Russian Revolution and Animal Farm

Animal Farm

Good morning! We are trying a new method of instruction today.

Chapter 1 Notes

In 1857, 37% of the Russian population were serfs. Serfs were like slaves in that they were owned, however, they were tied to the land and could not be sold to another landowner. After the serfs were freed in 1861, most remained very poor, had to pay heavy taxes and barely kept from starving to death.

How is the serf situation in Russia like the animals situation on Mr. Jones' farm?

February of 1917--Revolution After War

• Suffering led to a workers' strike

• Thousands protested in the streets of St. Petersburg.

• Tsar Nicholas abdicated (quit)

• The royal family was imprisoned (Tsar's kin)

• July, they were executed

• The "Duma" formed a Provisional Government. 

Another Upheaval

*Historically the Russians tired of the "Duma." *In October, the Bolsheviks revolted.

*The Bolsheviks were led by Vladimir Lenin. *They wanted a Communist government.

*Karl Marx came up with Communism.  

George Orwell & Russian History

Based on this new knowledge, do you think that Orwell liked Communism?

Did he really dislike absolute power to one person?