• Business
    • Economics
  • Politics
    • Military
  • Celebrity
  • Education
  • Humanities
    • Global Warming
    • Human Rights
    • Immigration
    • Jobs
  • Medical
  • Space
  • Tech
  • Sport
    • American Football
    • Golf
    • Motor racing
    • Soccer
    • Tennis
  • |
  • Support Us
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
  • Login
  • Register
THX News | Global News, Travel & Education.
NameCheap - Get a .com domain for just $5.98
  • USA
  • Canada
  • Central America
  • South America
  • Europe
  • Middle East
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Oceania
No Result
View All Result
THX News | Global News, Travel & Education.
  • USA
  • Canada
  • Central America
  • South America
  • Europe
  • Middle East
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Oceania
Contact Us
THX News | Global News, Travel & Education.
No Result
View All Result
Home Education Wars & Revolutions

The Russian Revolution of 1917 – A Historic Transformation

Ivan Golden by Ivan Golden
4 months ago
in Wars & Revolutions
Reading Time: 6 mins read
0 0
A A
Russian Revolution of 1917. Bolsheviks in Moscow. Red Guard. Photo by Rosa Luxemburg. Flickr.

Russian Revolution of 1917. Bolsheviks in Moscow. Red Guard. Photo by Rosa Luxemburg. Flickr.

3
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Pinterest

Table of Contents

  • The Earlier Russian Revolution
  • Russia’s Historic Transformation
  • Pre-Revolution: Tsarist Rule
  • Revolutionary Spark: The February Revolution
  • Bolshevik Revolution: Seizure of Power
  • Civil War and Stalinism
  • Soviet Era: Growth & Expansion
  • The Collapse of the Soviet Union
  • Conclusion: Evolving Legacy

 

The Russian Revolution of 1917 is one of the most significant events in modern history. It marked a major turning point in Russia’s political and social development, ushering in an era of unprecedented change that ultimately shaped much of the world we live in today.

The revolution began with a spark – the February Revolution – which overthrew Tsar Nicholas II and brought down his centuries-old Romanov dynasty. This was followed by the Bolshevik Revolution, led by Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky, which saw them seize power from their moderate socialist rivals.

The Bolsheviks then had to fight for control during a civil war that lasted until 1922, before finally emerging victorious and establishing Soviet Union rule over all of Russia.

During this time, Russia underwent immense transformations as it rapidly industrialized under Stalin’s authoritarian leadership.  It also expanded its territories which came about through international agreements, like those made at Yalta Conference after World War II.

However, despite such successes, cracks were beginning to appear within the USSR leading up to its eventual collapse in 1991 – an event whose reverberations are still being felt around the world today.

In this article, we will explore how this historic transformation unfolded over time and what kind of legacy it has left behind today.

 

The Earlier Russian Revolution

  • The Russian Revolution of 1905, also known as the First Russian Revolution, occurred on 22 January,1905, and was a wave of mass political and social unrest that spread across the country.
  • It included worker strikes, peasant unrest, and military mutinies directed against Tsar Nicholas II’s rule.
  • In response to public pressure, he enacted some constitutional reforms such as establishing State Duma (the multi-party system) and the 1906 Constitution.
  • The revolution was spurred on by the humiliation felt from Russia’s defeat in the Russo-Japanese War.  Calls for reform come from various sectors of society including Sergei Witte, who partially industrialized Russia but failed to modernize it socially.
  • Despite surviving this revolution its events foreshadowed the 1917 Russian Revolution just twelve years later.

 

Russia’s Historic Transformation

Russia endured one of the most drastic and notorious transformations in history during the Russian Revolution. The Russian Empire, previously a monarchy under Tsar Nicholas II, was overthrown by Russian citizens fed up with the way they were being treated and tired of living in poverty.

This insurgence resulted in the establishment of a new government, the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic which was later renamed the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). After this revolutionary event, Russia’s social and economic structures would never look back.

The new government pushed for amplified equality among citizens and transformed industry to modernize society. There was a major shift in the Russian hierarchy and the power structure that remade Russian life.

