Russian Revolution Trivia Questions!

After the Civil War, Lenin implemented the New Economic Policy (NEP) as a response to the economic chaos and political problems. The NEP allowed for a limited return to private enterprise and market-based policies, which aimed to stimulate the economy and address the challenges faced by the country. This policy included measures such as allowing peasants to sell their surplus produce, permitting small-scale private businesses, and introducing a mixed economy. The NEP was seen as a temporary compromise to rebuild the economy and stabilize the country before transitioning to a fully socialist system.

Lenin returned to Russia with the help of the Germans because they saw an opportunity to destabilize Russia and weaken their war efforts in World War I. Lenin wanted to take advantage of the chaos caused by the February Revolution and instigate a revolution of the working class, known as the Proletarian Revolution, in Petrograd. By getting Russia out of the war, Lenin hoped to gain support from the Russian people and establish a socialist government.

The February Revolution failed to achieve two things: ending Russia's involvement in WW1 and alleviating food shortages. Despite the revolution's success in disposing of the Tsar and Rasputin, it was unable to bring an end to Russia's participation in the war or effectively address the issue of food scarcity. These failures contributed to the subsequent October Revolution and the rise of the Bolsheviks, who promised to address these issues and ultimately led to the establishment of the Soviet Union.

After the October Revolution, the Bolsheviks, who were now in power, faced opposition from various groups. Monarchists opposed the Bolsheviks because they wanted to restore the monarchy and were against the communist regime. The Mensheviks, who were a faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party, also opposed the Bolsheviks as they disagreed with their revolutionary tactics and believed in a more gradual approach to socialism. Foreign troops, such as the Allied forces, intervened in the Russian Civil War to support the anti-Bolshevik factions. Nationalist groups, known as the Whites, also opposed the Bolsheviks and fought against them during the civil war.

After the February Revolution in Russia, violence among soldiers existed as there were conflicts and unrest within the military. There was also disagreement between the Social Revolutionaries and the government on how to stop the fighting in the streets, indicating a lack of unity and coordination. Additionally, peasant rebellions and uprisings occurred, highlighting the dissatisfaction and unrest among the rural population.

Lenin took several measures to suppress the counter-revolution. Firstly, he established the People's Revolutionary Court, which served as a judicial body to prosecute and punish those who were involved in counter-revolutionary activities. Secondly, he appointed Trotsky to take control of the Red Army, ensuring the loyalty and strength of the military in suppressing any opposition. Lastly, Lenin established the CHEKA, a secret police organization, to identify and eliminate counter-revolutionary threats. These actions collectively helped Lenin to quash the counter-revolution and consolidate his power.

The February Revolution achieved the establishment of Soviet groups to represent workers, the disposal of the Tsar and the establishment of a Republic, and the ability of peasants to access land illegally.

The NEP allowed for economic growth by allowing individuals to own and trade their own farms and goods on the open market. This increased productivity and incentivized individuals to work harder. Additionally, the Russians paying a portion of their produce as tax to the state allowed for the government to collect resources and invest in industrial development. Lastly, the state's control over banking and strategic industries ensured stability and facilitated economic growth.