Major 20th Century Events: Revolutions, Wars, and Economic Collapse

Key Historical Events: Early 20th Century Transformations

Prelude to Revolution: Early 20th Century Russia

• Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905): A significant defeat for Russia, exposing weaknesses in the Tsarist regime.
• Bloody Sunday (1905): Imperial guards opened fire on peaceful demonstrators in St. Petersburg, sparking widespread unrest and the 1905 Revolution.

The Russian Revolutions of 1917

The February Revolution (March 1917)

• February 23rd, 1917: Large demonstrations in Petrograd (St. Petersburg) escalated into a general strike and riots in military barracks.
• Tsar Nicholas II Deposed: The unrest led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.
• Provisional Government Formed: A liberal Provisional Government was established, promising reforms and land distribution.
• Duality of Power: A unique situation emerged with two competing authorities: the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet (Council of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies).
• Lenin's Return and April Theses: Vladimir Lenin returned from exile. Alongside Leon Trotsky, he authored the "April Theses," advocating "All Power to the Soviets" and aiming to dismantle the Provisional Government to establish a Marxist-socialist system.

The October Revolution (November 1917)

• Bolshevik Ascent: The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, formed their own armed force, the Red Guards.
• Weakening Provisional Government: Alexander Kerensky, head of the Provisional Government, lost military support.
• Storming the Winter Palace: Bolshevik rebels seized the Winter Palace in Petrograd, overthrowing the Provisional Government.
• Revolution Spreads: The revolution quickly spread to Moscow and other industrial regions.
• Worker's Government Proclaimed: The Second All-Russian Congress of Soviets declared a new worker's government, marking the establishment of Soviet power.
• Soviet Decrees (October 1917): Early decrees included land redistribution and peace negotiations.

The Russian Civil War (1918-1921)

Following the October Revolution, Russia plunged into a brutal civil war.

• Counter-Revolutionaries (White Army): Composed of tsarists, liberals, Mensheviks, and other anti-Bolshevik factions. They received support from Allied powers including France, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States.
• Bolsheviks (Red Army): Led by Leon Trotsky, the Red Army fought to consolidate Bolshevik power.
• Outcome: The Bolsheviks emerged victorious, securing their control over Russia.
• Execution of the Romanovs: In the summer of 1918, the royal family, the Romanovs, was executed.

Consequences of the Civil War

• Severe food shortages and widespread famine.
• High number of casualties and immense human suffering.
• Ukraine was brought back into the Soviet Union.

Formation of the USSR and Early Soviet State

• Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) (1922): The formal establishment of the Soviet Union.
• Soviet Constitution (1924): The first constitution of the USSR was adopted.

Understanding Totalitarianism and Authoritarianism

Totalitarianism

A political system that rejects democracy and seeks to control all aspects of society and the state. Its key characteristics include:

• Cult of personality around the leader.
• Only one political party allowed.
• Extensive indoctrination of the populace.
• Use of terror and violence to maintain control.
• Systematic persecution and elimination of opposition.

Totalitarianism is not limited to right-wing parties; it also encompasses regimes like Stalinism (communism) and any system where freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights are absent.

Authoritarianism

A political system where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small elite. Key aspects include:

• Leaders often exercise power arbitrarily, disregarding existing laws.
• Citizens typically cannot replace leaders through free and fair elections.
• Freedom to create opposition political parties is either limited or nonexistent.

The Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the Great Depression

The "Crash of 1929" marked the beginning of the Great Depression.

• Stock Market Boom: Many people invested heavily in the stock market, often using their savings to buy shares.
• Overestimated Shares: Share prices became significantly overvalued, creating a high risk of financial disaster.
• Panic and Bank Runs: As confidence eroded, people rushed to banks to withdraw their money. However, banks could not provide sufficient funds as most money had been lent to individuals and businesses, many of whom were ruined by the stock market collapse.
• Black Tuesday (October 29, 1929): A massive wave of selling shares triggered widespread panic.
• Global Impact: The crisis, originating in the United States, quickly spread to Europe and other parts of the world, leading to a global economic downturn.