Russian Revolution and the Rise of Fascism & Nazism

Posted on Feb 12, 2025 in History

Causes of the Russian Revolution

At the beginning of the 20th century, Russia’s empire was ruled by the Tsars of the Romanov dynasty and was in a state of turmoil. There was great dissatisfaction:

  1. Political Level: Autocratic government, political opposition from bourgeois and Marxist parties.
  2. Economic/Social Levels: Contrast between a rich minority and extremely poor peasants and proletariat.

Revolutions in Russia

  • 1905 Revolution: Provoked by general discontent and defeat in the war against Japan. These events forced the Tsar to create a parliament and implement some reforms, but autocracy remained.
  • World War I Impact: The Russian army’s losses in World War I and mass suffering sparked two revolutions:

The Bourgeois February Revolution

This revolution deposed Tsar Nicholas II and established a republic. A liberal and bourgeois provisional government promised reforms, but their slowness and decision to remain in the war led to their downfall.

The Bolshevik October Revolution

  1. Organized by radical Marxists, it overthrew the provisional government and placed their leader, Lenin, in power, supported by the Soviets (councils of workers, peasants, and soldiers).
  2. In 1918, the Bolsheviks began to call themselves the Communist Party and took Russia out of the war with Germany. They drafted a constitution, which gave land to the peasants, gave workers control of factories, and nationalized banks and transport.

In 1919, the Third International was founded, but Lenin’s actions met with the opposition of armed counter-revolutionary groups, which formed the so-called White Army. Supported by some countries, it battled the Bolshevik Red Army, led by Leon Trotsky. A bloody civil war ensued, and the victory of the Red Army consolidated the revolution.

The USSR

  1. Lenin’s government created the USSR and implemented the New Economic Policy.
  2. Stalin’s government established a totalitarian political system based on violence, and the economy was controlled by the state. The USSR became a major economic and military power.

Fascism in Italy

  1. Causes: Dissatisfaction with the peace agreements after World War I, post-war economic crisis, and revolutionary movements.
  2. Creation: Journalist Mussolini founded the National Fascist Party, using paramilitary groups to quell the worker’s movement and gaining support from large landowners.
  3. Way to Power: March on Rome. Mussolini was named Prime Minister by the King.
  4. Once in Power: Fascist dictatorship, restricted freedoms, prohibited political parties, used a secret police, and controlled every aspect of social life.

Nazism in Germany

  1. Causes: Discontent during the Weimar Republic, humiliation of the Treaty of Versailles, and post-war economic situation.
  2. Creation: Ex-soldier Adolf Hitler founded the Nazi party, using a paramilitary group to fight communists and gaining support from the middle class.
  3. Way to Power: Elections of 1932. Hitler was named Chancellor.
  4. Once in Power: Founded the Third Reich, a fierce dictatorship that:
    • Dissolved parties
    • Prohibited trade unions
    • Eliminated freedom and rights
    Promoted the superiority of the Aryan race and persecuted Jews, and implemented a military policy.