The Russian Revolution 1917

Summary

In 1917, Nicholas II's rule over a vast, impoverished Russian empire ended with the February Revolution, leading to the Provisional Government's establishment. Despite hopes for a democratic Russia, the Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, seized power in October, promising 'Bread, Peace, and Land.' After a brutal civil war, the Soviet Union emerged, suppressing dissent and extinguishing early democratic aspirations.

Takeaways

• 👑 In 1894, Nicholas II became the ruler of a vast Russian empire, which was marked by stark contrasts between the impoverished workers and peasants and the luxurious lives of the imperial family and aristocracy.
• ⚖️ The 1905 revolution led to the creation of a state duma, or national assembly, in Russia, but its power was limited and failed to satisfy either the Tsar or the reformers.
• 🌎 World War One brought disaster to Tsarist Russia, with devastating defeats at the front and food shortages and economic chaos at home, leading to the Tsar being held responsible for the crisis.
• 🔮 The influence of the Siberian mystic Grigory Rasputin over the Tsar and his family was seen as highly detrimental, and his murder in 1916 by Russian aristocrats marked a turning point.
• 👩‍🎓 The February Revolution in 1917, sparked by protests over bread shortages and dissatisfaction with the Tsar's rule, led to the abdication of Nicholas II and the end of Romanov rule.
• 🏛️ The Provisional Government, formed after the February Revolution, shared power with the Petrograd Soviet, reflecting the divided nature of Russian politics at the time.
• 🌾 The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, promised 'Bread, Peace, and Land', which resonated with the masses as Russia's economic and military crisis deepened.
• 💣 The failure of the June military offensive and the subsequent mutinies in Petrograd, supported by the Bolsheviks, showed the weakening of the Provisional Government's control.
• 🚨 The Kornilov Affair, an attempted military coup, backfired and instead bolstered the Bolsheviks' reputation as defenders of the revolution, leading to their gaining a majority in the Petrograd Soviet.
• ⚔️ The Bolsheviks' October Revolution in 1917 resulted in the overthrow of the Provisional Government, marking the beginning of a brutal civil war and the eventual establishment of the Soviet Union.
• 🕊️ The hopes for a democratic Russia were quashed by the Bolsheviks, who established a one-party state that suppressed all opposition, with the Soviet Union emerging as a world superpower after World War Two.

Q & A

Who became the ruler of Russia in 1894 and what was the state of the empire at that time?

Nicholas II became the ruler of Russia in 1894. The Russian empire stretched from the Baltic to the Pacific, inhabited by 126 million people from 194 ethnic groups. It was a country marked by the poverty and hardship of workers and peasants, while the elite, including the imperial family and aristocracy, lived in luxury.

What significant change occurred in Russia in 1905, and why was it forced?

In 1905, a revolution forced Tsar Nicholas II to allow the creation of a state duma, or national assembly. This change was forced due to the long history of struggle against the injustices of the system.

How did World War One impact Tsarist Russia, and what was the consequence for the Tsar?

World War One was disastrous for Tsarist Russia, leading to devastating defeats, food shortages, and economic chaos. The Tsar was held responsible for the crisis, as he was the commander-in-chief of the army and was seen as an obstacle to government reform.

Who was Grigory Rasputin and why was he murdered in December 1916?

Grigory Rasputin was a Siberian mystic and faith healer who had significant influence over the Tsar and his family. He was murdered by Russian aristocrats, possibly with the help of British secret agents, due to his influence over the Tsar and the belief that he was causing harm to the country.

What triggered the February Revolution in 1917, and how did it unfold?

The February Revolution was triggered by protests over bread shortages on International Women's Day, February 23, 1917. The protests escalated with the joining of workers and students, leading to mutinies among troops, arrests of Tsarist officials, and the eventual abdication of Tsar Nicholas II on March 2nd.

What was the role of the Provisional Government after the February Revolution, and who did it share power with?

The Provisional Government, formed by members of the State Duma, was to hold power until a Constituent Assembly could be elected to give Russia a new constitution. However, it shared power with the Petrograd Soviet, a council elected by workers and soldiers, which controlled the capital's troops, transport, and communications.

What were the key demands of the Bolsheviks under Vladimir Lenin, and how did they appeal to the masses?

The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, demanded an end to the 'imperialist war', the immediate redistribution of land from rich landowners to peasants, and the transfer of power to the people's Soviets. Their simple slogan 'Bread, Peace, and Land' appealed to the masses as Russia's economic and military crisis deepened.

What was the outcome of the failed military offensive in June 1917, and how did it affect the political landscape?

The failed military offensive in June 1917 resulted in 400,000 Russian casualties, massive desertions, and the collapse of army morale and discipline. This disaster further weakened the Provisional Government and increased the appeal of the Bolsheviks, who opposed the war.

How did the Kornilov Affair impact the Bolsheviks' standing in the revolution?

The Kornilov Affair, an attempted military coup by General Kornilov, cast the Bolsheviks as saviors of the revolution when they played a leading role in defending Petrograd. This event helped the Bolsheviks gain a majority in the Petrograd Soviet by the end of September.

What events led to the Bolsheviks' seizure of power in October 1917, and what was the outcome?

Lenin secretly returned to Petrograd in October 1917 and prepared to seize power. On October 25th, the Bolsheviks, with the help of Red Guards and loyal troops, seized key points in the capital and stormed the Provisional Government's headquarters at the Winter Palace. The following day, Lenin announced the overthrow of the Provisional Government, marking the beginning of Bolshevik rule.

What was the ultimate fate of Tsar Nicholas II and his family after the October Revolution?

After the October Revolution, Tsar Nicholas II and his family were first held under house arrest in Tobolsk, then moved to Yekaterinburg. In July 1918, as White forces approached the city, Bolshevik soldiers executed the entire family, including Tsar Nicholas, his wife, their son, four daughters, and four servants.