World History

Answer: The Russian Revolution (1917) comprises two significant revolutions/events. First, the February Revolution which led to the end of the rule of the Czar and the establishment of a Provisional government, and second, the October revolution resulted in overthrowing of the Provisional Government in a coup by Bolsheviks and the consequent establishment of a communist state in Russia. Factors that led to the Russian Revolution of 1917 are:

• Presence of feudal society: In the 19th century, while Europe was undergoing social, economic, and political transformation, Russia, however, was still under the feudal autocratic rule of the Czars with a bureaucracy that was top-heavy, inflexible, privileged and inefficient.
• Nature of the Industrial Revolution in Russia and discontent among the workers: Most of the investment came from foreign countries with the main focus on quick profits without showing concerns for the condition of workers. Russian capitalists, with insufficient capital, had to compete with foreign investors by reducing wages. Workers were working in tough conditions with practically no political rights.
• Deplorable condition of the peasants: Miserably small landholdings with no capital to develop them worsened by heavy redemption dues on their small holdings, led to unrest among the peasants.
• Effects due of participation in the war: Soaring inflation, food scarcity, high casualties, etc. owing to World War I, made the life of people miserable. This culminated in the February Revolution.
• Role of intellectuals: Liberal ideas from western Europe and works of Tolstoy, Turgenev, and Dostoevsky drew attention towards the shortcomings of Russian life and a political awakening among the people and the educated classes began to demand political rights. Also, the socialist ideas of Karl Marx, Maxim Gorky, and Bakunin influenced the peasants and workers.

These conditions culminated in the Russian Revolution of 1917 with the following consequences:

• Establishment of the first socialist state: The autocratic rule of the Czar, the aristocracy, and the church was overthrown, and the new government was formed by the Bolshevik Party under the leadership of Lenin. A new state called the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was established.
• New economic order emerged: Private property was abolished. Economic planning by the state was adopted to build a technologically advanced economy.
• Formation of Comintern: Soon after the Revolution, the Comintern was formed for promoting revolutions on an international scale. This enabled an international communist movement.
• Impetus for decolonization: The new Soviet Russia after the revolution was the first country in Europe to openly support the cause of independence of all nations from foreign rule, thus providing impetus to the colonies struggling for national independence.

Thus, the Russian Revolution had a huge impact not only on the Russian society but on the economy, society, international relations, politics, etc. around the world.