All questions of Russian Revolution for UPSC CSE Exam

Overview of the Russian Revolution
The Russian Revolution consisted of two major events in 1917 that led to the overthrow of the Tsarist autocracy and the rise of the Soviet Union.
Key Phases
- February Revolution (March 1917):
- Triggered by food shortages and widespread discontent, this revolution resulted in the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.
- It led to the establishment of a Provisional Government, which struggled to maintain authority.
- October Revolution (November 1917):
- Led by the Bolshevik Party under Vladimir Lenin, this revolution resulted in the overthrow of the Provisional Government.
- The Bolsheviks established a government based on socialist principles, marking the start of communist rule.
Subsequent Civil War
- Following the October Revolution, a civil war erupted (1917-1922) between the Red Army (Bolsheviks) and the White Army (anti-Bolsheviks), along with various other factions.
- The civil war was characterized by significant violence and political turmoil, ultimately solidifying Bolshevik control and leading to the establishment of the Soviet Union.
Conclusion
- The Russian Revolution fundamentally altered the political landscape of Russia and had far-reaching consequences globally.
- Although the key revolutionary events occurred in 1917, the civil conflict continued until 1922, indicating that option 'D' (1917-1922) accurately encompasses the entire revolutionary period.

The correct answer is option 'C' - February Revolution.

The February Revolution in 1917 marked the beginning of the end for Tsar Nicholas II's reign as the last Emperor of Russia. It was a significant event that eventually led to his abdication. Here is an explanation of the events surrounding the February Revolution and its impact on Nicholas II:

1. Background:
- Russia was facing numerous issues that contributed to growing discontent among the population. These included economic hardships, food shortages, the strain of World War I, and the autocratic rule of Nicholas II.
- The Tsar's decision to personally lead the Russian army on the Eastern Front during World War I further distanced him from the domestic affairs of the country, leading to a power vacuum in the capital, Petrograd (formerly St. Petersburg).

2. Petrograd Strikes and Protests:
- In February 1917, strikes and protests erupted in Petrograd due to food shortages and deteriorating living conditions. Workers from various industries, joined by soldiers and other segments of society, took to the streets demanding change and reform.
- The strikes quickly spread, and the protests turned violent, with clashes between the demonstrators and the police and military forces.

3. Formation of the Petrograd Soviet:
- The workers' strikes led to the creation of the Petrograd Soviet, a council representing the interests of workers, soldiers, and other groups. It became a central force in organizing the revolutionary movement.
- The Soviet was initially moderate and sought to cooperate with the Provisional Government, which was formed after the abdication of Nicholas II. However, it gradually gained more influence and became more radical in its demands.

4. Abdication of Nicholas II:
- As the protests and strikes intensified, the military and political elite began losing faith in Nicholas II's ability to govern and maintain order.
- In an attempt to quell the unrest, Nicholas II ordered the military to suppress the demonstrations, but they refused to fire upon the protesters.
- Faced with the loss of support from the military and growing pressure from both the Petrograd Soviet and the political elite, Nicholas II abdicated on March 2, 1917, ending the Romanov dynasty's rule.

In conclusion, the February Revolution of 1917, characterized by strikes, protests, and the formation of the Petrograd Soviet, led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II. This event marked a turning point in Russian history, paving the way for the establishment of the Provisional Government and eventually the Bolshevik-led October Revolution later that year.

Leon Trotsky led the Red Army during the Russian Civil War.

Background:
The Russian Civil War took place between 1918 and 1922, immediately following the Russian Revolution of 1917. It was a conflict between the Bolshevik Red Army and various opposing forces, including the White Army (composed of anti-Bolshevik forces), foreign interventionists, and nationalist groups.

Role of Leon Trotsky:
Leon Trotsky played a significant role in leading the Red Army during the Russian Civil War. Here are the key points explaining his role:

1. Appointment as People's Commissar for War:
- After the Bolsheviks seized power in the October Revolution of 1917, Trotsky was appointed as the People's Commissar for War in the newly formed Soviet government.
- This position gave him direct control over the military forces of the Bolshevik regime.

2. Organization and Mobilization:
- Trotsky was responsible for organizing and mobilizing the Red Army.
- He played a crucial role in transforming the scattered and disorganized Red Guards into a disciplined and effective fighting force.
- Trotsky established military academies to train officers and implemented conscription to increase the size of the Red Army.

3. Strategic Leadership:
- Trotsky provided strategic leadership to the Red Army during the Civil War.
- He devised military strategies and tactics to counter the various opposing forces.
- Trotsky's leadership was instrumental in the Red Army's successful defense of Petrograd (now Saint Petersburg) against the White Army in early 1919.

4. Battlefield Command:
- Trotsky actively participated in battlefield command, providing direction and inspiration to the Red Army troops.
- He personally led several military campaigns and was known for his bravery and skill as a military commander.

5. Role in Victory:
- Trotsky's leadership played a significant role in the ultimate victory of the Red Army in the Russian Civil War.
- Under his command, the Red Army successfully countered the military offensives launched by the White Army and other opposing forces.
- The Red Army's victory ensured the survival of the Bolshevik regime and the establishment of the Soviet Union.

In conclusion, Leon Trotsky's role as the leader of the Red Army during the Russian Civil War was crucial in organizing, mobilizing, and providing strategic leadership to the Bolshevik military forces. His efforts played a significant role in the ultimate victory of the Red Army and the establishment of Soviet power in Russia.