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Concept
Russian Revolution
Summary
The Russian Revolution was a period of political and social change in the Russian Empire, starting in 1917. This period saw Russia abolish its monarchy and adopt a socialist form of government following two successive revolutions and a bloody civil war. The Russian Revolution can also be seen as the precursor for the other European revolutions that occurred during or in the aftermath of World War I, such as the German Revolution of 1918–1919.
The Russian Revolution was inaugurated with the February Revolution in early 1917. With major defeats on the front and increasing logistical problems that affected both the front and the rear, shortages of bread and grain, the Russian Army was steadily losing morale and signs of a potential, large scale mutiny were present. High ranking officials were convinced that if Tsar Nicholas II abdicated, the unrest would subside. Nicholas agreed and stepped down, ushering in a new provisional government led by the Russian Duma.
During the civil unrest Soviets were formed by the locals in Petrograd that initially did not oppose the new Provisional Government; however, the Soviets did insist on a prerogative in order to influence the government and to control various militias. By March, Russia was locked in a dual power. The Provisional Government held state power in areas such as military and international affairs, whereas the network of Soviets held more power concerning domestic affairs. Critically, the Soviets held the allegiance of the working class, as well as the growing urban middle class.
During this chaotic period, there were frequent mutinies, protests and strikes. Many socialist and other leftist political organizations were engaged in daily struggle and vied for influence within the Provisional Government and the Soviets. Notable factions include the Social-Democrats or Mensheviks, the Social Revolutionaries, Anarchists and the Bolsheviks, a far-left party led by Vladimir Lenin.
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