It was a series of conflicts, starting in 1917, that toppled the Russian empire and brought Vladimir Lenin’s Bolshevik Party to power. Newly industrialized and suffering from the 1st World War, Russia had a large mass of workers and peasants working hard and earning little. Furthermore, the absolutist government of Tsar Nicholas II displeased the people, who wanted a less oppressive and more democratic leadership. The sum of the factors led to popular demonstrations that made the monarch resign and, at the end of the process, gave rise to the Soviet Union.
1. Workers in the then capital, Petrograd (now Saint Petersburg), begin a series of strikes, which evolve into marches and manifestos, known as February Revolution. Upon returning from his trip, the Tsar had no choice but to resign on March 15. Parliament creates a provisional government.
two. The problems remain and the people begin to support the Bolshevik Party, whose base is formed by soldiers and workers. Support increases with the end of the party leader’s exile, Vladimir Lenin. After a protest in June, Trotsky (another leading Bolshevik) is arrested. In fear, Lenin flees to Finland.
3. Lenin returns in October, still amid protests, and the Bolsheviks decide that “an armed uprising is inevitable” and arrive in Petrograd in early November. The taking of the Winter Palace, seat of the provisional government, is peaceful and the Bolsheviks rule with Lenin at the head.
4. Other opponents of the provisional government (imperialists, liberals, etc.) form the White Army and confront the Red Army, of the Bolsheviks, in the Russian Civil War, which lasts until 1921. The consequences of that conflict (won by the Red Army) and the effects of the 1st World War leave the country devastated.
5. In 1922, it is founded the Soviet Union, junction of 15 republics (which today correspond to 15 countries), with government and economy centralized in Russia. Lenin dies in 1924 and is succeeded by Joseph Stalin. The new leader resumes growth and commands the country, successfully, during the 2nd World War.
SOURCES: BBC, Marxists.org and Encyclopedia Britannica
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