The Russian Revolution in 1917 was led by Vladimir Ilyich Lenin.

The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a significant turning point in Russian history, which led to the overthrow of the Russian monarchy and the establishment of the first communist state in the world. It was a complex and multifaceted event that involved various individuals and groups, but the key figure who emerged as the leader of the revolution was Vladimir Ilyich Lenin.

Background
Before the revolution, Russia was ruled by an autocratic monarchy led by Tsar Nicholas II. The country faced numerous social, political, and economic challenges, including widespread poverty, inequality, and discontent among the working class. These factors, combined with the impact of World War I, created a fertile ground for revolutionary ideas to take hold.

Role of Lenin
Vladimir Lenin, a revolutionary Marxist, played a pivotal role in the Russian Revolution. He was the leader of the Bolshevik Party, which was a radical socialist group that sought to overthrow the Tsarist regime and establish a socialist state. Lenin was a charismatic and influential leader who was able to mobilize the masses and provide a clear vision for the revolution.

April Theses
Lenin returned to Russia in April 1917, following the February Revolution that had already led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II. He presented his famous "April Theses," which outlined his strategy for the revolution. Lenin called for an end to the war, the transfer of land to the peasants, and the establishment of workers' control over the means of production.

October Revolution
The most significant event of the Russian Revolution was the October Revolution, also known as the Bolshevik Revolution. On October 25, 1917 (according to the Julian calendar then in use in Russia), Lenin and the Bolsheviks seized power in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) and overthrew the Provisional Government. This marked the beginning of a new era in Russian history.

Establishment of the Soviet Union
Following the October Revolution, Lenin and the Bolsheviks worked to consolidate their power. They dissolved the Constituent Assembly, nationalized industries, and implemented radical socialist policies. In 1922, the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, which was under Lenin's leadership, joined with other Soviet republics to form the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), known as the Soviet Union.

Conclusion
Vladimir Lenin's leadership and revolutionary ideas played a crucial role in the Russian Revolution of 1917. His vision for a socialist society and his ability to mobilize the masses led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the Soviet Union. Lenin's influence continued to shape Russian and global history, as his ideas formed the foundation of the communist regime that endured for several decades in the Soviet Union.