Russian Revolution | Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests) PDF Download

Introduction

Russia in the early 1900s was an economically backward and poorly industrialized nation, with a large population of peasants and a growing number of industrial workers. The remnants of feudalism, in the form of serfdom, still prevailed, with landless peasants serving the land-owning nobility. While most of Europe had abolished serfdom by the late 16th century, Russia clung to this system until 1861.

The emancipation of serfs in 1861 triggered a series of events that paved the way for the Russian Revolution. The dissatisfaction among the working class, coupled with chronic shortages due to economic mismanagement and costly wars, ignited public unrest. The 1905 Russian Revolution, sparked by the tragic "Bloody Sunday" massacre, led to strikes that further destabilized the country's fragile economy.

Events of World War I

When Russia joined its allies in declaring war against the Central Powers in August 1914, it quickly became apparent that its army was ill-prepared to face the modernized German forces. The war resulted in massive casualties and territorial losses, exacerbating food shortages and economic disruptions. Tsar Nicholas II's absence from the capital and the influence of the controversial figure Rasputin deepened the people's resentment towards the Tsarist government.

The February Revolution

The February Revolution, which commenced on March 8, 1917, according to the Julian Calendar, brought the Russian people to the streets of St. Petersburg, fueled by frustration over food shortages. The protests intensified, and even the firing of troops failed to quell the uprising. On March 12, the Duma formed a provisional government, and Tsar Nicholas II abdicated the throne, putting an end to centuries of dynastic rule.

Under the new government led by Alexander Kerensky, certain rights and freedoms were established, but the decision to continue the war with Germany worsened the food crisis and led to escalating unrest.

The October Revolution

On November 6 and 7, 1917 (October 24 and 25 on the Julian calendar), the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, launched a coup against Kerensky's government. This marked the October Revolution, where a new government emerged, comprising a council of soldiers, peasants, and workers. Lenin assumed the helm, becoming the head of the world's first communist state.

Civil War and the Soviet Union

Despite the Bolsheviks' rise to power, the road ahead was far from smooth. A bitter Civil War erupted between the Red faction (communists and socialists) and the White faction (monarchists, capitalists, and democrats). In the midst of this turmoil, Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks in July 1918.

Ultimately, Lenin's Red Army emerged victorious, leading to the establishment of the Soviet Union in 1923. This communist super-state would play a formidable role in the events of the Cold War in the years to come.