Introduction

This project will address one of the most important and controversial events of the 20th century, the Russian Revolution and its first leaders, Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin. These two characters and the events surrounding them shaped and transformed the 20th century, influencing not only politics but also economics, society, culture, and even philosophy.

The Russian Revolution, which began in 1917, was an uprising against the Russian Tsarist government, led by Lenin and the Bolshevik Party. It resulted in the creation of the world's first socialist government and the transition of Russia from an agrarian empire to an industrial superpower.

In theoretical terms, this project will explore the dynamics of capitalism and its crises, the great world conflicts and the conflicts experienced in Europe. We will also evaluate the forms of violence (physical, symbolic, psychological, etc.) and identify their main victims and social causes. In addition, students will compare and evaluate the processes of space occupation and the formation of territories, identifying the role of different agents.

Contextualization

The Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent formation of the Soviet Union were transformative events that changed the course of global history. These events were the result of a series of conflicts and social, political, and economic tensions that had been brewing in Tsarist Russia in the early 20th century. In broader terms, the events of the Russian Revolution are also an integral part of the broader context of the 20th century, which was marked by two world wars, the rise of fascism, and the beginning of the Cold War.

In practical terms, the impact and lessons of the Russian Revolution and its leaders, Lenin and Stalin, can be felt to this day. For example, modern economic debates, especially in the context of the post-2008 global financial crisis, often refer to the socialist and communist ideas that were popularized by the Russian Revolution.

For a deeper understanding of the topic, I suggest the following sources:

• Book "The Russian Revolution" by Sheila Fitzpatrick, Publisher Paz & Terra.
• Documentary "The History of Socialism: The Russian Revolution" available on the Netflix platform.
• Articles from the World Digital Library, available on the web, about the Russian Revolution.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: The Russian Revolution: A Journey Through Time

Project Goal

The objective of this practical activity is to provide a dynamic and engaging approach to the study of the Russian Revolution, its leaders Lenin and Stalin, and its impacts on the world. Students will be asked to develop an interactive document, similar to a timeline, where they will be able to explore different aspects of the Russian Revolution, from its origins to its long-term impact.

Detailed Project Description

Students will form groups of 3 to 5 members and will work collaboratively to research and present their findings in a creative and engaging way. Each group will select and delve into 3 main themes related to the Russian Revolution, the role of Lenin and Stalin in these events, and their subsequent impacts. Themes can range from the political and social dynamics of the time to the influence of Marxism on the Revolution, the implementation of socialism in the Soviet Union, and the role of violence in this process.

Materials Needed

• Computer with Internet access for research
• Online presentation tools (Google Slides, Prezi, etc.)
• Books and documents on the Russian Revolution
• Documentary and videos on the topic

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for the Activity

1. Research and Selection of Topics: Each group should research and select 3 main topics related to the Russian Revolution, Lenin and Stalin. It is important that the chosen topics allow for a comprehensive understanding of the role and impact of these leaders in the revolution.

2. In-depth Research: After choosing the topics, thorough research on each one should be carried out, using different sources such as books, academic articles, documentaries, etc.

3. Development of the Interactive Document: Based on the information gathered, students should create an interactive timeline that will be the basis of the project. This timeline should be divided into sections according to the selected topics. Each section should contain quality information and be presented in a creative and interesting way.

4. Review and Improvement: It is important to review the project, making sure that the information is accurate, well-structured, and that the content is connected in a logical and coherent way.

5. Project Presentation: Finally, the interactive timeline will be presented to the class. Each group should be prepared to explain their thematic choices and discuss the information found in the research.

Project Deliverables

In addition to the interactive document, students should prepare a report detailing the project completion process. The report should contain the following topics:

• Introduction: Brief contextualization of the leaders' involvement in the Russian Revolution.
• Development: Detailed description of the three chosen topics, the methodology used for research and the construction of the interactive document. Explain in detail each section of the timeline and the information it contains.
• Conclusions: Critical reflection on the topics addressed, what lessons were learned from this process, and what connections were made between the topics investigated and their consequences in the current world.
• Bibliography: Indication of the research sources used.