Revolutions: Russia And China

During the time of the Reds, they employed secret police to intimidate and control the people. This period was referred to as the Red Terror. The secret police were used to suppress opposition, eliminate dissidents, and instill fear among the population. The term "Red Terror" is commonly associated with the Bolsheviks during the Russian Civil War, when they resorted to extreme measures to maintain their power and eliminate any threats to their regime.

After becoming a dictator, the logical step would be to find a way to maintain control over the country and increase one's power. This could involve implementing policies that suppress opposition, consolidating authority within the government, and ensuring loyalty from key individuals and institutions. It is crucial for a dictator to establish a strong grip on power to prevent any potential threats or challenges to their rule. By focusing on maintaining control and expanding influence, the dictator can solidify their position and continue to exercise authority over the nation.

The soviets under Russia's provisional government were local councils that combined the functions of unions and political parties. These councils represented the interests of workers, soldiers, and peasants, and played a significant role in the political landscape during that time. They advocated for workers' rights, land reform, and social equality, and exerted influence over government decisions. By combining the characteristics of unions and political parties, the soviets aimed to represent and protect the interests of the working class and other marginalized groups in society.

During the beginning of the March Revolution, riots broke out due to the scarcity and high prices of bread. This suggests that the people were facing food shortages and economic hardships, leading to social unrest and protests. The lack of access to affordable bread was a significant factor that fueled the revolutionary spirit and mobilized the masses to demand change.

A paramilitary is a group or organization that operates similarly to a military, but is not officially part of the government. They may have uniforms or shirts like the military, but they are not under government control. Additionally, the statement mentions that they beat people, which implies that they may use violence or force in their operations.

The slogan "peace and bread" was one of the slogans of the March Revolution. This slogan reflected the demands of the Russian people during the revolution for an end to the ongoing war and for the provision of basic necessities such as food. The slogan symbolized the desire for peace and stability, as well as the need for economic stability and the satisfaction of basic needs.

Totalitarian dictatorships aim to have complete control over their citizens, including their thoughts, beliefs, and loyalty. Allowing religions would create a potential rival for the dictator's authority and power. By promoting loyalty towards the dictator and discouraging loyalty towards God or any other religious figure, the dictator ensures that the citizens' allegiance remains solely with the regime. This helps maintain the dictator's control and prevents any potential challenges or opposition that religious beliefs may pose to their authority.

The Bolsheviks were radical Russian Marxist revolutionaries who played a significant role in the Russian Revolution of 1917. Led by Vladimir Lenin, they aimed to overthrow the Provisional Government and establish a socialist state. The Bolsheviks advocated for the rights of the working class and believed in the redistribution of wealth and the abolition of private property. They eventually succeeded in seizing power and establishing the Soviet Union.

A totalitarian state is a form of government where the ruling authority has absolute control over all aspects of public and private life. In such a state, the government exercises extensive power and authority, suppressing individual freedoms, controlling the economy, and regulating every aspect of society. This includes controlling media, education, religion, and even personal choices of the citizens. The government in a totalitarian state does not allow any opposition or dissent, and the rights and liberties of the people are severely restricted.

The correct answer is "peace, land, bread." This was one of Lenin's Bolshevik slogans during the Russian Revolution. It encapsulated the desires of the Russian people at the time, as they were tired of the ongoing World War, wanted land reform, and were suffering from famine and food shortages. This slogan appealed to the masses and helped rally support for the Bolshevik cause.

Police terror is a weapon of totalitarianism because it involves the use of excessive force, intimidation, and violence by the police to control and suppress any form of dissent or opposition to the ruling regime. It instills fear and silences any form of resistance, ensuring the complete control and dominance of the totalitarian government over its citizens. This oppressive tactic is commonly employed by totalitarian regimes to maintain their power and suppress individual freedoms and rights.

During the March Revolution, the factories in Petrograd were shut down due to a general strike. This means that the workers collectively refused to work as a form of protest against the government and the conditions they were facing. The general strike was a powerful tool used by the workers to demand better working conditions, higher wages, and political reforms. By halting production, the workers were able to exert pressure on the authorities and bring attention to their grievances. This act of solidarity and defiance played a significant role in the events of the March Revolution.

