The Russian Revolution, which was started by Lenin and his followers, was a rebellion that occurred in 1917 which forced higher powers to act to the needs of the lower class. Just as the middle class joined the workers to exploit their large numbers to overthrow the usually dictatorial government in the case of a bourgeois revolution, the counter-revolutions exploit the bourgeois by fighting for an anti-worker democracy (Serge). The Russian Revolution of 1917 stands as one of the most impactful political events of the 20th century. Why was the Mexican Revolution fought among many armies? Then in October, a second Russian Revolution placed the Bolsheviks as the leaders of Russia, resulting in the creation of the world's first communist country. Background The common people of Russia had few rights under the tsars. Question 6. The Russian Revolution is widely regarded as one of the most important events of the 20th century. What were the main events of the Russian Revolution? Workers in Russia became more likely to strike and were more effective with their labor resistance than anywhere else in Europe. With. History Assessment: What Were The Causes Of The 1905 Russian Revolution? Don't use plagiarized sources. Dreams are surely renewable, and a new world is waiting to be born, but the possibilities available to create an egalitarian, socially just, ecologically friendly, and decent society lie outside the ideas, practices and policies of the October Revolution. One example is the Social Revolutionaries or SRs who also believed in a commoner-led revolution but did not support all of Lenins actions. Why did the Bolsheviks triumph over the anti-communists? Russian Revolution occurred in 1917 during the closing stages of World War I, which resulted in the withdrawal of Russia from the war and the creation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), which replaced the country's longstanding monarchy with the first Communist state in the world. This is called the Russian Revolution. How did the Russian Revolution of 1917 impact World War I? The failures that were made were mostly caused by a lack of communication between these two leaders. Political scientist/economist, author, and journalist, Likewise, there is still a great deal of ambiguity, disagreement and confusion over the nature of the regime that flourished in the Soviet Union after Lenins death in 1924. Why was the French Revolution considered a social revolution? Between 1917 and 1922, Russia underwent a complete and irreversible transformation. Yes, the Russian Revolution was successful. Nevertheless, while Soviet economic development might have appeared impressive in the 1930s-60s, the systems inability to compete with capitalism, particularly in the wake of the information revolution, ultimately led to its demise. The campaigns of 1915 and 1916 on the Eastern Front brought terrible casualties to the Russian forces, which at times did not even have sufficient rifles. Why did there emerge such a lack of focus in regards to 1917? Lenin had stomach neither for parliamentary democracy nor for sharing power with any other political organisation. Revolution can be successful in just one country? By clicking Continue, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. Following Rasputins December 1916 assassination, the Tsarinas behavior became increasingly erratic. These smaller employers could continue to opt for abusive labor policies. According to Fitzpatrick, the specific revolutionary goals of a particular period would determine the definitions of success and failure. As a young man, he was largely interested in his military career, rather than the political operations of the government. What factors led to the overthrow of the Russian tsar and the eventual triumph of the Bolsheviks? A provisional government replaced the autocratic government of the Tsar; however, the government did not immediately withdraw from the war. One parallel between these failed revolutions and the success of the Bolsheviks can be seen with the Finnish Revolution of 1917, which was occurring at the same time as the Russian one the notable difference being that the former revolution failed. His revolution from above, launched in 1928 with the policy of collectivisation and dekulakisation (a, campaign of political repressions, including arrests, deportations, and executions of millions of the more well-to-do p, Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights. 2023 gradesfixer.com. First, industrialisation. Fitzpatrick contended that the collapse of the Soviet Union, and historians reactions, demonstrates a belief in historical inevitability. There exists a false logic that big events must be predictable. Just the fact of being able to explain history implies that there is an inevitability of events involved. Why was the Crimean War significant during the French Revolution? Why was the king killed in the French Revolution? The day was soon dubbed Bloody Sunday. Although the provisional government did introduce some reforms on the political front, prompting even Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin to declare Russia in April 1917 the freest country in the world, it was the Red October Revolution that turned the old order