A History of the 1917 Russian Revolution

The Russian Revolution of 1917

The Road to Revolution

In February 1917, Russia was struggling in the First World War alongside France and Britain. Facing powerful enemies like Germany and Austria-Hungary, the nation faced mounting unrest. As the war continued, the prestige of the Tsar plummeted. Production and transport of weapons and food failed to reach the front, while factories suffered from a lack of raw materials and fuel. Consequently, the population faced hunger and cold, and the Tsar was held responsible for the tragedy.

Rising Discontent and the February Revolution

The Bolsheviks opposed Russia's entry into the war, and their influence grew as discontent multiplied in the army and cities due to supply shortages. In February 1917, demonstrations led by women were joined by striking workers. The police were powerless to stop the unrest. Although the chairman of the Duma requested that the Tsar appoint a new government, Nicholas II chose to close the Duma instead.

The Fall of the Monarchy

On February 27, troops joined the daily protests. The government resigned, and Duma deputies formed a Provisional Committee. This committee, alongside the executive committee controlled by Mensheviks and members of the Socialist Party, reached an agreement to form a provisional government. Following the resignation of Nicholas II, Russia became a republic.

The Provisional Government and the Soviets

The first provisional government aimed to implement a democratic regime. Key decisions included:

• Continuing the war effort
• Granting political amnesty
• Establishing political and personal freedoms
• Convening a constituent assembly

While the government was initially accepted, the public demanded social improvements, land distribution for peasants, and peace. As the army began to decompose and disobey, Soviets (workers' councils) were established across the country, effectively becoming a second power. Alexander Kerensky eventually formed a government with the Mensheviks, but the situation failed to improve.

The Rise of the Bolsheviks and the October Revolution

The Bolsheviks, though initially a small party, saw their prestige increase among the masses. Their leader, Lenin, returned from exile and summarized his vision in the April Theses, calling for immediate peace and the establishment of a Soviet government. After being accused of instigating rebellion, Lenin fled to Finland, but the Bolshevik Party continued to promote its program: ending the war, establishing workers' control over production, and distributing land.

After a failed military coup, Lenin returned and convinced the committee to launch an armed insurrection to overthrow Kerensky. On October 24, Bolshevik troops seized key points in Petrograd and arrested the ministers. Lenin offered power to the Second Congress of the Russian Soviets, which subsequently elected a new government with Lenin as its leader.