The Russian Revolution (1917)

The Russian Revolution: Causes and Key Events

Background to the Revolution

• The year is 1914; World War I has begun, with Russia at war against Germany. The Russian Army consists mainly of a poorly equipped and trained working class and peasants.

• By 1917, millions of Russians have been killed or wounded in the war, leading to widespread anger towards Tsar Nicholas II for his decisions, including taking personal command of the army.

February Revolution

• In February 1917 (Julian calendar), protests erupt in Petrograd over bread shortages due to rationing, with demonstrators joined by striking workers.

• The army is called to suppress the uprising; some soldiers refuse to fire on protesters, indicating a potential mutiny against the Tsar.

• The Petrograd Soviet emerges as a city council representing workers and soldiers' demands following the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.

Provisional Government and Bolshevik Rise

• A new government forms under two political factions: the Petrograd Soviet and the Provisional Government, which quickly becomes unpopular for continuing involvement in WWI and failing to address land issues for peasants.

• Vladimir Lenin leads the Bolsheviks, advocating for "Peace, Bread, Land"—ending Russia's war participation, addressing food shortages, and redistributing land to peasants.

October Revolution

• On November 6th and 7th (October 24th and 25th Julian calendar), Lenin's Bolsheviks launch a coup d'état against the Provisional Government.

• They storm the Winter Palace, arresting members of the provisional government and establishing control over Russia.

Aftermath of the Revolution

• Following their takeover, the Bolshevik government exits WWI by signing "The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk" with Germany.