Unit II: Revolutionary Russia and the International Order
This unit explores the rise of the first socialist state and the subsequent attempts by the international community to organize a collective security system to prevent future global wars.
1. The Russian Revolution of 1917
The Russian Revolution was a series of two revolutions that ended centuries of Imperial rule and led to the creation of the Soviet Union.
Stages of the Revolution
- February Revolution: Spontaneous strikes in Petrograd led to the abdication of Czar Nicholas II and the formation of a Provisional Government.
- October Revolution (Bolshevik Revolution): Led by Vladimir Lenin, the Bolsheviks overthrew the Provisional Government, promising "Peace, Land, and Bread."
Consequences
- Withdrawal from WWI: Russia signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany.
- Civil War: A struggle between the "Reds" (Bolsheviks) and "Whites" (monarchists/anti-communists).
- Abolition of Private Property: Nationalization of industries and banks.
2. The League of Nations
Proposed by Woodrow Wilson, the League was the first global institution dedicated to maintaining peace through "Collective Security."
Structure
- The Assembly: All member nations (Debating body).
- The Council: Permanent and non-permanent members (Executive body).
- The Secretariat: Administrative staff.
Why it Failed?
- U.S. Absence: The United States Senate refused to join, depriving the League of major financial and military backing.
- Lack of Enforcement: The League had no army; it relied on moral condemnation or economic sanctions.
- Aggression by Powers: Failed to stop Japan in Manchuria (1931) and Italy in Abyssinia (1935).
3. The Mandate System
This system was a compromise to manage the former colonies of Germany and the Ottoman Empire without outright annexation by the victors.
4. The French Quest for Security
France, having been invaded twice by Germany within 50 years, sought legal and military guarantees to prevent a third invasion.
Key Diplomatic Pacts
- Locarno Pact (1925): Germany, France, and Belgium agreed to respect their mutual borders. It brought a brief "Spirit of Locarno" (peaceful hope).
- Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928): A "war-outlawing" pact signed by 65 nations promising to solve disputes through peaceful means.
- Defensive Alliances: France built a "Little Entente" with Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Yugoslavia.
5. Exam Corner
Exam Tip: Always mention the Locarno Pact when discussing 1920s diplomacy; it was the high-water mark of post-war cooperation before the 1929 Depression hit.
FAQs
- Why did Russia leave WWI? Due to internal collapse and the Bolshevik promise to end the war at any cost.
- Was the Kellogg-Briand Pact effective? No, because it had no mechanism to punish those who broke the promise of peace.