Russian Revolution: Definition, Causes, Summary, History, & Facts
Overview
- Two revolutions occurred in Russia in 1917:
- February Revolution: Overthrew the imperial government.
- October Revolution: Brought the Bolsheviks to power.
Causes of the Revolution
- Corruption and Inefficiency:
- Widespread in the imperial government.
- Ethnic minorities eager to escape Russian domination.
- World War I:
- Destroyed Russia's economy and prestige.
- Enormous casualties and military failures.
Major Events Leading to the Revolution
- World War I and Decline of Russian Empire:
- Russo-Japanese War defeat and 1905 revolution led to unrest.
- Failed reforms and dissatisfaction with monarchy.
- Russian army ill-equipped and poorly led during WWI.
- February Revolution:
- Began on February 23 (March 8), 1917, with strikes and demonstrations.
- Failure of the government to address demands led to a general strike by February 25.
- Revolution gained momentum with military mutiny and the Duma forming the Provisional Government.
Formation of Provisional Government
- Petrograd Soviet vs. Provisional Government:
- Petrograd Soviet formed to organize revolutionary forces.
- Provisional Government established to retain order but lacked real power.
Romanov Dynasty's End
- Tsar Nicholas II abdicated, ending centuries of Romanov rule.
- The royal family detained and later executed by revolutionaries.
Army's Role in the Revolution
- Soldiers shifted loyalty to Soviet rather than Provisional Government.
- Order No. 1 granted soldiers civil rights, weakening military discipline.
The Bolshevik Revolution (October Revolution)
- Bolshevik Seizure of Power:
- Led by Lenin and Trotsky, Bolsheviks took control in October 1917.
- Provisional Government collapsed as Bolsheviks established Soviet rule.
- Promise of peace, land, and bread secured Bolshevik support.
The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
- Signed in March 1918, ended Russia's involvement in WWI.
- Conceded significant territories to Germany, causing internal dissent.
Death of Tsar and Civil War
- The royal family executed in July 1918.
- Civil War erupted between Bolshevik 'Reds' and anti-Bolshevik 'Whites'.
- Bolsheviks eventually secured control, leading to the establishment of Soviet Russia.
Key Figures
- Vladimir Lenin: Leader of Bolsheviks, key architect of the revolution.
- Leon Trotsky: Played a crucial role in organizing the October Revolution.
- Nicholas II: Last Tsar of Russia, abdicated in 1917.
Impact and Legacy
- Overthrow of monarchy and establishment of Soviet state.
- Spurred civil unrest, leading to a prolonged civil war.
- Set the stage for the rise of the Soviet Union as a major global power.
Conclusion
The Russian Revolution resulted in significant political, social, and economic changes, leading to the establishment of a socialist state under the Bolsheviks. It marked the end of the Romanov dynasty and the beginning of the Soviet era in Russia.