clase 5 parte 2

Introduction to Property and Wealth

Discussion on Ownership

• The speaker discusses the concept of wealth, emphasizing that the rich are often landowners, which contributes to their financial status.

• A roll call is conducted for attendees who arrived late, indicating a structured classroom environment.

Class Topics Overview

• The upcoming exam topics include significant historical events such as the French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, and various political ideologies like liberalism and nationalism.

• Additional topics mentioned for future classes include the Great Depression and aspects of Argentine history related to radical governments.

Political Errors in Revolutionary Russia

Provisional Government's Mistakes

• The provisional government under discussion is criticized for its failure to effectively lead post-revolutionary Russia, particularly by calling elections without solidifying power first.

• A critical error was made when all executive decisions were subjected to approval by a constituent assembly, undermining the government's authority.

War Continuation Issues

• Continuing involvement in World War I despite public discontent led to further unrest among Russian citizens who had suffered immense casualties.

The Role of Lenin and Bolshevik Ideology

Lenin's Return and Tactics

• Lenin’s return from exile was facilitated by German support during WWI; he aimed to incite revolution in Russia.

• Upon his arrival, Lenin introduced key slogans: "Peace, Land, Bread," advocating for immediate peace negotiations and land redistribution.

Formation of Soviets

• Bolsheviks encouraged soldiers to form soviets (councils), leading to widespread disobedience within military ranks and contributing to army disintegration.

Civil Unrest and Military Dynamics

Peasant Revolts

• Discontent among peasants escalated into violent revolts against landowners as they sought retribution for past grievances.

Military Failures

• Failed military offensives resulted in increased chaos; notable figures attempted but failed to rally troops back into combat effectively.

Transition of Power Post-Offensive Failure

Government Changes

• Following military failures in July 1917, leadership transitioned from Lev Kerensky after losing control over the situation.

Rise of Bolshevik Power

• Lenin proposed seizing power amidst governmental instability; he believed this would spark global revolutionary movements.

October Revolution

Seizure of Power

• In October 1917, the Bolsheviks successfully took control by storming the Winter Palace with minimal resistance from existing forces.

Initial Decrees

• One of Lenin's first acts was signing a decree for peace with Germany amid ongoing war pressures. This surprised both allies and enemies alike due to its abruptness.

Treaty Negotiations with Germany

Consequences of Peace Decree

• The peace decree led Germany to advance significantly into Russian territory while negotiations were underway.

Territorial Losses

Russia ultimately lost substantial territories including Ukraine and Poland through subsequent treaties signed in March 1918 following initial decrees.

Economic Policies Post-Revolution

• After civil strife between 1918–1921 led by Trotsky’s Red Army against White armies (ex-officialists), economic policies shifted towards NEP (New Economic Policy). This allowed market exchanges again while creating a class of wealthy peasants known as kulaks.

The Rise of Stalin and the Economic Policies of the Soviet Union

The Power Struggle Post-Lenin

• After Lenin's death, Stalin emerges victorious in the internal struggle against Trotsky by 1927, consolidating his power.

• Lenin suffered a stroke leading to paralysis and eventually died from a heart attack, marking a significant transition in leadership.

Stalin's Economic Plans

• Stalin initiated Five-Year Plans aimed at rapid industrialization; the first plan spanned from 1928 to 1932.

• The focus of the first Five-Year Plan was on electrical infrastructure and agricultural collectivization, with state control over all economic activities.

Agricultural Collectivization

• Collectivization marked the end of private land ownership; land was expropriated for collective farming under state control.

• Resistance from wealthier peasants (Kulaks) led to violent repression; those who resisted faced severe consequences, including execution.

Subsequent Five-Year Plans

• The second Five-Year Plan (1933–1937) concentrated on capital goods, particularly iron production.

• A third plan began in 1938 but was interrupted by World War II, which shifted priorities away from domestic welfare.

Conditions for Bolshevik Success

• Three key factors contributed to the Bolsheviks' success: disciplined party structure, unity during civil war struggles, and initial acceptance of land occupation through decrees.

• In June 1941, Germany invaded the Soviet Union during World War II; this event would be discussed further in relation to global conflict.