RUSSIAN REVOLUTIONWhat to expect?

1. That revolutions follow predictable phases and stages – Crane Brinton: Anatomy of Revolution.

2. That revolutions become the colosseum in which ideologies clash to the death – Conservatism/fascism vs Liberalism/capitalism vs Marxism/Communism

3. That the First World War/World War One became the floodgates that unleashed the forces of revolution in Russia.

4. That the Russian Revolution would produce one of history’s most ruthless dictators – Joseph Stalin

5. That reforms sometimes produce more problems than solutions

6. That the leadership, good or bad, can change the course of history

Alexander II – Good guys finished last

Alexander III – Stubborn guys want to turn things back to the way they were.

Nicholas II – Some guys are just too weak to get the job done, and unfortunately they have a date with destiny – OUCH!

7. The Russian Revolution begat World War Two and the Cold War.