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The 1917 Russian Bolshevik Revolution, also known as the October Revolution, Great October Socialist Revolution, October coup or Bolshevik coup, was the last major phase of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the first successful Marxist coup in history. The Bolshevik Party, a faction of the Marxist Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (RSDLP) led by Vladimir Lenin, seized power in Russia, overthrowing the provisional government and inaugurating the Soviet regime. The Bolshevik Revolution had profound impacts on the entire world, leading to the establishment of the Soviet Union and influencing global politics throughout the 20th century. In this blog, we will explore this vital chapter in world history and understand how the Bolsheviks seized power in Russia.
Background to the Russian Bolshevik Revolution
The roots of the Bolshevik Revolution can be traced back to the early 1900s when Tsar Nicholas II was in charge. In February 1917, the first phase of the revolution took place following the Czarist government’s poor management of World War I. The popular uprising resulted in the abdication of Nicholas II. Following this revolution, commonly known as the February Revolution, a Provisional Government led by Alexander Kerensky came into power.
However, the Provisional Government failed to meet expectations and was insufficient to address the deep-seated social, economic, and political issues within Russian society. Most of the Russian population were farmers living in dire circumstances. A small group of powerful individuals controlled the majority of wealth and influence. The working conditions for labourers in urban areas were feeble because industrialization lagged.
Beginning of the Russian Bolshevik Revolution
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The Bolsheviks advocated for an immediate end to the war, land redistribution to peasants, and the transfer of power to the Soviets. Lenin’s return to Russia from his exile in April 1917, facilitated by the Germans who hoped to destabilize Russia further, acted as the initial fire to the Russian Bolshevik Revolution. He presented his April Theses, which called for an end to the provisional government and “All power to the Soviets”.
The Bolsheviks took advantage of the growing anger among workers, soldiers, and farmers. “Peace, Land, and Bread”, the major slogan of the revolution by Lenin, resonated deeply with the war-weary and impoverished population. Bolshevik revolutionaries under Vladimir Lenin, who gained significant support by that time, seized key government buildings. On the night of October 24-25, 1917 (Julian calendar), the Bolsheviks, led by the Military Revolutionary Committee, took over the Winter Palace of Petrograd, then the new capital of the Russian government and Moscow. The provisional government was overthrown, and the Bolsheviks declared the establishment of a new government led by the Soviets.
According to the Gregorian Calendar, which we use today, the revolution took place on November 6 and 7, 1917. Since Russia was following the Julian Calendar until 14 February 1918, the Russian Bolshevik Revolution came to be called the October Revolution, referring to the Julian Calendar.
Impacts of the Russian Bolshevik Revolution
The Russian Bolshevik Revolution had far-reaching consequences for both Russia and the international community. The revolution set the stage for a brutal and protracted civil war between the Red Army of the Bolsheviks and the White Army, a loose coalition of anti-Bolshevik forces. The civil war, which lasted from 1918 to 1922, saw numerous massacres, famine, and destruction. Despite significant challenges, the Bolsheviks ultimately emerged victorious, consolidating their power and establishing the Soviet Union in 1922.
The Russian Bolshevik Revolution led to the nationalization of industry, the collectivization of agriculture, and the establishment of a one-party state under the Communist Party. The revolution also brought about significant social changes, including improvements in literacy rates and women’s rights.
Globally, the revolution inspired revolutionary movements and socialist parties across the world. The establishment of the Soviet Union as a socialist state posed a direct challenge to the capitalist world order, especially to the United States, leading to decades of ideological conflict known as the Cold War. The Bolshevik Revolution also influenced anti-colonial movements in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Many saw the Soviet Union as a model for anti-imperialist struggle.
Legacy of the Russian Bolshevik Revolution
The Russian Bolshevik Revolution left behind an everlasting complex and multifaceted legacy, not only in Russia but around the world. It happened during an era of significant social and economic experimentation. The new Soviet government’s radical social, political, economic, and agrarian reforms transformed Russia to emerge as a superpower rivalling the United States. The Soviet Union played a crucial role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II. The Russian Bolshevik Revolution also paved the way for the spread of Communism throughout Europe and other parts of the world. The complex legacy of the Russian Bolshevik Revolution continues to be the subject of extensive study and debate, highlighting its enduring significance in world history.
The Russian Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 – Quiz PDF
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The Russian Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 – Quiz
1.What was the key event that led to the Bolshevik Party seizing power in the 1917 Russian Revolution?
A) The abdication of Tsar Nicholas II
B) The failure of the Provisional Government
C) The assassination of Alexander Kerensky
D) The signing of a peace treaty with Germany
2. Who led the Provisional Government after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in the early stages of the Russian Bolshevik Revolution?
A) Alexander Kerensky
B) Vladimir Lenin
C) Joseph Stalin
D) Leon Trotsky
3. What was the major slogan of the revolutionaries during the Russian Bolshevik Revolution?
A) Peace, Unity, and Prosperity
B) Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity
C) Peace, Land, and Bread
D) Freedom, Justice, and Equality
4. Who led the Bolshevik revolutionaries during the Russian Bolshevik Revolution?
A) Vladimir Lenin
B) Joseph Stalin
C) Leon Trotsky
D) Nikita Khrushchev
5. Which country’s government aided Lenin in returning to Russia?
A) France
B) Germany
C) Turkey
D) Britain
Answers
[1-B, 2-A, 3-C 4-A, 5-B]
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Russian Bolshevik Revolution, and why is it significant?
The Russian Bolshevik Revolution, also known as the October Revolution, was a pivotal event in 1917 where the Bolshevik Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, seized power in Russia, overthrowing the provisional government and establishing the Soviet regime. It was the first successful Marxist coup in history and had profound impacts globally.
When did the Russian Bolshevik Revolution take place?
The revolution took place on October 24-25, 1917, according to the Julian calendar. However, according to the Gregorian calendar, it occurred on November 6-7, 1917. This is why it is commonly referred to as the October Revolution.
How did the Russian Bolshevik Revolution influence global politics?
The establishment of the Soviet Union as a socialist state challenged the capitalist world order, leading to ideological conflicts during the Cold War. It also inspired anti-colonial movements in various regions, with many seeing the Soviet Union as a model for anti-imperialist struggle.