The Bolsheviks changed their name to "communists" because they believed in the establishment of a communist society, where all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. This change in name represented their ideological shift towards advocating for a classless society and the overthrow of capitalist systems.

In the 1920s, China's peasants aligned themselves with the Communists. The Communist Party of China, led by Mao Zedong, gained support from the rural population by promising land redistribution and improved living conditions. The peasants, who were often oppressed and exploited by landlords and warlords, saw the Communists as a means to achieve social and economic equality. The Communist Party's focus on agrarian reform and peasant empowerment resonated with the rural population, leading to their alignment with the Communist cause.

The Revolutionary Alliance, led by Sun Yat-sen, achieved the goal of overthrowing the last emperor of China and establishing the first government after the Empire. This marked the end of the Qing Dynasty and the beginning of the Republic of China. Sun Yat-sen's vision of a democratic and modern China was realized through this accomplishment.

Alexander III and Nicholas II, the czars in question, dealt with calls for reform in the 19th century by resisting all efforts for reform. They were oppressive rulers who did not make any significant reforms to address the demands for change. Instead, they maintained a strict and autocratic rule, suppressing any attempts to challenge their authority or introduce reforms. This approach resulted in a lack of progress and contributed to the growing discontent among the Russian population, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Romanov dynasty.

Chiang Kai-shek became the president of the Nationalist Republic of China in 1928. He was a prominent military and political leader who played a key role in the Chinese Civil War and the establishment of the Republic of China. Chiang Kai-shek led the Nationalist Party, also known as the Kuomintang, and served as the president of China until 1949. His presidency was marked by efforts to modernize China, suppress communist uprisings, and resist Japanese aggression.

In the 1920s, China's peasants were attracted to the communists. The communists advocated for land redistribution, which resonated with the peasants who were largely impoverished and landless. The communists also promised to end the oppressive rule of warlords and improve the living conditions of the peasants. This message of equality and social justice appealed to the peasants, leading to their support for the communist movement in China during that time.

The purpose of the Soviet state's Five-Year Plans was to focus on economic development. These plans were implemented to rapidly industrialize the country and increase its production capacity. The government aimed to modernize agriculture, improve infrastructure, and establish new industries. The Five-Year Plans played a crucial role in transforming the Soviet Union into an industrial powerhouse, although they also resulted in significant social and economic consequences.

The Soviet government created collective farms as a means to replace privately owned farms in rural areas. This was done as part of their larger economic and social transformation efforts, aiming to consolidate agricultural production under state control. By pooling together land, resources, and labor, collective farms were intended to increase productivity and efficiency. However, this policy often resulted in the loss of individual farmers' autonomy and led to widespread discontent and resistance in the agricultural sector.

The correct answer is that Czar Nicholas II and his family were killed in the Ural Mountains. This refers to the tragic event that took place during the Russian Revolution in 1918, where the czar, his wife, and their children were executed by the Bolsheviks. This event marked the end of the Romanov dynasty and the beginning of a new era in Russian history.

The collapse of the Czar's government in Russia led to the Communist Revolution, which had a global impact. The spread of communism and the rise of the Soviet Union under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin and later Joseph Stalin had far-reaching consequences that extended beyond Russia's borders. The ideology and influence of the Communist Revolution were felt in various countries around the world, shaping international politics and fueling ideological conflicts throughout the 20th century.

During the resistance to government change in the agricultural system, a significant number of peasants lost their lives. The estimated death toll ranges from 5 to 10 million. This suggests that the resistance was met with extreme force and violence, leading to a large number of casualties among the peasants. The high death toll indicates the severity of the conflict and the extent to which the government was willing to suppress any opposition to the agricultural system change.

