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THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION SIMPLIFIED AND EXPLAINED

Updated: 2 days ago

Grade: 8th – 12th grade
Duration of video: 6 minutes, 14 seconds

Themes:
●  Causes, course, and outcome of the Russian Revolution
●  Equality, justice, injustice




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Description:


The Russian Revolution Simplified and Explained is a short educational video that outlines the key events of the 1917 Russian Revolution, including the fall of Tsar Nicholas II, the rise of the Bolsheviks under Lenin, and the creation of the Soviet Union. It simplifies complex events for students using clear visuals and concise narration, while also introducing key themes of revolution and equality. The accompanying lesson will guide students in analyzing whether the Russian Revolution met the criteria for a true social justice movement. 



LESSON PLAN: THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION SIMPLIFIED AND EXPLAINED


🎯 OBJECTIVES:

  1. Read, watch, and discuss the causes, course, and outcomes of the Russian Revolution.

  2. Critically evaluate whether Lenin and the Bolsheviks lived up to their promises of “social justice.”


🧰 MATERIALS:


1. Introduction (5 minutes)

 Hook: Ask, “What does ‘social justice’ mean to you?”


2. Question to ask before showing the film:

  • Say: We will watch a short video about the Russian Revolution. As you watch, think about whether this was indeed a social justice movement and be prepared to discuss how you arrived at your conclusion. Jot down some notes for yourself as you watch the film.

 

3. Video Viewing (7 minutes)


 

4. Pair Discussion (20 minutes)


  1. What social injustices existed in Russia under the monarchy before the Revolution?

  2. What social injustices did Lenin (and later Stalin) promise to fix?

  3. How did Lenin and the Bolsheviks gain power?

  4. Did Lenin and the Bolsheviks actually fix these injustices?

  5. Lenin’s tactics included the murder of over 8 million Russians during the Civil War—how does that reflect his real intentions towards ‘social justice?’

  6. Even after taking power, Lenin killed millions to maintain control—what does that suggest about his ‘social justice’ motives?

  7. Just because someone claims to fight for ‘social justice,’ does that mean they genuinely do?

  8. What warning signs indicate a leader or movement is using social justice rhetoric to pursue personal power and control over the population?

  9. What social justice movements exist today that promote prejudice and violent behavior towards fellow citizens? In what way are these movements a sham – a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

 

5. Whole-Class Debrief (15 minutes)

Invite pairs to share insights or conflicts from their discussions. Possible prompts:

  • Compare the social conditions before 1917  vs. under Bolshevik rule.

  • Reflect on promises vs. actions—where did they align or diverge?

  • Debate whether revolutionary violence can ever be justified for social justice goals.

  • Analyze red flags: charismatic populism, suppression of dissent, cult of personality, force, violence.


6. Reflection and Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

Have students write a brief response:

Based on our discussion, is it possible to pursue ‘social justice’ without leading to authoritarianism? Why or why not? Give examples of revolutions that were consistent in their  ‘social justice’ mission.

 

7. Homework Extension (Optional)

  • Essay Question: Is violence ever justified to achieve social justice? What safeguards can prevent power abuse?

  • Research Project: Investigate Stalin’s rise after Lenin’s death. How did the abuses of power compare?

  • Compare & Contrast: Examine another historical revolution (e.g., Mao, Castro, contemporary movements) in light of today's discussion.

  

🟥 Student Worksheet #1: The Russian Revolution: Key Facts

What Was It?

The Russian Revolution was a series of events in 1917 that ended Russia's monarchy and led to the rise of communism under the Bolsheviks.

 

🔥 Main Causes

  • Poor leadership by Tsar Nicholas II

  • Extreme poverty and famine

  • Harsh working conditions

  • Heavy losses in World War I

  • Rise of socialist ideas (ex: shared ownership, economic equality, and government meeting everyone's basic needs)

 

⚔️ Key Events

1. February Revolution (March 1917)

  • Tsar Nicholas II abdicates (gives up the throne)

  • A Provisional Government takes power

2. October Revolution (November 1917)

  • Led by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks

  • Bolsheviks overthrow the Provisional Government

  • Start of Communist rule


👤 Important Figures

  • Tsar Nicholas II – Last emperor of Russia

  • Vladimir Lenin – Leader of the Bolsheviks

  • Leon Trotsky – Bolshevik military leader

  • Joseph Stalin – Took control after Lenin’s death (1924)

 

🏁 Results of the Revolution

  • Russia became the Soviet Union in 1922

  • Royal family executed

  • Civil War between Reds (Bolsheviks) and Whites (anti-communists) left more than 8 million dead

  • Start of a Communist dictatorship


📌 Summary

The Russian Revolution changed Russia from a monarchy to the world’s first communist state, affecting global politics for much of the 20th century.

 

🟥 Student Worksheet #2: Pair Discussion Questions

In pairs, discuss the answers to these questions and take notes on your discussion:

  1. What social injustices existed in Russia under the monarchy before the Revolution?

  2. What social injustices did Lenin (and later Stalin) promise to fix?

  3. How did Lenin and the Bolsheviks gain power?

  4. Did Lenin and the Bolsheviks actually fix these injustices?

  5. Lenin’s tactics included the murder of over 8 million Russians during the Civil War—how does that align with his mission of ‘social justice?’

  6. Even after taking power, Lenin killed millions to maintain control—what does that suggest about his ‘social justice’ motives?

  7. Just because someone claims to fight for ‘social justice,’ does that mean they genuinely do?

  8. What warning signs indicate a leader or movement is using ‘social justice’ rhetoric to pursue personal power, prejudice, and/or control over the population?





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