Russian Revolution Facts
What Was The 1905 Revolution?
The Revolution of 1905 was a wave of mass political and social unrest that spread through vast areas of the Russian Empire, some of which was directed at the government. It included worker strikes, peasant unrest, and military mutinies.
When Was It?
The Russian Revolution is the term for a pair of revolutions in Russia in 1917 against the government.
What Was The Civil War?
The civil war between the Bolsheviks (Reds) and the anti-Bolsheviks (Whites) ravaged Russia until 1920. The Whites represented all shades of anti-Communist groups, including members of the constituent assembly. Several of their leaders favored setting up a military dictatorship, but few were outspoken czarists.
Why Did It Happen?
By 1917, most Russians had lost faith in the leadership ability of Czar Nicholas II. Government corruption was rampant, the Russian economy remained backward, and Nicholas repeatedly ignored the Russian parliament established after the 1905 revolution, when it opposed his will. However, the immediate cause of the February Revolution-the first phase of the Russian Revolution of 1917-was Russia's disastrous involvement in World War I (1914-18).
What Was "Duel Power"?
It described a situation in the wake of the February Revolution in which two powers, the workers councils (or Soviets, particularly the Petrograd Soviet) and the official state coexisted with each other and competed for legitimacy.
What Happened After?
Lenin became the dictator of Russia. His government made peace with Germany, nationalized industry and distributed land, but beginning in 1918 had to fight a devastating civil war against anti-Bolshevik White Army forces. In 1920, the anti-Bolsheviks were defeated, and in 1922 the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was established.
What Was The October Revolution?
On November 6 and 7, 1917 (or October 24 and 25 on the Julian calendar, which is why this event is also referred to as the October Revolution), revolutionaries led by Vladimir Lenin launched an attack against the provisional government. They occupied government buildings and other strategic locations in Petrograd, and soon formed a new government with Lenin as its head.
What Happened during the Revolution?
Revolts ended centuries of imperial rule and setting in motion political and social changes that would lead to the formation of the Soviet Union. In March, growing civil unrest, coupled with chronic food shortages, erupted into open revolt, forcing the abdication of Nicholas II (1868-1918), the last Russian czar. Just months later, the newly installed provisional government was itself overthrown by the more radical Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin (1870-1924).
Who Was Involved?
The Fall of Tsar Nicholas II and the rise of Marxian socialism under Lenin and his Bolsheviks.
What Was The February Revoluition
The February Revolution started when demonstrators clamoring for bread took to the streets in the Russian capital of Petrograd (now called St. Petersburg). Supported by huge crowds of striking industrial workers, the protesters clashed with police but refused to leave the streets. On March 10, the strike spread among all of Petrograd's workers, and irate mobs destroyed police stations. Several factories elected deputies to the Petrograd Soviet, or council, of workers' committees, following the model devised during the 1905 revolution.