Still today, one can observe remnants of this historic transformation throughout Russian culture.

 

Pre-Revolution: Tsarist Rule

Russian Tsarism ruled over Russian society for centuries prior to the Russian Revolution of 1917. During this time, Russian citizens lacked basic civil rights and faced strict censorship from their authoritative government.

Social classes were immutably fixed in a grossly unjust system with Tsars at the top and Russian peasants at the bottom.

These unequal conditions would eventually lead to growing discontent throughout Russia, which came to a breaking point when Tsar Nicholas II was forced to abdicate in 1917, culminating in the Russian Revolution.

 

Revolutionary Spark: The February Revolution

The Russian Revolution, also known as the February Revolution, was a revolutionary spark ignited by the unrest of Russian citizens.

The cause of discontent had been building for many years before due to food shortages, economic paralysis, and the failure of Russian leadership.  This led to political demonstrations throughout Petrograg.

On February 23rd, these demonstrations swelled into an all-out strike of 950,000 workers who called for an overthrow of the Russian government. Russian soldiers were sent in to quell the protests but ultimately joined forces with them instead.

This was not only a crucial moment in Russian history that ultimately led to the October Revolution later in 1917; it was also significant on a global scale as it marked one of several uprisings that shaped world politics in the 20th century.

 

Bolshevik Revolution: Seizure of Power

The Revolution brought with it immense social and political change to Russian society. Led by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks, this revolution eventually led to the overthrow of Tsar Nicholas II’s Russian monarchy.  In one swift stroke, the Bolsheviks took control of key locations of authority in Russian cities such as Saint Petersburg.

Through armed forces and support from citizens outside of the traditional aristocracy, they were able to topple Russian royalty and refine their idealistic vision of Russian society.

What followed was the establishment of Russia’s first communist government, the start of the Soviet Union, and the establishment of Lenin as its leader – all significant accomplishments representing a majority of what came directly from the Bolshevik Revolution’s successful seizure of power during this pivotal period in Russian history.

 

Civil War and Stalinism

The 1917 Revolution was a result of the widespread discontent among Russian peasants, workers, and citizens. It marked the start of the Russian Civil War, lasting from 1918-1922.

During this period, Lenin’s Bolshevik party implemented Stalinism as their political and social ideology. This meant an emphasis on total state control over all aspects of society – from the economy to production and culture.

Stalin maintained his rule for almost three decades by repressing enemies of the state, allowing for no sense of civil liberties or democracy.

The Russian people were shown little mercy or compassion under Stalin’s rule; and with each passing year, they suffered more and more.  Finally, the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.

 

Soviet Era: Growth & Expansion

The Russian Revolution is often regarded as the beginning of Soviet growth and expansion. The Revolution fundamentally changed Russian society, transforming it from a largely agrarian-based economy to a highly industrialized one; this yielded increased productivity and enabled Russia to effectively focus its resources on military production, resulting in the rapid expansion of the Soviet Union.

Slowly, Russian ruler Joseph Stalin’s policies of forced collectivization of agriculture, gave him control over nearly all aspects of Russian food production.

This allowed for the fostering of unprecedented economic growth which saw industry expand throughout much of the Russian Empire, making it among one of the most powerful nations in Earth’s history.

 

The Collapse of the Soviet Union

The collapse of the Soviet Union marked an important and momentous event not only in Russia but in world history. The long-standing communist state fell apart in 1991 and it was followed by a series of reforms which changed Russian politics, the economy and society. It was known as known as Perestroika.

These reforms encouraged increased freedom of expression for citizens living under the Soviet regime and were largely catalysed by Mikhail Gorbachev who became the President of Russia in 1985.

The years surrounding its fall were deeply tumultuous and saw huge levels of political unrest and social turmoil throughout Russia.  Citizens struggled to accept their new freedoms and their economic uncertainty.