completely upside down by inaugurating a socialist regime and making Soviet-style communism a global ideological and political force that lasted until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the subsequent collapse of the Soviet Union at the end of 1991. What was Stalin's role in the Russian Revolution? It was extremely important for their cause that the counter-revolution was unable to find anyone to serve this purpose on the side of the bourgeois. What was the cause and effect of the Russian Revolution? The Russian Revolution originated as a grassroots movement against the monarchy in the Russian Empire. Their leaders werent as strong as Lenin or Trotsky and they didnt have a clear idea of what would constitute a success, which is the most important quality of a proletariat revolution. Historians consider the Haitian Revolution to be the most successful slave rebellion in the Western world, its impact felt across the Americas. Normally, the rejection or acceptance is silent and smooth. Food, goods, and other essentials were scarce in Russian cities. The clearest illustration of how far to the right the Bolsheviks had moved following the outbreak of the October Revolution is the brutal repression of the Kronstadt rebellion in 1921 by Red Army troops. The Russian Revolution ultimately resulted in the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II. he thought the intelligentsia would have to lead them to revolution. They were also lucky as they had the majority in their parliamentary system the Constituent Assembly and were able to control other parties and political opponents in this way. Well-educated and often at her grandmothers court, she was described as quite strong-willed. Who is Squealer in the Russian Revolution? The revolution also matters because it was, quite properly, millennial. Increasing governmental corruption, the reactionary policies of Tsar Nicholas II, and catastrophic Russian losses in World War I contributed to widespread dissatisfaction and economic hardship. It removed Russia from the war and brought about the transformation of the Russian Empire into the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), replacing Russia's traditional monarchy with the world's first Communist state. The immediate causes of the revolution were military defeat in the Russo-Japanese War and the well-known massacre, known as Bloody Sunday. Moreover, judgments in choosing the right story to tell are inherently subjective. There were serious safety issues at many factories. The people marched peacefully, heading toward the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, but were, for an unknown reason, fired upon by Russian troops. It shaped the 20th century and made the dichotomy between capitalism and socialism its dominant paradigm.. Rasputin arrived in St. Petersburg in 1903. When he left the monastery, he married and traveled, visiting modern-day Israel several times. In fact, his influence was largely limited to the care and health of the child. What happened to the Tsar during the Russian Revolution? 1882 Pogroms against Jews spread across the Russian Empire, leading to mass emigration of the Jewish population. The workers have nothing to lose but their chains (Serge). Remember: This is just a sample from a fellow student. There are many possible lenses through which to view the Russian Revolution of 1917. The railroad strike in 1917 was critical to the abdication of Nicholas II. copyright 2003-2023 Homework.Study.com. The October Revolution was actually the second Russian revolution of 1917. What did the KGB do in the Russian Revolution? The new government under Lenin was composed of a council of soldiers, peasants and workers. Dreams are surely renewable, and a new world is waiting to be born, but the possibilities available to create an equalitarian, socially just, ecologically friendly, and decent society lie outside the ideas, practices and policies of the October Revolution. The industrial revolution reached Russia significantly later than the rest of Europe. The Manifesto was issued by Tsar Nicholas II (1868-1918, ruled 1894-1917), under the influence of Sergei Witte (1849-1915), on 30 October [ O.S. The failure of Bolshevism is a failure of the Russian Revolution. Stalin was a dictator and an oppressive leader who used his power to create a totalitarian regime that was completely different from what it had been before. Unsurprisingly Lenins call for all power to the Soviets ended up being something entirely different: all power went to the party and its politburo. The failure of Bolshevism can also be blamed on Joseph Stalin, who became dictator after Lenin died in 1924 and ruled for about 30 years. Become a member and. To be sure, they were, until then, in Lev Trotskys own words, the pride and joy of the revolution. Likewise, there is still a great deal of ambiguity, disagreement and confusion over the nature of the regime that flourished in the Soviet Union after Lenins death in 1924. Nicholas II and his entire family were, of course, killed during the Revolution in 1918. The Russian Revolution was a period of political and social revolution that took place in the former Russian Empire, begun during the First World War. The middle class supported