Under Joseph Stalin's command economy system, all economic decisions were made by government officials. This was a characteristic of the Soviet Union during Stalin's rule, where the government had complete control over economic planning and resource allocation. The central planning committee, known as Gosplan, determined production targets, set prices, and allocated resources according to the government's priorities. This system aimed to achieve industrialization and rapid economic growth, but it often resulted in inefficiencies, shortages, and lack of consumer choice.

The Duma was Russia's first parliament, established in 1905 as a result of the Russian Revolution. It was created to give the Russian people a voice in the government and to address their grievances. The Duma played a significant role in shaping Russia's political landscape and was an important step towards democratization in the country. It consisted of elected representatives from various political parties and had the power to propose and pass legislation. The Duma marked a significant shift in Russian politics and paved the way for future political reforms.

When the government controls all mass media and suppresses opposing views, it is referred to as censorship. This involves the restriction or suppression of information, ideas, or opinions that are deemed undesirable or threatening by those in power. Censorship aims to control the flow of information and limit the public's access to alternative viewpoints, thereby influencing public opinion and maintaining authority.

The Chinese peasants aligned themselves with the Communists because the Communists addressed their needs and concerns by dividing land among the farmers. On the other hand, the Nationalists ignored the problems faced by the peasants. By providing land to the farmers, the Communists were able to gain support and loyalty from the peasant population. This redistribution of land allowed the peasants to have a stake in the Communist movement and improved their economic conditions, making them more inclined to align themselves with the Communists rather than the Nationalists.

Rasputin's influence on Czarina Alexandra was significant and controversial. He gained her trust and became a close advisor, which caused resentment among Russian nobles who saw him as a threat to their power. They believed that Rasputin's influence over the czarina was detrimental to the country and plotted to kill him. This eventually led to a group of Russian nobles assassinating Rasputin in an attempt to remove his influence over the czarina and the Russian monarchy.

During the Chinese Civil War, the Chinese Communists, led by Mao Zedong, embarked on a 6,000-mile journey known as the "Long March." This journey was undertaken by the Chinese Communists to escape the pursuit of the Chinese Nationalists, led by Chiang Kai-shek. The Long March was a strategic retreat and a way for the Chinese Communists to regroup and gain support from rural peasants. It lasted for over a year, from 1934 to 1935, and played a crucial role in the eventual victory of the Chinese Communists in the civil war.

Bloody Sunday refers to a tragic event that took place in Russia in 1905. On January 22, 1905, a peaceful protest led by workers and their families was brutally suppressed by the Russian army, resulting in the death and injury of many protesters. This event, known as Bloody Sunday, marked a turning point in the 1905 Revolution, a series of uprisings and protests against the autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II. The 1905 Revolution was a significant moment in Russian history and played a crucial role in paving the way for future political and social changes in the country.

During the period of 1914-1916, Russia experienced significant casualties and widespread famine. These hardships likely led to a loss of morale and disillusionment among the Russian people. As a result, they lost the will to support the war effort, as they witnessed the devastating consequences firsthand. The immense loss of life and the prevailing hunger would have dampened any initial enthusiasm or desire to continue fighting, leading to a decline in support for the war.

The group that was also known as the Kuomintang was the Nationalists. The Kuomintang was a political party in China that was founded by Sun Yat-sen in 1912. They played a significant role in the Chinese Revolution and later became the ruling party in China. The Nationalists aimed to modernize China and establish a strong central government. They were in opposition to the Communist Party of China and fought against them in the Chinese Civil War.

Women were a big factor in the March Revolution. During this time, women played a significant role in advocating for political and social change. They were actively involved in protests, demonstrations, and organizing movements for women's rights and equality. Women's participation in the March Revolution helped to bring attention to the issues they faced and contributed to the overall momentum for change. Their involvement challenged traditional gender roles and paved the way for greater gender equality in society.

During the time period mentioned, the Nationalists and Communists in China were engaged in a civil war. However, when the Japanese invaded China in 1937, both the Nationalists and Communists temporarily put aside their differences to form a united front against the common enemy. This event halted their fighting against each other as they focused on defending their country from the Japanese invasion.

