Historical Background

The Russian Revolution unfolded in phases that had long lasting impacts throughout and beyond the nation.

The Bolshevik, painted by Boris Mikhaylovich in 1920

Causes and Results of the Revolution

A variety of social, political, and economic factors contributed to the two distinct Russian Revolutions in 1917. Peasants had been discontent with the Tsarist regime in previous years and the impact it had on their living conditions. This resentment only grew with the entrance into WW1 and the rapid industrialization that came along with it. Russia consisted mainly of poor farming peasants who were forced to pay redemption since their emancipation from serfdom in 1861. Another majority consisted of factory workers who were crowded into apartments during industrialization, with an average of sixteen people per apartment, not supplied any running water, and surrounded by piles of human waste that threatened the health of workers. When the war began conscription took many unwilling skilled factory workers to war with inadequate equipment and protection. These workers were then replaced by unskilled workers burdened with the increased demand of factory production for war supplies. This resulted in labor riots and strikes in the factories as well as grievances in the military. All of the peoples’ needs were disregarded as the autocratic government in place gave them no representation and the Tsar pursued ambitions that conflicted with the well-being of the people. One of the reasons Nicholas, the Tsar, entered the war in 1914 was to recover from the humiliation of Russia’s loss in the Russo-Japanese war and distract the people from their discontent by rallying them against Germany and the central powers. Russia’s performance in WW1 which consisted of heavy losses further undermined its political and military standing. The minimal support the Tsar had left crumbled. Coupled with widespread inflation and food shortages Russia was driven to revolution. The revolution created a socialist revolutionary wave that washed over surrounding countries until 1923. It disabled the tsarist regime and in its place eventually established the Soviet Union which would last until 1991.

Timeline of the Revolution

The Russian defeat in the Russo-Japanese war created unrest among the country, which was only amplified by the ineptitude in the monarchy. Lack of food and low wages led to the February Revolution. Many workers went on strike, however the protest soon turned aggressive, and many soldiers even turned to the side of the revolution as well. After overthrowing the monarchy on March 13, revolutionaries decided to form a new government called the Provisional Government. The Czar and his family officially became abdicated on March 15 - 3 centuries of Romanov rule came to an end. They were soon arrested. The June Offensive was launched in a desperate attempt to rally people behind the Provisional Government as well as establish Russia as a great power. However, the war only showed the divide and fracture of the army. With the military failure and chaos within the Provisional Government, Lenin had found a basis to rally people together to revolt in what was known as the July Days, but lack of a clear motive and disorganization led to its failure. Lenin would find another opening to advance his efforts with another failed military venture that had left the Provisional Government powerless. Soon after, the Bolsheviks and their allies seized control of government buildings and established Lenin as the leader of their new state. Tsar Nicholas and his family are executed on July 16 of 1918. Russia’s incompetence in the World War and disappointing peace treaty led to a civil war between anti-Bolshevik groups called the “Whites” and the pro-Bolshevik “Red Army”. However, the Whites were defeated due to their lack of power and organization. After his victory, the Soviet Union was established and Lenin was able to secure his place as leader of the new communist state.