Animal Farm Historical Background

The Russian Revolution

Russian Society

• Russia was in an appalling state of poverty while the Czar, the ruler of Russia lived in luxury.

• There was tremendous dissatisfaction among the people.

Czar Nicholas II

• A poor leader, at best, when compared to western leaders

• Cruel - sometimes brutal with opponents

• Sometimes kind - hired poor students as spies to help them make money

Czar Nicholas II

• Believed he was the unquestionable leader of Russia appointed by God

• Ordered unarmed protesters murdered in the streets in 1905

Karl Marx:

The Father of Communism

Karl Marx

• Invented Communism

• His vision– Everyone would have what they needed, and no one citizen would possess more than another.

• 1848– Published an influential pamphlet called the Communist Manifesto

Karl Marx

• believed that the private ownership of land must be abolished

• believed in “Communal” way of life where everyone shares in prosperity

• Dies before Russian Revolution

Communism

• All people are seen as equal.

• Government owns everything-people own government

Vladimir Lenin

• Lenin adopted Marx’s ideas.

• He believed that the bourgeoisie (middle class with money) exploited the workers and must therefore be overthrown.

Vladimir Lenin: Rise to Power

• One of the leaders of the Bolshevik party since its formation in 1903

• Led the Soviets to power in October, 1917 (The October Revolution)

• Tried to manipulate all movement and communication within the country by taking control of the railroads and telegraph lines – (This would secure state authority for the

Bolsheviks.)

• Forbade the holding of private property

Vladimir Lenin

• Understands the emotional impact of simple, powerful slogans:

• “Workers of the world unite!”

• “Land, bread, and peace for everyone!”

Vladimir Lenin

• Changes Russia’s name to the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics)

• When Lenin died, there was a power struggle between Trotsky and Stalin.

Leon Trotsky

• Pure communist, followed Marx

• Wanted to improve life for all in Russia

• Favors world revolution

Leon Trotsky

• Trotsky was a brilliant public speaker

• With Lenin, he succeeded in overthrowing the government in October 1917.

• Lenin was the President, and Trotsky the Commissar for Foreign Affairs

Joseph Stalin

• Not a skilled speaker and not educated like Trotsky

• Does not follow Marx’s ideas

• Cares for power, kills all who oppose him

• Uses KGB, allows church, and propagandized

Propaganda Department of Stalin’s government

• Work for Stalin to support his image

• Lies to convince the people to follow Stalin

Joseph Stalin

• Stalin continually opposes Trotsky

• Craves power, willing to kill for it

• Benefits from the fact that education is controlled

• Secures his power base, and engineers the permanent exile of his adversary, Trotsky, in 1929

KGB-Secret Police

• Not really police, but forced to support Stalin

• Used force, often killed entire families for disobedience

• Totally loyal, part of Lenin’s power, even over army

• Eventually, they chase Trotsky away

Civil War

• From 1918 –1921 there was civil war in Russia

• Foreign countries including Britain, France, Poland and USA were alarmed at the spread of communism but the Red Army (the Bolsheviks) led by Trotsky proved successful