The Russian Revolution in 1917 resulted in the overthrow of the imperial government and the rise of the Bolsheviks.
Driven by widespread dissatisfaction due to governmental corruption, Tsar Nicholas II's reactionary policies, and Russia's catastrophic participation in World War I.
February Revolution
Initiated by food scarcity riots in Petrograd (St. Petersburg) in February 1917.
The army's defection to rebels forced Tsar Nicholas II to abdicate.
A provisional government led by Georgy Lvov was established in March, which aimed to continue Russia's involvement in WWI.
Petrograd workers' soviet opposed the war, advocating for withdrawal.
Political Dynamics
Soviets, dominated by the Socialist Revolutionary Party, Mensheviks, and Bolsheviks, formed in major cities.
The provisional government underwent four reorganizations between March and October.
Aleksandr Kerensky took leadership in July, surviving a coup by Lavr Kornilov.
Rise of the Bolsheviks
By September, Bolsheviks gained majorities in Petrograd and Moscow soviets.
Led by Vladimir Lenin, they garnered support from urban workers and soldiers.
October Revolution
In October, the Bolsheviks executed a nearly bloodless coup (October Revolution) by occupying government buildings.
Kerensky's attempts to organize resistance failed, leading him to flee the country.
A new government, largely composed of Bolsheviks, was approved by the congress of soviets.
Key Figures
Vladimir Lenin: Leader of the Bolsheviks, instrumental in the October Revolution.
Aleksandr Kerensky: Head of the provisional government from July 1917.
Nicholas II: Last Tsar of Russia, abdicated in March 1917.
Related Events
April Theses: Lenin's directives for the Bolsheviks upon his return to Russia.
July Days: A series of events in July 1917 where workers and soldiers staged protests against the provisional government.
Russian Civil War: Followed the revolution, where the Red Army defended the Bolshevik government against anti-Bolshevik forces.
Leninism
Principles by Vladimir Lenin to transition from capitalism to communism.
Advocated for violent overthrow and dictatorship of the proletariat until the state would naturally dissolve.
Leninism led to the control of life by the Communist Party, forming the first modern totalitarian state.
Conclusion
The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a significant event leading to drastic political, social, and economic changes in Russia, paving the way for the establishment of the Soviet Union.