The World and Its People: Eastern Hemisphere

Chapter 8: Russia's Landscape and History

Web Activity Lesson Plans

Introduction
Throughout its long history, Russia's people have suffered under a series of harsh, autocratic rulers. In the early years of World War I, they endured military defeats on the Eastern Front, and suffered starvation and lack of other goods when the army used all the country's food and resources for its own needs. No wonder the common people were heartened by Lenin's cry of "Peace, land, bread." In this activity, students will take a closer look at the causes, effects, and key leaders of the 1917 revolution in Russia.

Lesson Description
In this lesson, students will read about the events leading to the 1917 Russian Revolution. After answering several questions about the causes and effects of the revolution, students will conduct additional research to write a short biography about Vladimir Lenin.

Instructional Objectives

1. The student will able to identify several causes of the Russian Revolution.
2. The student will be able to name the key leaders of the Russian Revolution.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. Student's answers may vary but could include that Russia's government under Nicholas II was repressive; and World War I caused defeats, severe food shortages, and economic collapse in Russia.
2. The workers' unions (soviets) and soldiers rioted in St. Petersburg. Parliament (the Duma) set up a provisional government to restore order.
3. Tsar Nicholas II abdicated the throne.
4. The provisional government failed because it did not negotiate an end to the war.
5. Vladimir Ilyich Lenin and the Bolsheviks stormed the Winter Palace and deposed the provisional government led by Kerensky.
6. Students' biographies may vary but should be factually accurate and correctly cited.