Lenin was the major leader of the Bolsheviks, a political party that played a crucial role in the Russian Revolution. He was instrumental in leading the Bolsheviks to power and establishing the first communist government in the world. Lenin's leadership and ideology shaped the course of the revolution and its aftermath, ultimately transforming Russia into the Soviet Union. His contributions and influence on the Bolshevik movement make him the correct answer in this context.

Mao Zedong was one of the founders of the Chinese Communist Party. He played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of the party, leading it to victory in the Chinese Civil War and later becoming the Chairman of the Communist Party of China. Mao's leadership and ideology, known as Maoism, shaped the direction of the party and the country for several decades. His contributions to the Chinese Communist Party make him the correct answer to this question.

After Czar Nicholas II allowed the Duma to meet, they only met once. This suggests that the Czar did not fully embrace the idea of a representative government and limited the Duma's ability to convene and make decisions. The limited number of meetings implies a lack of progress and a lack of willingness on the part of the Czar to share power with the Duma.

The Soviets were made up of the lower class. This means that the Soviet Union, or the government and society of the Soviet Union, consisted mainly of individuals from the lower socio-economic strata. This could include workers, peasants, and other members of the working class who formed the majority of the population in the Soviet Union. The lower class played a significant role in the establishment and functioning of the Soviet government and its policies.

The Bolsheviks promised to end the war, redistribute land to peasants, and transfer factories from owners to workers. However, they did not promise to create a free market economy like the U.S.A. This is because the Bolsheviks were proponents of socialism and believed in the central planning and control of the economy, rather than a free market system.

During the Russian Civil War, the Red Army and the White Army were the two main groups that fought against each other. The Red Army, led by the Bolsheviks and supported by the working class and peasants, aimed to establish a communist regime in Russia. On the other hand, the White Army consisted of various anti-Bolshevik groups, including socialists, monarchists, and nationalists, who opposed the Bolshevik government. The conflict between these two armies lasted from 1918 to 1922 and resulted in the victory of the Red Army, leading to the establishment of the Soviet Union.

The Great Purge, which took place between 1934 and 1939, was a campaign initiated by Stalin to eliminate any opposition to his power within the Soviet Union. This purge targeted a wide range of individuals, including political rivals, intellectuals, and even ordinary citizens who were perceived as a threat to Stalin's authority. The goal was to consolidate and strengthen his control over the country by removing anyone who could potentially challenge his leadership. Therefore, the correct answer is opposition to Stalin's power.

The first act of the new Russian provisional government was to continue the war. This suggests that the government believed in the importance of continuing the conflict, possibly to protect national interests or uphold alliances with other countries. By choosing to continue the war, the government demonstrated its commitment to a particular course of action and its belief in the necessity of military engagement.

The middle class made up most of the representatives when the Duma met to form the provisional government. This is because the middle class typically holds a significant amount of political and economic power in society. They often have the education, resources, and social status to be involved in politics and hold positions of influence. Additionally, the middle class tends to be more politically engaged and active in advocating for their interests, making them more likely to be represented in government bodies like the Duma.

The reigns of Alexander III and Nicholas II contributed to the paving of the way for revolution because they both maintained an autocratic government without implementing any reforms. By upholding autocracy, they denied the demands for political and social change from various groups within Russian society. This led to growing discontent and frustration among the population, ultimately fueling revolutionary sentiment. The lack of reforms and the suppression of dissenting voices created a fertile ground for revolutionary ideas to take hold and for the eventual overthrow of the monarchy.

During the March Revolution, Czar Nicholas II sent troops to suppress the strike. Instead of carrying out their orders, the soldiers joined the strikers. This suggests that the soldiers sympathized with the grievances and demands of the workers, leading them to abandon their allegiance to the czar and join forces with the strikers.

The three principals of the new nationalist movement in China were nationalism, democracy, and economic security. These principles aimed to promote a sense of national identity and pride, establish a system of government that included the participation of the people, and ensure the economic well-being and stability of the nation. This movement sought to unite the Chinese people and modernize the country by implementing democratic reforms and prioritizing economic development and security.