 

Conclusion: Evolving Legacy

The Russian Revolution of 1917, led by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks, was a pivotal moment in Russian history. It marked not only the overthrow of centuries-old Tsarist rule but also the establishment of Russia’s first communist government and the beginning of Soviet growth and expansion.

The fall of communism in 1991 brought about new freedoms from the oppressive regime but it also brought economic uncertainty for Russian citizens.

Today, the legacy of the Russian Revolution is both remembered with reverence and caution by those who lived through it or heard stories from their elders.

As we look back on these events more than 100 years later, let us remember how far we have come since then, whilst still striving towards a better future for all people, throughout the world.

 

Sources: THX News & Wikipedia.

Tags: BolsheviksOctober RevolutionPerestroikaStalinismThe Russian Revolution of 1905The Russian Revolution of 1917Tsar Nicholas IIVladimir Lenin
Ivan Golden

Ivan Golden

Ivan Golden is a global citizen, having lived in locations across the US, Philippines and UK. His career has been marked by success - starting as a Tennis Pro before he turned his talents to bookselling and fine art dealing.

Married with six children, he's passionate about providing them opportunities for learning through his news, travel and education platform THX News; designed to restore faith in journalism via objective reporting, careful checking of facts, and real reporting.

Related Posts

No Content Available

History

The Surprising Impact of Hernando Corte’s Conquests

by Tuhin Hossain
January 21, 2023
0
Hernan Cortes. Photo By José Lira. Flickr.

  Hernando Corte's conquest of the Aztec Empire in 1521 is considered one of the most significant events in world...

Read more

Discovering Chairman Mao: Unshackling the Chinese People

by Ivan Golden
April 6, 2023
0
30 Dec 1972 - Chairman Mao Meets Foreign Minister Nguyen Thi Binh. Peking, China by Manhhai. Flickr.

  Introduction Chairman Mao Zedong was a revolutionary leader who changed the course of Chinese history. He led the Chinese...

Read more
AbeBooks.com. Thousands of booksellers - millions of books.

Asian Travel

Advisory: Parts of Camanava, Manila, Curzon City will be Waterless May 22-27

by Ivan Golden
May 20, 2023
0
Barangays Maynilad Water Services Marcos Road Radial Road 48 Tondo, Manila. Wikimedia.

  Water service interruptions will be experienced in several parts of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Manila and Quezon City from...

Read more

DBM Releases Funds to Pay for approx 5k New Classrooms

by Ivan Golden
May 17, 2023
0
New Valentine Building. Photo by Ryn910. Wikimedia.

  Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman approved on 15 May 2023 the release of funds...

Read more
Careerist
ADVERTISEMENT

Middle East News

Agreements Reached in Inaugural Dialogue between UK and UAE

by Ivan Golden
May 17, 2023
0
UK-UAE Taskforce. Photo by Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Flickr.

  The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, the Rt...

Read more

Sudan Peace Talks Have Started in Jeddah

by Ivan Golden
May 6, 2023
0
Jeddah meeting. Photo by IMO.UN. Flickr.

Official Joint Statement by the US and Saudi Governments The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States welcome the...

Read more
Amphy
THX News | Free News, Travel & Education

• THX News is a global news, travel & education website providing free access to information.
• Includes news stories, travel articles and educational resources.
• Committed to accurate and reliable information.

Article Search

No Result
View All Result

Categories

Archives

  • About
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • RSS

© 2023 THX News LLC.

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Business
    • Celebrity
    • Economics
    • Global Warming
    • Human Rights
    • Medical
    • Military
    • Politics
    • Space & Exploration
    • Technology
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Canada
    • Central America
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • Oceania
    • South America
    • USA
  • Travel
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Canada
    • Central America
    • Europe
    • Middle East
    • Oceania
    • South America
    • USA
  • Education
    • Books & Authors
    • History
      • Wild West Celebrities
      • Company Histories
    • Parenting
    • Science
    • Technology
    • US Universities
    • More
  • About Us
  • Help
  • Contact
  • Support Us
  • Login
  • Sign Up

© 2023 THX News LLC.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

*By registering into our website, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.