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.

Outlines

00:00

👑 The Fall of Tsarist Russia

Nicholas II ascended to the Russian throne in 1894, ruling over a vast empire with diverse ethnic groups. The empire was marked by the stark contrast between the impoverished workers and peasants and the luxurious lifestyle of the elite. Despite the 1905 revolution leading to the establishment of a state duma, it had limited power and failed to satisfy either the Tsar or the reformers. World War One brought further disaster, with military defeats and domestic turmoil leading to the Tsar's increasing unpopularity. The February Revolution in 1917, initiated by protests over food shortages, culminated in the abdication of Nicholas II, ending 300 years of Romanov rule and giving rise to the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet, setting the stage for a more democratic Russia.

05:06

🔥 The Rise of the Bolsheviks

The Provisional Government, formed by the State Duma, coexisted with the Petrograd Soviet, which was more radical and controlled key resources in the capital. The decision to continue participating in World War One was unpopular and benefited the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, who advocated for peace, land redistribution, and power to the Soviets. Despite initial setbacks including the suppression of protests and the temporary exile of Lenin, the Bolsheviks gained support as Russia's crisis worsened. The Kornilov Affair, an attempted military coup, was thwarted with Bolshevik help, enhancing their reputation. By October, Lenin secretly returned to Petrograd and orchestrated the Bolshevik seizure of power, leading to the overthrow of the Provisional Government and the establishment of a new socialist order.

10:12

🏰 The Bolshevik Victory and Aftermath

Following the Bolshevik takeover, a brutal civil war ensued against the 'White Russian' forces, who received foreign support. The former Tsar and his family, initially under house arrest, were eventually executed by the Bolsheviks in Yekaterinburg to prevent their use as a rallying symbol for the opposition. The civil war resulted in massive casualties and suffering, with millions dead from conflict, disease, and famine. The Bolsheviks, under Lenin's leadership, emerged victorious by 1921 and began constructing a socialist state. The Soviet Union, established in 1922, would later become a world superpower but remained a one-party state with suppressed dissent. The initial hopes for democracy following the February Revolution were quashed by the Bolsheviks, with the October Revolution setting the course for decades of single-party rule.

Keywords

💡Nicholas II

Nicholas II was the last Emperor of Russia, ruling from 1894 until his forced abdication in 1917. His reign was marked by social unrest and economic challenges, which are central to the video's narrative of the Russian Revolution. The script mentions his rule over a vast empire and the stark contrast between the poverty of workers and peasants versus the opulence of the elite, setting the stage for the revolutionary movements.

💡State Duma

The State Duma was a national assembly created in the Russian Empire after the 1905 revolution. It represented a limited form of political reform, as it had limited power and did not satisfy the demands of either the Tsar or the reformers. The video script refers to the creation of the Duma as a response to the 1905 revolution, indicating a moment of political compromise that foreshadowed further unrest.

💡World War One

World War One, or the Great War, was a global conflict that had a profound impact on Russia, as detailed in the script. The war led to devastating defeats for Russia, food shortages, and economic chaos, which directly contributed to the public's disillusionment with the Tsarist regime and the eventual February Revolution.

💡Petrograd Soviet

The Petrograd Soviet was a council of workers and soldiers that emerged during the 1917 Russian Revolution. It played a significant role in the political upheaval, as it controlled key resources like troops, transport, and communications in the capital. The video script highlights the dual power structure between the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet, illustrating the complex political dynamics of the revolution.

💡Bolsheviks

The Bolsheviks were a radical political party led by Vladimir Lenin, who opposed the continuation of Russia's involvement in World War One and advocated for the transfer of power to the Soviets. Their slogan 'Bread, Peace, and Land' resonated with the masses, as mentioned in the script, and their rise to power was a pivotal event in the Russian Revolution, leading to the October Revolution and the establishment of the Soviet state.

💡Vladimir Lenin

Vladimir Lenin was the leader of the Bolshevik Party and played a central role in the October Revolution. The script describes his return from exile and his opposition to the 'imperialist war', as well as his demand for land redistribution and the transfer of power to the Soviets. Lenin's leadership was instrumental in the Bolsheviks' seizure of power and the establishment of the Soviet regime.

💡Provisional Government

The Provisional Government was formed after the February Revolution and was intended to hold power until a new constitution could be established. However, as the script explains, it shared power with the Petrograd Soviet and faced challenges in maintaining control, especially as it chose to continue the war effort, which was unpopular among the populace.

💡Red Guards

The Red Guards were armed militias organized by the Bolsheviks to defend key points during the revolution. The script mentions their role in defending Petrograd against General Kornilov's attempted coup, which helped to bolster the Bolsheviks' image as defenders of the revolution and contributed to their growing support.

