LA REVOLUCIÓN RUSA y el nacimiento de la URSS 🇷🇺⚔️ (1917-1922)

Exploring Lenin's Legacy in Red Square

Introduction to Lenin and the Russian Revolution

• The speaker is in Moscow's Red Square, discussing their visit to see Lenin's preserved body, which serves as inspiration for a video on the Russian Revolution.

• Lenin was the leader of the Bolshevik Party that executed the Russian Revolution, making him a pivotal figure in Soviet history. His body has been displayed since his death in 1924.

Historical Context of Early 20th Century Russia

• The speaker reflects on how far Russia has come since the revolution, contrasting it with modern capitalism represented by global brands like McDonald's.

• The discussion shifts to studying one of the most defining historical processes of the 20th century: the Russian Revolution and its roots in early 20th-century Russia.

Political Structure Before the Revolution

• At the start of the 20th century, Russia remained an authoritarian monarchy led by Tsar Nicholas II, who held both political and religious power.

• The Tsar’s authority relied on three main pillars: support from clergy, nobility, and military/police forces used to suppress dissent.

Social and Economic Conditions

• Industrialization had barely reached Russia; over 90% of its population was engaged in agriculture while only about 5% participated in industrial economy.

• A deep-seated crisis emerged due to longstanding social and economic issues combined with severe repression from the monarchy leading up to World War I.

Prelude to Revolution

• Despite ongoing revolts against oppressive conditions post-1905, Tsar Nicholas II managed to maintain control until significant events unfolded during WWI.

• Russia's entry into World War I exacerbated public discontent as soldiers were sent off while civilians faced dire living conditions under heavy taxation.

Key Figures and Events Leading Up to Change

• The narrative introduces Grigori Rasputin, a controversial advisor whose influence over the royal family contributed significantly to public dissatisfaction with Tsarist rule.

• Rasputin’s manipulation led him into conflict with nobility; his eventual assassination highlights internal strife within Russian leadership during this tumultuous period.

Turning Point: The February Revolution

• As WWI progressed and conditions worsened for ordinary Russians, pressure mounted against Tsar Nicholas II culminating in revolutionary fervor by early 1917.

The Russian Revolution: Key Events and Figures

The Provisional Government and Rising Opposition

• After the abdication of the throne, a provisional government was established in Russia, led by Alexander Kerensky. This government faced opposition from radical groups influenced by Marxist ideas.

• The main opposing factions were the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks, who formed revolutionary councils known as Soviets in major cities to exert control.

Understanding Key Groups in the Revolution

• Bolsheviks: A radical Marxist party advocating for immediate power through revolution.

• Mensheviks: A more moderate socialist party that preferred political means to gain power.

• Soviets: Assemblies of workers, citizens, and soldiers that emerged during the revolution to take control of urban areas.

Lenin's Leadership and October Revolution

• Vladimir Lenin emerged as the leader of the Bolshevik Party, guiding them through this pivotal moment in history under Marxist principles.

• In October 1917, Lenin and Leon Trotsky led the Bolsheviks to seize power by controlling key Soviets and overthrowing the provisional government.

Immediate Actions Post-Revolution

• Upon gaining power, the Bolsheviks implemented three significant measures:

• Exit from World War I via the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, viewing it as a bourgeois war irrelevant to their revolution.

• Abolishment of private property managed by Soviets (councils).

• Establishment of a constitution based on Marxist ideology aimed at creating a dictatorship of the proletariat.

Civil War and Aftermath

• Between 1918 and 1920, a civil war erupted between revolutionary forces (the Red Army led by Lenin and Trotsky) and counter-revolutionaries (the White Army).

• The Bolshevik regime executed Tsar Nicholas II's family in 1918 due to fears they could be rescued by counter-revolutionaries.

Formation of the Soviet Union

• The civil war concluded with victory for the Red Army, leading to the establishment of the Soviet Union (USSR) in 1922. Its symbols included a red flag featuring a hammer and sickle.

Impact of Lenin's Death

• Lenin died in 1924 from health issues; his death significantly impacted Soviet politics. He was almost deified within Soviet culture posthumously.

Power Struggle Following Lenin's Death

The Rise of Stalin and Totalitarianism

Introduction to Stalin's Influence

• The discussion begins with a focus on Stalin as a pivotal figure in 20th-century history, particularly during World War II.

• It highlights the establishment of a totalitarian government in the Soviet Union under Stalin, introducing the concept of totalitarianism for further study.

Perception of Stalin

• A contrast is drawn between common perceptions of Stalin as a heavyset man with a mustache and his younger self, depicted with modern attire and features that challenge stereotypes.

Conclusion and Reflection