Module 7: Russian Revolution, part II

Russian Revolution, part II

The October Revolution of 1917 was a critical turning point in Russian history, leading to the establishment of a Bolshevik government under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin. The Bolsheviks, a faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party, capitalized on widespread discontent with the provisional government led by Aleksander Kerensky, which struggled to address pressing issues such as land reform and the continuation of World War I. Lenin's promise of "peace, land, and bread" resonated deeply with the war-weary and impoverished population, galvanizing support for the Bolsheviks. On the night of October 25, 1917 (Julian calendar), they orchestrated a coup, seizing key government buildings and effectively toppling Kerensky's government with minimal resistance.

Following their rise to power, the Bolsheviks quickly moved to solidify their control and implement their vision of socialism. One of their first significant actions was the signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in March 1918, which ended Russia's involvement in World War I. Although the treaty ceded significant territories to Germany, it allowed the Bolsheviks to focus on consolidating power within Russia and pursuing their revolutionary goals. The October Revolution not only transformed the political landscape of Russia but also inspired socialist movements worldwide, marking the beginning of a new era characterized by the rise of communist ideology and the establishment of the Soviet state.