💡October Revolution

The October Revolution, led by the Bolsheviks, was the second major revolution in Russia in 1917, which resulted in the overthrow of the Provisional Government and the establishment of Soviet rule. The script describes the Bolsheviks' seizure of key points in Petrograd and the storming of the Winter Palace, events that are central to the narrative of the revolution.

💡Civil War

The Russian Civil War followed the October Revolution and was a brutal conflict between the Bolshevik 'Reds' and the counter-revolutionary 'Whites'. The script notes the high death toll among soldiers and civilians, reflecting the devastating impact of the war on Russia. The Bolsheviks' victory in this conflict solidified their control over Russia and led to the creation of the Soviet Union.

💡Soviet Union

The Soviet Union, established in 1922, was the result of the Bolsheviks' consolidation of power following the Russian Civil War. The script highlights the Soviet Union's emergence as a world superpower, particularly after World War Two, but also notes its suppression of opposition and dissent, reflecting the authoritarian nature of the state.

Highlights

Nicholas II became ruler of a vast Russian empire in 1894.

The Russian empire was home to 126 million people from 194 ethnic groups.

Workers and peasants lived in poverty while the elite enjoyed luxury.

The 1905 revolution led to the creation of a state duma with limited power.

World War One brought disaster to Tsarist Russia with military defeats and economic chaos.

Tsar Nicholas was held responsible for the crisis and was seen as an obstacle to reform.

Empress Alexandra faced accusations of supporting Germany.

Grigory Rasputin's influence over the Tsar led to his murder in December 1916.

The February Revolution in 1917 was sparked by protests over bread shortages.

Tsarist officials were arrested and symbols of Tsarist rule were destroyed.

Nicholas II abdicated on 2nd March, ending 300 years of Romanov rule.

The Provisional Government was formed but shared power with the Petrograd Soviet.

The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, opposed the war and demanded land redistribution.

The Bolshevik slogan 'Bread, Peace, and Land' resonated with the masses.

The Kornilov Affair in August 1917 cast the Bolsheviks as saviors of the revolution.

The Bolsheviks seized power in October 1917, overthrowing the Provisional Government.

The Russian Civil War resulted in millions of deaths and the rise of the Soviet Union.

The execution of Tsar Nicholas II and his family in July 1918 marked a tragic end to the Romanov dynasty.

The Soviet Union became a world superpower but remained a single-party state suppressing dissent.

The hopes for Russian democracy were extinguished by the Bolshevik October Revolution.

Transcripts

In 1894, Nicholas II became ruler of a  Russian empire that stretched from the  

Baltic to the Pacific, inhabited by 126  million people, from 194 ethnic groups.

It was a country in which workers and  peasants lived in poverty and hardship - while  

Russia's elite - its imperial family and  aristocracy - lived lives of gilded luxury.

There was a long history of struggle in  Russia against the injustices of the system.

And in 1905, a revolution forced the Tsar to  

allow the creation of a state  duma, or national assembly.

But its power was limited, and the compromise  pleased neither the Tsar nor the reformers.

In 1914, this divided empire was plunged  into fresh crisis... by world war.

World War One was a disaster for Tsarist Russia.

At the front, the country suffered  a series of devastating defeats,  

while at home there were food  shortages and economic chaos.

The Tsar was held responsible for the  crisis – after all, he was now the army's  

commander-in-chief, and he was standing in the  way of government reform. His German-born wife,  

Empress Alexandra, was even thought to be  supporting Germany; while the entire family was  

said to have fallen under the spell of a Siberian  mystic and faith healer, Grigory Rasputin.

In December 1916, Rasputin was  murdered by Russian aristocrats,  

possibly with the help of British secret  agents - both groups determined to end his  

influence over the Tsar. But in the eyes  of many, the damage had already been done.

On 23rd February 1917, thousands of women  took to the streets of the Russian capital,  

Petrograd, to mark International Women's  Day and protest over bread shortages.

The next day they were joined on  the streets by workers and students,  

carrying placards that read 'Down with the Tsar!'

Troops, ordered to put down the disorder,  mutinied, and joined the protestors instead.

Tsarist officials were arrested, prisons  and police stations were attacked,  

emblems of Tsarist rule smashed and burned.

The government had lost control of the capital.

The Tsar was told by his ministers that  order could only be restored - and Russia  

saved from military defeat - if he gave up power.

So on 2nd March, Nicholas agreed to abdicate.

In just 10 days, 300 years of  Romanov rule had come to an end.

The February Revolution had been  remarkably swift and bloodless,  

and hopes were now high for the creation of  a more democratic, more just Russian state.

Members of the State Duma, the national assembly,  had formed a Provisional Government, which was to  

hold power until a Constituent Assembly was  elected, to give Russia a new constitution.

