The Russian Revolution of 1917

Overview

• Major political, social, and economic movement in the Russian Empire.
• Led to the collapse of the Tsarist dynasty and the rise of a communist government under Vladimir Lenin.
• Considered one of the greatest events of the contemporary era due to its profound consequences.

Causes of the Russian Revolution

1. World War I

   • Russia was at war with Germany, leading to many defeats and high casualties.
   • Discredited the Romanovs and Tsar Nicholas II.

2. Economic Crisis

   • Severe shortages of food and a terrible famine.
   • Russia was a rural, backward country with stark social inequalities.

3. Unpopular Leadership

   • Empress Alexandra, of German origin, was unpopular and resisted reforms.
   • Murder of Rasputin, the Tsarina's advisor, escalated tensions.

Phases of the Revolution

February Revolution (March 1917)

• Began with a spontaneous strike by workers in Petrograd.
• Strikes and demonstrations grew, leading to the abdication of Nicholas II.
• Resulted in a provisional government led by Alexander Kerensky.
• Initial period marked by peace and newfound freedoms.

October Revolution (November 1917)

• Organized coup by Lenin and Trotsky against the provisional government.
• Strategic points in Petrograd seized; Winter Palace assaulted.
• Lenin announced:
  • Immediate peace
  • Decree on land redistribution
  • Formation of Soviets of People's Commissars (Sovnarkom)

Aftermath

• Bolshevik Party lost elections but dissolved the Assembly, leading to civil war.
• Red Army (Trotsky) defeated the White Army.
• Creation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1922.
• Terrible famine in Russia, killing over 5 million people.
• The state became a vertically run party system.

Rise of Joseph Stalin

• Lenin dies in 1924; Joseph Stalin succeeds him.
• Trotsky, despite his prominence, is expelled and assassinated.
• Stalin imposes a totalitarian regime, elevating the Soviet Union to a major global power.

Conclusion

• The USSR lasted until 1991, becoming a significant political, economic, scientific, and military power.