The Russian Revolutions: From Tsarist Collapse to Stalin's Power
The Russian Revolutions and the Consolidation of Soviet Power
The 1905 Revolution: Bloody Sunday and the Duma
In 1905, the Tsarist army suffered a humiliating defeat by Japanese troops in a war spurred by Russia's attempts to expand into Asia. Riots occurred due to the widespread discontent caused by this defeat, coupled with the severe economic crisis of the time.
The revolution was unleashed on January 9th (Bloody Sunday) when masses of people went to the Winter Palace, the residence of the Tsar, to present their requests. However, Tsarist soldiers opened fire, resulting in numerous violent deaths and injuries.
The protest lasted several months. Peasants and workers organized themselves into Soviets (councils). The Tsar was forced to make concessions, which were collected in the Imperial Manifesto issued in October 1905. This included the primary election by universal suffrage of the Russian Duma, which seemed to signal a shift toward a parliamentary monarchy. However, the Tsar soon broke his commitments.
The 1917 Revolutions: From February to October
Russia's entry into World War I led to shortages, military defeats, and widespread discontent among the populace and the army. This created massive unrest in the rear, triggering strikes and demonstrations that were initially suppressed.
The February Revolution and Dual Power
The revolution began after a demonstration on February 23rd. By February 25th, a general strike broke out, and on the 26th, riots occurred in the barracks. On February 27th, a Provisional Government (PG) was created. The PG desired a liberal state but lacked authority. Simultaneously, Soviets formed across the country and came to possess their own armed militias, establishing a system of "Dual Power."
Lenin's Return and the April Theses
The prominence of the Soviets grew, and they held their first congress in June. Bolshevik leader Lenin returned from exile in April, presenting his program known as the April Theses. This program called for:
- Immediate withdrawal from the war.
- Land distribution to the peasants.
- Control of the factories by workers' committees.
- Autonomy for the nations within the Russian Empire.
- Delivery of all state power to the Soviets.
The October Revolution and Early Decrees
In September, the Provisional Government faced a coup attempt by conservatives (the Kornilov Affair). On October 24th, the Soviets, now controlled by the Bolsheviks, seized strategic control points in the capital. The fall of the Provisional Government was consolidated with the assault on the Winter Palace.
The new revolutionary government immediately took action:
- Ending the War: Business was concluded with the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk on March 3rd, 1918.
- Land Reform: A decree was signed on land distribution to poor peasants, allowing for former owners' property to be redistributed.
- National Minorities: The government recognized national minorities and their right to self-determination.
The Rise of Stalin: Securing Leadership
After Lenin died in 1924, the party leadership and state apparatus were filled with competing leaders. Several intense power struggles were constant, and all rivals faded away until only one remained: Joseph Stalin. Stalin had been appointed Party General Secretary in 1922 and was later elected leader, consolidating his control over the Soviet Union.
Key Concept: Internationalism
Internationalism refers to the organization of workers (trabajadores) from different countries to jointly fight for better working conditions and the transformation of society.