10 key moments for the Russian Revolution (Introduction)
(In this 10-part series we discuss the different situational and historic catalysts that converged to give Russians their October revolution.)
As we dig deep into the 10 catalysts, we hope to educate how Socialism and Communism are either birthed from dictatorships or birthed by eventual tyrants. The convergence of multiple events, some subtle and others more obvious become the kindling that eventually allows the socialist fire to ignite. Once ignited, it is nearly impossible to put out.
The kindling has one purpose, to aggregate the collective desperation of the people which eventually become consumed by one thing... change. However, change has always been the al encompassing solution peddled by politicians. They promise change to ease the pains and worries of the populace, but seldom provide concrete answers. They promise a Utopian solution (as is the case with Socialism) in order to get the popular support. In centuries past, this support was provided though protests and bloody revolutions. Today, the support is much less drastic in nature. In most cases it's electoral and easier to catalyze because there is little to no 'skin in the game' by the voters. After all, those that are desperate have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
In the modern world, the obvious kindle can be events like 9/11, recessions, or the current Coronavirus pandemic, which force people to make unwanted sacrifices.
The subtle kindling is mostly driven by the media and the narrative the power brokers are trying to drive. It is a game focused on harnessing the emotions of the people. On one side those in power battle to show the gains they have made, on the other side those seeking power diminish and discredit the accomplishments of the ruling class. In this battle, the populace is showered with half the fats, a lot of lies, all in an attempt to either make them afraid of the current situation, or yearn for greener pastures on the other side of the emotional desert. The caveat - No body will explain how grass will grow in that desert.
Combining the kindling, politicians and power brokers can harness the emotions of the populace to drive their hidden agendas.
Brief events leading up to the October Revolution.
(Original article translated from Lavanguardia.com)
Tsarism had long faltered. Time and again, Nicholas II had resorted to the Army to silence the protests of his people. On January 9, 1905, the Imperial troops shot down a peaceful rally outside the Winter Palace . The protesters hoped that the Tsar would hear them. But Nicolás was not even in the city.
Its soldiers killed some 200 protesters and wounded another 800. On that " Bloody Sunday," the image of the Tsar as protector of the people was shattered. Protests raged across the country as the imperial army suffered a humiliating defeat to Japan.
Reluctantly, Nicholas II accepted the creation of a parliament, the Duma. It would be the greatest success of the bourgeois revolution of 1905. But the Tsar missed the opportunity to democratize his empire.
Next: 10 key moments for the Russian Revolution (Part 1 - The military disaster)
As we dig deep into the 10 catalysts, we hope to educate how Socialism and Communism are either birthed from dictatorships or birthed by eventual tyrants. The convergence of multiple events, some subtle and others more obvious become the kindling that eventually allows the socialist fire to ignite. Once ignited, it is nearly impossible to put out.
The kindling has one purpose, to aggregate the collective desperation of the people which eventually become consumed by one thing... change. However, change has always been the al encompassing solution peddled by politicians. They promise change to ease the pains and worries of the populace, but seldom provide concrete answers. They promise a Utopian solution (as is the case with Socialism) in order to get the popular support. In centuries past, this support was provided though protests and bloody revolutions. Today, the support is much less drastic in nature. In most cases it's electoral and easier to catalyze because there is little to no 'skin in the game' by the voters. After all, those that are desperate have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
In the modern world, the obvious kindle can be events like 9/11, recessions, or the current Coronavirus pandemic, which force people to make unwanted sacrifices.
The subtle kindling is mostly driven by the media and the narrative the power brokers are trying to drive. It is a game focused on harnessing the emotions of the people. On one side those in power battle to show the gains they have made, on the other side those seeking power diminish and discredit the accomplishments of the ruling class. In this battle, the populace is showered with half the fats, a lot of lies, all in an attempt to either make them afraid of the current situation, or yearn for greener pastures on the other side of the emotional desert. The caveat - No body will explain how grass will grow in that desert.
Combining the kindling, politicians and power brokers can harness the emotions of the populace to drive their hidden agendas.
Brief events leading up to the October Revolution.
(Original article translated from Lavanguardia.com)
Tsarism had long faltered. Time and again, Nicholas II had resorted to the Army to silence the protests of his people. On January 9, 1905, the Imperial troops shot down a peaceful rally outside the Winter Palace . The protesters hoped that the Tsar would hear them. But Nicolás was not even in the city.
Its soldiers killed some 200 protesters and wounded another 800. On that " Bloody Sunday," the image of the Tsar as protector of the people was shattered. Protests raged across the country as the imperial army suffered a humiliating defeat to Japan.
Reluctantly, Nicholas II accepted the creation of a parliament, the Duma. It would be the greatest success of the bourgeois revolution of 1905. But the Tsar missed the opportunity to democratize his empire.
The country was industrializing at high speed, but 80% of the population lived poorly in the countryside. With the exception of the British, no European empire survived World War I , but the Russian would be the first to fall.
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