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Russian Revolution of 1917
Pic above: Petrograd, 4 July 1917 - Street demonstration on
Nevsky Prospekt just after troops of the Provisional Government have
opened fire with machine guns.
The Russian Revolution of 1917 ended the country’s monarchy. This
monarchy had ruled Russia since 1547 when
Ivan the Terrible was
officially crowned Czar of all Russia.
The revolution also marked the beginning of a new governmental
system founded on communism. Within the borders of the Union of
Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) at its greatest extent, over
one-sixth of the Earth was ruled by this new type of government.
OLD STYLE /
NEW STYLE DATES
Russia didn’t make the change from the Julian calendar to the
Gregorian calendar until 1918; therefore, the October Revolution
actually took place in November.
BACKGROUND
ISSUES
People were frustrated with Russia's social, economic, and political
situation. The Revolution of 1905 did not bring any lasting changes.
The czar seemed unable to improve conditions and was unwilling to
explore other options.
World War I fueled public discontent when the
Russian army, led by an incompetent Czar, lost battle after battle.
Meanwhile, the czar's wife entertained controversial advisor
Rasputin. In addition, food shortages became even more severe.
THE RUSSIAN
REVOLUTION OF 1917 COMPRISES TWO REVOLUTIONS
February Revolution March 8–12 (February 24–28, old style) -
The first stage of the revolution of 1917 overthrew the monarchy and
replaced it by the Provisional Government, which was to remain in
office until a democratic parliament was arranged.
October Revolution November 6–7 (October 24–25, old style) -
Also called the Bolshevik Revolution, the second stage brought the
Bolshevik Party to power and established the Soviet Communist
government in Russia.
Tsar Nicholas II, Tsarina Alexandra and
their family
WHAT HAPPENED
IN 1917?
Riots and strikes erupted in
March 1917. Soldiers ceased to obey the Czar. Nicholas II was forced
to abdicate on March 15 and the Provisional Government came to
power.
The new government, however, failed to take decisive action on two
main issues: the distribution of land and the country’s
participation in World War I.
At the same time, the general population became increasingly radical
in their demands. Revolution ensued.
The Bolsheviks competed with the Provisional Government for power.
By September their program of “peace, land, and bread” had made them
popular. The Bolsheviks recognized the time was right to take power.
Without any noteworthy resistance, the Bolsheviks captured the
government buildings and other strategically important points in
Petrograd (St. Petersburg). Moscow and most other cities were taken
soon afterward. Members of the Provisional Government were either
arrested or fled the country.
A new government, the Council of People’s Commissars, was set up
with Lenin as Chairman,
Trotsky as foreign commissar, Rykov as interior commissar, and
Stalin as commissar of nationalities.
Russian
Revolution Timeline
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