish Constitution of 1876 declares Isabella-Cánovas del Castillo
- Chamber of Representatives- Congreso de los Diputados
- Are not elected – Senators
- Must be at least 30 years old – Senators
- Every 75000-Universal Suffrage
- Six years-Three years (Congress Deputies)
- Quitar el ‘not’ de ‘not inviolable’ – Inviolable
2. Completing Sentences
- The main causes of…