Russian Revolution of 1917: From Tsarism to Communism
The Russian Revolution of 1917
The Tsarist Autocracy
At the beginning of the 20th century, Russia was a vast empire under Tsar Nicholas II, clinging to monarchical absolutism. Its economy and social structures lagged behind Europe. The Tsar held absolute power, governing by decree without a constitution or parliament. A loyal bureaucracy and a powerful army enforced his control, with the Orthodox Church serving as a key ideological pillar. Agriculture dominated the economy, with land concentrated in the hands of a privileged aristocracy. The majority of the population, mostly peasants, lived in near-feudal conditions and suffered immense poverty. Industrialization, driven by foreign capital, was emerging in some areas, leading to a growing industrial proletariat working in factories for meager wages. Marxism spread among these workers, and in 1898, the Russian Socialist Party was founded. In 1912, it split into the Mensheviks and Bolsheviks, the latter led by Lenin, who advocated for a social revolution.
The February Revolution
World War I created the conditions for revolution in Russia. The country was ill-prepared for such a prolonged and costly conflict. Military disasters mounted, and the mobilization of millions of peasants crippled agricultural production while resources were diverted to the war effort. Hunger gripped the cities, fueling unrest among workers and peasants. Tsar Nicholas II and his government were discredited, unable to manage the crisis. Demoralized, the people began to organize. Bolsheviks, leading councils of workers, peasants, and soldiers (soviets), demanded the Tsar’s abdication, withdrawal from the war, and an end to autocracy. Opposition grew, with both the bourgeoisie and the workers and peasants demanding change.
The Fall of Tsarism
In February 1917, a revolution erupted in St. Petersburg, toppling the Tsarist regime. Power shifted to a provisional government led by Kerensky and supported by liberal parties in the Duma (Parliament). This government initiated reforms, and Russia became a democratic republic.
The October Revolution
The slow pace of reforms and Russia’s continued participation in the war fueled popular discontent and bolstered the Bolsheviks’ influence. They sought to overthrow the provisional government and establish socialism, advocating for a government of worker and peasant soviets. Their program promised peace, land redistribution to peasants, worker control of factories, and nationalization of banks and transportation. On October 25, 1917, the Bolsheviks launched an uprising. Within ten days, they seized power and ousted the provisional government.