The Russian Revolution began on March 8, 1917 on International Women’s Day. Demonstrations were held in Petrograd demanding bread. Everyone, including teachers, students, white-collar workers, even the police and troops joined these protests. #WCIIUL20 @mamoralesf @HsMeyers10

This was all happening because of one man, Tsar Nicholas II, the ruler of all of Russia. He was blamed for economic and social changes, political issues, and World War I (casualties, economy) #WCIIUL20 @mamoralesf @HsMeyers10

Lack of food and rising prices of food became the main problem. The shortages of food were mainly a problem in Russia’s capital, Saint Petersburg because of the distance from the food and transportation at that time was crappy. #WCIIUL20 @mamoralesf @HsMeyers10

On March 14, 1917, Nicholas II was on the royal train headed back to Petrograd when it was stopped and he was asked to abdicate the thrown. The following day, March 15, he formally abdicated the thrown, no longer making him the ruler of Russia. #WCIIUL20 @mamoralesf @HsMeyers10

After not giving his only son Alexei the thrown because of medical issues, he offered it to his brother but he turned it down. Nicholas Romanov was reunited with his family and they were put on house arrest by the provisional government. #WCIIUL20 @mamoralesf @HsMeyers10

Excitement in Petrograd filled the air in the days following. On March 16, 1917, a provisional government was formed. The new provisional government was widely unpopular because they continued fighting in World War 1. #WCIIUL20 @mamoralesf @HsMeyers10

In April 1917, Vladimir Lenin’s arrived in Petrograd. He became the leader of the Bolshevik Party in Russia. #WCIIUL20 @mamoralesf @HsMeyers10

The October Revolution was organized by the Bolshevik Party. Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky called for a military uprising against the newly founded provisional government. The Bolshevik’s practically took over Russia. #WCIIUL20 @mamoralesf @HsMeyers10

On November 7, 1917, they captured the Winter Palace (where emperors of Russia live). Since coming into power, the Bolsheviks now had control over the Romanov family (the royal family that abdicated). #WCIIUL20 @mamoralesf @HsMeyers10

On July 16, 1918, the Romanov family was executed by the Bolsheviks. The execution is said to have been ordered by Vladimir Lenin. #WCIIUL20 @mamoralesf @HsMeyers10

FUN FACT : The Disney movie Anastasia is based off of the Romanov family, specifically their youngest daughter Anastasia. #WCIIUL20 @mamoralesf @HsMeyers10

Communist symbolism such as the hammer and sickle, which represents the October Revolution, became the official symbol of the USSR in 1924. #WCIIUL20 @mamoralesf @HsMeyers10