Communist takeover of Russia in 1917

Definition

The Communist takeover of Russia in 1917, also known as the Bolshevik Revolution, was a pivotal event where the Bolshevik Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, seized control of the Russian government. This revolution marked the end of centuries of imperial rule and the establishment of a socialist state, significantly influencing global politics and the course of World War I by leading to Russia's withdrawal from the conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Communist takeover occurred in two main phases: the February Revolution, which led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, and the October Revolution, where the Bolsheviks took control.
2. The slogan 'Peace, Land, and Bread' encapsulated the Bolshevik promise to address the demands of soldiers, peasants, and workers during the revolution.
3. The revolution resulted in the establishment of a one-party state under Bolshevik control, marking a significant shift from previous governance models in Russia.
4. Following the takeover, Russia faced a brutal civil war between the Red Army (Bolsheviks) and White Army (anti-Bolshevik forces), which lasted until 1922.
5. The success of the Bolsheviks inspired communist movements worldwide and contributed to a reevaluation of imperial powers in Europe during and after World War I.

Review Questions

• How did the Communist takeover of Russia in 1917 change the political landscape of Europe?
  • The Communist takeover in 1917 drastically changed Europe's political landscape by introducing a new form of governance based on Marxist principles. The establishment of a communist regime challenged traditional monarchies and democratic governments across Europe, inspiring various revolutionary movements. This shift contributed to heightened tensions during World War I as nations reassessed their alliances and political ideologies in response to the spread of communism.
• Evaluate the impact of World War I on the timing and success of the Communist takeover in Russia.
  • World War I significantly impacted both the timing and success of the Communist takeover by exacerbating social unrest and economic hardships within Russia. The war caused massive military casualties and resource shortages, leading to widespread discontent among soldiers and civilians alike. The provisional government's failure to address these issues created an opportunity for the Bolsheviks to rally support with promises of peace and reform, ultimately facilitating their rise to power during a time of crisis.
• Analyze how the Communist takeover influenced international relations in the years following World War I.
  • The Communist takeover had profound effects on international relations after World War I, leading to increased ideological divides between capitalist democracies and communist states. It sparked fears among Western nations of communist expansion, resulting in policies aimed at containment. Additionally, it inspired revolutionary movements worldwide, which prompted interventions such as foreign support for anti-Bolshevik forces during the Russian Civil War. The ideological clash became a defining feature of global politics throughout the 20th century.

Related terms

Bolshevik Party: A radical socialist faction within the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party that sought to overthrow the provisional government and establish a dictatorship of the proletariat.

October Revolution: The second phase of the Russian Revolution in 1917, where the Bolsheviks successfully took over key government institutions in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) on October 25 (Julian calendar).

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk: A peace treaty signed in March 1918 between the new Bolshevik government and Germany, which ended Russia's participation in World War I but resulted in significant territorial losses.