The Russian Revolution of 1917-1921 - UPSC PDF Download

The Russian Revolution of 1917-1921

The Russian Revolution of 1917 stands as a pivotal moment in the annals of modern history, a momentous turning point that forever altered the course of Russia. This landmark event marked the culmination of a series of events that brought an end to centuries of autocratic rule in Russia and heralded the advent of the world's first communist state, ruled by the Bolsheviks. Meticulously dissects the multifaceted layers of the Russian Revolution, delving into its background, its complex causes, and an intricate chronology of events that shaped the destiny of a nation.

Background of the Russian Revolution

• At the dawn of the 20th century, Russia remained one of the least industrialized nations in Europe, languishing in the throes of backwardness. Its socio-economic landscape was characterized by a populace predominantly comprised of landless agricultural laborers and exploited industrial workers. 
• The ghost of serfdom, a relic of feudalism, still loomed large in Russia. Under this oppressive system, landless agricultural peasants were bound to servitude under the nobility. While serfdom had withered away in most parts of Europe by the end of the 16th century, it endured in Russia well into the 19th century. The eventual abolition of serfdom in 1861 catalyzed a series of events that would become known as the Russian Revolution.

The 1905 Russian Revolution

• The 19th century witnessed the dawn of Russia's long-overdue industrial revolution. This transformative era ushered in sweeping social and political changes, accompanied by a surge in urbanization. The burgeoning urban centers of Moscow and Saint Petersburg bore witness to exponential population growth, straining infrastructure and causing issues of pollution and congestion. The newly emerging middle class, the fruit of industrialization, began to grow restless.
• Population growth also exerted immense pressure on the already fragile food supply chain, exacerbating the plight of the common people. Frustrated by the inaction of Tsar Nicholas II, a large contingent of Russian industrial workers embarked on a march towards the Winter Palace of Tsar Nicholas on January 22, 1905. Despite the Tsar's orders not to open fire on the unarmed protestors, a tragic miscommunication or inept crowd management resulted in a bloodbath. Russian troops fired upon the unarmed crowd, leading to hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries in what would be remembered as the Bloody Sunday Massacre. This horrific event proved to be a watershed moment in Russia's modern history, setting in motion the decline of the monarchy.
• Infuriated by this brutal display of police violence, people from all walks of life united in rebellion, marking the onset of the 1905 Russian Revolution. Widespread strikes and protests against the Tsar ensued, posing a grave threat to Russia's fragile economy. In response, Tsar Nicholas II reluctantly agreed to implement a slew of economic and political reforms. However, the slow pace of reform and the dissolution of the Parliament further eroded trust in his intentions. The Bloody Sunday Massacre remained a symbol of discontent and marked the beginning of the end for the Tsar's regime.

Causes of the Russian Revolution

The Russian Revolution was a confluence of several interconnected factors, spanning economic, social, and political realms:

• Economic Causes:
  • Russia's economy lagged significantly behind its European counterparts, characterized by outdated agricultural practices and the absence of modern technology. Long harsh winters restricted the agricultural cycle to a mere 4-5 months, in contrast to the 9-10 months prevalent in other European nations. This stagnation resulted in widespread poverty and disillusionment among the populace, fueling the desire for change.
• Social Causes:
  • Deep-seated social disparities persisted, with the Tsarist regime oppressing the poor and lower-class citizens for centuries. The failure of the regime in World War I further shattered the Russian people's faith. Peasants, despite being emancipated in 1861, continued to bear the burden of redemption payments to the Tsar, leading to recurring disturbances.
  • Industrialization brought about rapid urbanization, but it also brought squalid living conditions, overcrowding, and a lack of basic amenities. The First World War exacerbated these issues, with food shortages and strikes crippling the economy. Soldiers, too, grew disillusioned with the Tsar's regime, as they were left to fend for themselves during the war.
• Political Causes:
  • Nicholas II's leadership had alienated virtually all segments of Russian society. His suppression of the 1905 strike led to the promise of democratic reforms, including the establishment of a democratic parliament or Duma. However, this promise was reneged upon with Article 87 of the Fundamental Laws of 1906, which dissolved two elected Dumas not aligned with the Tsar's views.
  • Nicholas II's decision to involve Russia in World War I was an attempt to divert attention from domestic issues. However, the war led to humiliating defeats and heavy casualties, undermining his authority. By 1917, Russia was reeling from the effects of the war and internal strife.

The February Revolution

The devastating defeat at the hands of Germany during World War I galvanized the Russian people against the Tsar. The movement that ensued became known as the February Revolution, as it unfolded in February. Under immense public pressure, Tsar Nicholas II abdicated his throne, paving the way for a provisional government led by Alexander Kerensky. However, this experiment in democracy proved short-lived as the war and societal unrest continued.

The October Revolution

• Also referred to as the Bolshevik Revolution, the October Revolution unfolded against a backdrop of chaos, with renewed revolutionary fervor and mounting violence. The hardline faction within the Bolshevik Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, gained prominence. By September 1917, Bolsheviks controlled Petrograd and Moscow Soviets, effectively sidelining the provisional government. 
• As the situation spiraled out of control across the nation, Vladimir Lenin and his Bolshevik forces seized key government buildings, including the Winter Palace, in late October 1917. This marked the first successful Marxist coup, resulting in the overthrow of the provisional government and the establishment of the Soviet Socialist Republic under Lenin's leadership.

Chronology of Events Leading to Russian Revolution

The Russian Revolution was not a sudden upheaval but a culmination of events spanning decades:

Conclusion

The Russian Revolution of 1917 stands as a watershed moment in world history, giving birth to the first communist state. However, the aftermath of the October Revolution did not bring stability. Russia was engulfed in a bitter Civil War, pitting the Red faction, consisting of Socialists and Communists, against the White faction, representing capitalists, landlords, and democrats. The Red faction emerged victorious in 1923, leading to the formation of the Soviet Union. Under Lenin's leadership, the Soviet state enacted radical reforms in agriculture, society, and politics, sparking concern among Western democracies about the rising tide of Communism.