this separation, fearing that the Russian Bolsheviks would infect their country if they remained together. What was life like before the Russian Revolution? New workers were available for factories, including managers, and agricultural production increased. He met the royal family two years later, and was embraced by the Tsarina, who believed he could cure her hemophiliac son, Alexei. The Russian Revolution that occurred throughout the year in 1917 impacted the future for the Russian people by putting an end to a form of government, which had a very small chance of being successful. Why was the Russian Revolution successful? The Revolution started during World War I, and eventually the Soviet Union was formed. Often, bourgeois revolutions are known as democratic-bourgeois revolutions for this very reason. The Russian Revolution took place in 1917 , during the final phase of World War I. The revolution took place in two stages. Did the Hungarian Revolution in 1956 end communism? Socialism is also a term whose meaning sparks great disagreement among scholars. The Russian Revolution started in 1917. As Rosa Luxemburg said in 1919, But the [proletarian] revolution is the sole form of war and this is also its most vital law in which the final victory can be prepared only by a series of defeats! The October Revolution. For the Bolsheviks and many in Russia, the war was simply not worth fighting. Fitzpatrick concluded by considering that there is a cyclical element in historians interest; what they judge as significant at one point in time may arise again later. GradesFixer. Why did the Bolsheviks kill the Romanovs? In early March of that year Tsar Nicholas II, who had ruled imperial Russia since 1894, abdicated. Hysteria is where someone creates extreme [], In contemporary society, America is metaphorically branded a melting pot to describe the amalgamation of different cultures and ethnicities. When state-owned serfs were emancipated, the terms were somewhat more generous. I think that the Russian Revolution was a success. Exactly one hundred years ago today, in the evening of October 25, 1917, the Winter Palace in Petrograd (todays St Petersburg) was stormed. The lack of funds for food and fuel limited access to these resources. Eventually, a ban was put in place limiting night work for women and children, and the workday was limited to no more than 11 hours. The Russian Revolution . Why was the Bastille attacked during the French Revolution? He had already gained a reputation as a mystic and healer. Why did industrialization happen in Russia after other countries, such as Great Britain? For starters, the Great October Revolution was unlike the February Revolution which erupted as a result of spontaneous action by hundreds of thousands of hungry and angry men and women workers and militant troops. The Tsars abused the power of the absolute monarchy, and this type of government encouraged the Russian Revolution. Disheartened by the Bolsheviks dictatorial tendencies, a garrison of the key fortress of Kronstadt revolted in March 1921 against the communist government and the ideas of war communism even though the Kronstadt sailors had been, back in 1917, among the strongest supporters of the October Revolution and the idea of Soviet power. This is a huge reason why the Finnish Revolution of 1917 failed, as youll see. However, it was actually two revolutionary events in one, generally brought together to describe one period. She was German, and Russia was at war with Germany. The sheer scale of the death and destruction associated with the Russian Revolution is almost unparalleled in modern history, with millions killed by war, terror, hunger, and disease within a very short space of time. The institution of serfdom had also created a larger class divide than was present in many areas by the late 19th century. But even though the provisional government that succeeded the tsar passed sweeping civil rights reforms, it . Why did the Russian Empire become the Soviet Union? On the centenary of the Great October Revolution, an objective evaluation on socialism and the legacy of Soviet communism gives no room for mourning or celebration. The factors, which enhanced the Revolutions success, included Lenin's Leadership, the Red guards and Russia's weapons, the Military Revolutionary Committee, the mistakes and problems of the Provisional Government, Lenin's 'April Theses', the war and finally control of the Soviet. The couple had four daughters, followed by a failed pregnancy, and then a son, Alexei. The Finns didnt have as much going for them as the Russians did, however. Lenin once asked Trotsky in confidence, Tell me, if the Whites kill you and me do you think Bukharin and Sverdlov will be able to pull through all right? (Serge). Russians simply can't afford to forget this aspect of their past. All rights reserved. The risk of starvation increased in a relatively famine-prone region, particularly due to poor administration and organization. First, the February Russian Revolution toppled the Russian monarchy and established a Provisional Government. What were soviets and what did they do? Other countries, including Germany, were able to produce adequate munitions, so Russias failure was the result of inadequate organization, administration, and infrastructure. Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. There was no insurance to protect against injuries or accidental death, and workers lacked the right to strike over working conditions. The October Revolution, commonly referred to as Red October, the October Uprising, or the Bolshevik Revolution, was a seizure of state power instrumental in the larger Russian Revolution of 1917. Due to the birth of the international market and extensive industrial concentration, all the people liv. Why were emigrants killed in the French Revolution? His reputation was not an entirely fair one. He did not, as a boy, learn to read or write. The revolution of 1905 was called the dress rehearsal of the Russian Revolution by political leader Leon Trotsky. In the case of the collapse of the Soviet Union, however, explanation was possible only after the event occurred. The second part of this question asks for the reverse statement: if proletarian revolutions are known to do so badly, what was different enough about the Russian Revolution and the Russian Civil War that followed it which allowed the Bolshevik Party to gain power and, surprisingly, keep it. The soon-to-be new Tzar Joseph Visarionovich Stalin, regarded the New Economic Policy as the betrayal of the October Revolution. The other main issue that the Finns faced was that the German soldiers, fighting to stop the spread of Bolshevik ideals, were supporting the middle class. The aristocracy and the Tsarist regime were widely disliked by the majority of the Russian people. The large gap in success rates means that the difference must dramatically affect each time of uprising. Was the Soviet Union behind Cuban Revolution? Createyouraccount. Exploring The Benefits Of Sports Fanship, Can A Priest Tell The Police A Confession? A large number of former serfs sold their land back to the landowner to eliminate the payments, and moved away from the land. Nicholas II inherited a country with severe problems, largely unprepared for a newly industrializing world. The Russian empire was unlike any major European country but was nonetheless trying to catch up to countries like England and Germany. Workers in late 19th and early 20th century Russia were largely treated like serfs, with few rights and little control over their own work environments. Many could not afford to make the payments on their land. The violent revolution marked the end of the Romanov dynasty and centuries of Russian. What happened after the Hungarian Revolution? Why were the Revolutions of 1848 important? In many cases, these individuals were unqualified or even incompetent. The bourgeoisie did not believe that their Communism could ever succeed and perhaps neither did the working class and this is why Lenins determination was so crucial. In many cases, a revolution will start off bourgeois and succeed in creating a democratic society and the working class will realize that they are still not being benefitted enough and attempt to gain power, only to be cut down the middle and upper classes. An In-Depth Look Into The Effects Of Jello On Your Digestive Health, Is Plastic Edible? Why did the Bolsheviks win the Civil War? Its outbreak, its unexampled radicalism, its enduring consequences, constitute the clearest condemnation of the lying phrases which official Social-Democracy so zealously supplied at the beginning of the war as an ideological cover for German imperialism's campaign of conquest. The Bolshevik Revolution was unsuccessful because they were not able to defeat the Whites and prevent their return to power. Russia decided to withdraw from World War I because: (i) People were demanding peace. This led to the working class of Russia being forced to fight against every powerful country in the world, as well as their own noblemen. During the latter part of the 19th century, Russia experienced a massive population increase. For the bourgeois classes everywhere, the inauguration of the Soviet regime was anathema to core values of the western civilisation, while for radicals and communists it signified a natural culmination of the inevitable march of history towards human freedom and a social order devoid of exploitation. This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before, Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts. The talk was introduced by Joshua Tucker, Director of the Jordan Center, and Anne ODonnell, Assistant Professor of History and Russian and Slavic Studies at NYU. The principle of each type of insurgence is the same: the masses fight against an established power. The Revolution represented a major point of discussion in 2017 conferences throughout the U.S, in commemoration of the centenary. Where do you want us to send this sample? Is Anyone Helping Palestine? Why was the American Revolution important to global history? Moreover, on the Tuesday following the anniversary, a march was held in Red Square to commemorate Russias World War II victory, rather than the Revolution. His army advanced on Petrograd. Yes, the Russian Revolution was successful. In fact, it was not until the autumn of 1917 that Lenins land, peace, bread slogan had been embraced by some workers in St Petersburg and Moscow. copyright 2003-2023 