The Russian Revolution of 1917

The Russian Revolution was a significant political, social, and economic movement that began in 1917, leading to the overthrow of the Tsarist autocracy and the establishment of a communist government led by Vladimir Lenin.

Key causes included Russia's involvement in World War I, severe economic crises, food shortages, social inequality, and discontent with Tsar Nicholas II's leadership and Empress Alexandra's unpopularity.

In March 1917, spontaneous strikes in Petrograd led to wider protests and the eventual abdication of Tsar Nicholas II. The formation of a Provisional Government under Aleksandr Kérenski followed.

The Provisional Government's failure to address key issues led to increased support for the Bolsheviks, who championed the ideas of Lenin and Marx.

In November 1917, Bolsheviks led by Lenin and Trotsky seized power in Petrograd, overthrowing the Provisional Government and establishing Soviet rule.

The overthrow led to a civil war between the Reds (Bolsheviks) and Whites, resulting in the creation of the USSR in 1922. Lenin's death in 1924 paved the way for Stalin's rise and the establishment of a totalitarian regime.