Russian Revolution

Definition

The Russian Revolution refers to a series of events in 1917 that led to the overthrow of the Russian monarchy and the establishment of a communist government under the Bolsheviks. This pivotal moment marked a significant shift in power dynamics, illustrating the broader struggle between autocracy and emerging democratic ideals in a time of social unrest and war.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The February Revolution led to widespread protests and strikes in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg), culminating in Tsar Nicholas II's abdication and the end of over three centuries of Romanov rule.
2. Following the February Revolution, a provisional government was established, but it struggled to address pressing issues like land reform and continued participation in World War I.
3. The October Revolution saw the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, seize control from the provisional government, promising 'peace, land, and bread' to gain popular support.
4. The civil war that followed the revolution (1917-1922) pitted the Red Army (Bolsheviks) against the White Army (anti-Bolshevik forces), leading to widespread violence and suffering across Russia.
5. The Russian Revolution had far-reaching implications, inspiring communist movements worldwide and altering the course of global politics throughout the 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did social unrest contribute to the Russian Revolution and what were its key events?
  • Social unrest played a critical role in triggering the Russian Revolution, as widespread dissatisfaction with Tsar Nicholas II's autocratic rule led to protests and strikes. The key events included the February Revolution, which resulted in the abdication of the tsar, and the October Revolution, where Bolsheviks seized power from the provisional government. These events highlighted the struggle between an autocratic regime and emerging demands for democracy and social reform.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of both phases of the Russian Revolution influenced subsequent political developments in Russia.
  • The outcomes of both phases of the Russian Revolution fundamentally changed Russia's political landscape. The February Revolution led to the fall of the monarchy and establishment of a provisional government, which ultimately failed to address key issues such as land distribution and peace in World War I. The Bolshevik takeover in October established a communist regime that set a precedent for future governance and significantly shaped Russia's political development throughout the 20th century.
• Assess how the Russian Revolution impacted international relations and inspired global movements throughout the 20th century.
  • The Russian Revolution had profound implications for international relations, as it not only marked the rise of communism as a significant political force but also instilled fear among capitalist nations. It inspired revolutionary movements worldwide, leading to similar uprisings and shifts towards socialism or communism in various countries. The ideological divide created by these movements would shape global politics for decades, particularly during events like the Cold War, influencing policies and alliances across continents.

Related terms

Bolsheviks: A faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party that advocated for a radical, socialist revolution, leading to the establishment of a communist government after the October Revolution.

Tsar Nicholas II: The last Emperor of Russia, whose reign saw the collapse of the imperial government due to widespread dissatisfaction and revolutionary movements.

February Revolution: The first phase of the Russian Revolution in March 1917 (February on the Julian calendar), which resulted in the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the establishment of a provisional government.