Homework.Study.com. This decision would prove fatal during the Revolution. Five months later, Russia was pronounced a republic. This illness had killed her brother as a young boy. By the time of the Revolution, Russia was in a state of economic collapse, driven by the costs of war and poor administration and management. This was not the majority of the county by any means but it was the most crucial part this was where the majority of the Russian citizens were (especially since they controlled those two cities) and was also, almost as important, the location of the majority of the railroads. Stalin was a dictator and an oppressive leader who used his power to create a totalitarian regime that was completely different from what it had been before. Exactly one hundred years ago today, in the evening of October 25, 1917, the Winter Palace . This raises the question of what the difference is between these two types of revolution and why it matters. Students who find writing to be a difficult task. Feeding a larger population proved onerous for the agricultural community. The Russian Revolution started off just like any other bourgeois revolution did. People simply couldnt afford to buy food, or food was not reaching the cities. What year did the Russian Revolution end? Nicholas II believed in the power of the Russian autocracy; however, he was unable to maintain the traditional power of the Tsar during his reign. The Bolshevik Revolution was unsuccessful because it was not supported by all factions within Russias ruling class and it could not have succeeded without their support since there would have been no way to overthrow the Tsar. The Bolsheviks were led by Vladimir Lenin, who believed that Russia would not be able to achieve socialism until it underwent a process he referred to as the revolution. The following article will explore whether or not the Russian Revolution was a successful event. In this assessment, I will look at the long and short term causes of the 1905 revolution. The fact is that the Russian Revolution is an event too significant to be ignored and Russians disregard of the centenary may be damaging for their national consciousness. For most of its history, Russia was ruled by an emperor, known as a czar. This comparison shows exactly how the Russian Revolution had to be different from other failed uprisings in order to succeed. The Russian Revolution was successful because of the influence of the socialist revolutionaries as well as the utter failure of the Russian parliament and tsarist Russia in general. So how do we as historians cope with this narrative problem? The Bolshevik Revolution was only partially successful. The press soon began to report on his influence over the Tsarina, calling him the Mad Monk; however, there is little evidence that he played any such significant role. Factories in Russian cities paid low wages, lower than in western Europe, and offered no protections for workers. The Bolshevik revolutionaries achieved their goals, which included the destruction of the old way of rule,. The Russian empire was unlike any major European country but was nonetheless trying to catch up to countries like England and Germany. When friends and family recently asked what I was working on, and I responded "an article on nonviolence and the Russian Revolution," most assumed I was joking. How they would accomplish this was still unknown (Serge). He failed to choose skilled leaders for his military, and made poor strategic decisions throughout the war. Proletarian revolutions are characterized by the working class striving to restructure the government while bourgeois revolutions typically involve overthrowing a dictator or the sole leader of a country to establish a democracy. Rasputin, as hes commonly called, was born into a poor family in Siberia. Most leaders of proletariat revolutions dont know what exactly they are hoping to create and therefore arent sure how to create a society that will allow them to find this uncertain goal. How did the October Revolution in 1917 change Russia's government? What was the result of the Hungarian uprising against Soviet control? The Russian Revolution dramatically changed Russia from an autocracy to a communist system of government. It took place with an armed insurrection in Petrograd on October 25, 1917. He is succeeded by his son, Alexander III, who enacts anti-terrorism measures that curb civil rights and freedom of the press. It is said that Lenin made many mistakes throughout his life, but he made one huge mistake when he allowed Stalin to take over as dictator after Lenin died in 1924. What was the point of the Russian Revolution? Grigori Rasputin Why did people join the Cuban Revolution? What happened during the Hungarian Revolution? Why was the Bolshevik Revolution successful? By signing up, you agree to the our terms and our Privacy Policy agreement. The reason why this distinction matters is due to the fact that such a large change scares people. Why did the February Revolution of 1917 succeed? The legacy of the Russian Revolution obliges, one hundred years later, neither celebration nor mourning. The word conjures up an image of sudden and forceful change - tearing a society from one path of development into another.