1917 Revolution

Definition

The 1917 Revolution refers to a series of events in Russia that led to the overthrow of the imperial government and the establishment of a communist state. It consists of two major phases: the February Revolution, which resulted in the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the formation of a provisional government, and the October Revolution, where the Bolsheviks seized power. This revolution fundamentally altered Russia's political landscape and had far-reaching consequences for global economics and the spread of communism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The February Revolution began on International Women's Day in 1917, when protests against food shortages escalated into mass demonstrations, leading to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.
2. The October Revolution occurred when the Bolsheviks, under Lenin's leadership, stormed the Winter Palace and took control of key government institutions.
3. The 1917 Revolution resulted in the end of centuries of imperial rule in Russia and established the world's first communist government.
4. The revolution inspired communist movements around the globe, leading to uprisings and revolutions in various countries as people sought to replicate Russia's model.
5. The aftermath of the revolution led to a brutal civil war in Russia from 1917 to 1922, pitting the Red Army (Bolsheviks) against the White Army (anti-Bolshevik forces), significantly impacting Russia's economy and society.

Review Questions

• How did the events of February 1917 set the stage for the October Revolution later that year?
  • The February Revolution created a power vacuum in Russia by toppling Tsar Nicholas II and establishing a provisional government. This new government struggled to address critical issues like food shortages and land reforms, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. The Bolsheviks capitalized on this discontent by promising peace, land, and bread, ultimately allowing them to successfully lead the October Revolution.
• In what ways did the 1917 Revolution affect both Russian society and its economy during the early stages of communism?
  • The 1917 Revolution drastically transformed Russian society by dismantling the class structure associated with imperial rule. The new communist regime nationalized industry and redistributed land among peasants, aiming to create an egalitarian society. However, these changes led to economic turmoil as production declined due to war and civil unrest, resulting in widespread poverty and famine in the years following the revolution.
• Evaluate how the 1917 Revolution influenced global politics and economics in the interwar period.
  • The 1917 Revolution had profound implications for global politics by inspiring communist movements worldwide and challenging existing capitalist structures. Countries began to reassess their political ideologies as fear of communism spread, leading to increased tensions between capitalist nations and communist states. Economically, nations faced instability due to shifts towards collectivization and state control in many countries influenced by Soviet ideology, reshaping international trade relationships and economic policies during the interwar years.

Related terms

Bolsheviks:

A radical socialist faction led by Vladimir Lenin that played a key role in the October Revolution, advocating for a workers' revolution and the establishment of a communist state.

Mensheviks:

A moderate socialist faction that opposed the Bolsheviks, advocating for a more gradual approach to achieving socialism in Russia.

Provisional Government: The temporary government established after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, which aimed to maintain order and prepare for elections but ultimately failed to address pressing social and economic issues.