But in reality, the Provisional Government shared  power with the Petrograd Soviet, a council elected  

by workers and soldiers, that controlled the  capital's troops, transport and communications.

The Petrograd Soviet, dominated by the Socialist  Revolutionary Party and the Marxist Menshevik  

Party, was much more radical than the Provisional  Government... yet it supported the Government's  

decision to continue the war, and honour the  commitments that Russia had made to the Allies.

It was a fateful decision, that  ultimately played into the hands  

of one of the smaller parties.... the Bolsheviks.

Their leader, Vladimir Lenin, recently  returned from 16 years in exile,  

bitterly opposed the 'imperialist war'.

He also demanded the immediate redistribution  of land from rich landowners to peasants;  

and the transfer of power from the 'bourgeoise'  Provisional Government to the people's Soviets,  

or councils, that were springing up across Russia.

The Bolshevik programme was summed up in  a simple slogan, 'Bread, Peace and Land'.

And as Russia's economic and military crisis  deepened, its appeal to the masses grew and grew.

In June, a new Russian military offensive ended  in disaster, with 400,000 Russian casualties,  

massive desertions, and the collapse  of army morale and discipline.

In July, soldiers and sailors  in Petrograd mutinied. They were  

joined in the streets by workers, with  Bolshevik support. But troops loyal to  

the Provisional Government opened fire on  the protestors, and dispersed the crowds.

A police crackdown followed, leading to  the arrest of several Bolshevik leaders,  

including Leon Trotsky, while Lenin, with  the help of Josef Stalin, fled to Finland,  

travelling with forged papers under  the name of Konstantin Ivanov...

A socialist, and stirring orator, named Alexander  Kerensky, became Russia's new Prime Minister,  

and was hailed as the man who  would save Russia from anarchy.

The army's commander-in-chief, General Kornilov,  believed Russia's war effort was being undermined  

by chaos at home, and deliberately sabotaged by  men like Lenin, whom he declared a German spy.

So in August, he ordered his men to  march on Petrograd, to 'restore order'.

Bolsheviks played a leading role in the city's  defence against this attempted military coup.

Their most brilliant organiser, Leon  Trotsky, was released from prison,  

and sent armed Bolshevik militias, the 'Red  Guards', to defend key points in the city.

Strikes by railway workers, many of them  Bolshevik supporters, prevented Kornilov  

from moving his men by rail, and his soldiers  began to switch sides, or simply go home.

The Kornilov Affair cast the Bolsheviks  as saviours of the revolution.

And by the end of September, they'd  gained a majority in the Petrograd Soviet.

In October, Lenin decided the time had  come. He secretly returned from Finland  

to Petrograd, and began preparing to seize power.

On 25th October, the Bolsheviks made their  move: Red Guards and loyal troops seized key  

points around the capital, and that  night they stormed the Provisional  

Government's headquarters at the Winter  Palace – an event later immortalised by  

Bolshevik propaganda, and the great  Soviet film-maker, Sergei Eisenstein.

Kerensky fled the city at the last  moment, narrowly avoiding capture,  

and the next day, at the Second  All-Russian Congress of Soviets,  

Lenin announced the overthrow  of the Provisional Government.

The following months saw the Bolsheviks  consolidate their hold on power, while fighting a  

brutal civil war against counter-revolutionary, or  'White Russian', forces, who had foreign support.

Some Whites hoped to put Tsar  Nicholas back on the throne.

After his abdication, Nicholas and his family  had been held under guard at Tsarkoye Selo,  

outside Petrograd, where they occupied  themselves with gardening and other diversions.

In summer 1917 the family was sent to Tobolsk,  

in Siberia, where they lived under  house arrest in the Governor's Mansion.

The following spring, the Bolsheviks  had the family moved to Yekaterinburg.

In July 1918, as White forces approached the  city, Bolshevik soldiers gathered the whole  

family in a cellar – the Tsar, his wife,  their son Alexei, their 4 daughters, Olga,  

Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia, as well  as 4 servants - and executed them all.

Russia's civil war was one of the 20th century's  

most devastating events. An estimated  2 million soldiers lost their lives,  

while a typhus epidemic and famine claimed  the lives of a further 9 million civilians.

By the end of 1921, the Bolsheviks had  emerged victorious, and under Lenin's  

determined and uncompromising leadership,  set about building a new socialist order.

The Soviet Union, created in 1922,  

emerged as a world superpower following the  defeat of Nazi Germany in World War Two.

But it would always remain a single party state,  

where all opposition or dissent  was ruthlessly suppressed.

Those brief hopes for Russian democracy,  

that flowered amid the euphoria of the  February Revolution, were extinguished  

by the Bolshevik October Revolution, and  put beyond reach for decades to come.

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