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Prakher Singh
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Asked: 2024-06-17T06:04:55+05:30 In:

What are the factors that led to the Russian Revolution of 1917? Discuss its consequences.

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What were the contributing elements to the 1917 Russian Revolution? Talk about the effects of it. (Answer in 200 words)

upsc: russian revolution

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6 Answers

  1. Rahul
    Begginer

    The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a pivotal event in world history that led to the collapse of the Russian Empire and the rise of the Soviet Union. Several factors contributed to this revolution:

    Factors Leading to the Russian Revolution of 1917

    1. Political Inefficiency and Autocracy:
      • The autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II, who was perceived as disconnected from the needs and sufferings of the Russian people.
      • The lack of political reforms and the suppression of political dissent.
    2. Economic Hardship:
      • Russia’s predominantly agrarian economy lagged behind the industrial economies of Western Europe.
      • Peasants faced severe poverty, land shortages, and high taxes, leading to widespread discontent.
    3. Military Defeats and World War I:
      • The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) and World War I exposed the weaknesses of the Russian military.
      • Heavy military losses, high casualties, and poor conditions for soldiers caused morale to plummet.
    4. Social Inequality:
      • The stark divide between the wealthy elite and the impoverished working class and peasantry.
      • Industrial workers faced harsh conditions, low wages, and long hours.
    5. Rise of Revolutionary Movements:
      • Revolutionary ideologies, including Marxism, gained popularity among the disillusioned population.
      • The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, were particularly effective in organizing and mobilizing workers and soldiers.
    6. Failures of the Provisional Government:
      • After the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in February 1917, the Provisional Government failed to address key issues such as land reform, ending the war, and improving economic conditions.
      • The continued participation in World War I was especially unpopular.

    Consequences of the Russian Revolution

    1. End of the Romanov Dynasty:
      • The abdication of Tsar Nicholas II ended over 300 years of Romanov rule in Russia.
    2. Civil War:
      • The revolution led to a brutal civil war (1917-1922) between the Red Army (Bolsheviks) and the White Army (anti-Bolsheviks), resulting in millions of deaths and widespread destruction.
    3. Establishment of the Soviet Union:
      • The Bolsheviks, after winning the civil war, established the Soviet Union in 1922, creating the world’s first socialist state.
      • This new regime nationalized industry, redistributed land, and implemented state-controlled economic policies.
    4. Impact on World Politics:
      • The revolution inspired communist movements worldwide and led to the establishment of communist regimes in several other countries over the next few decades.
      • It also intensified the ideological conflict between capitalism and communism, setting the stage for the Cold War.
    5. Economic and Social Changes:
      • The Soviet government implemented extensive land reforms, redistributed wealth, and attempted to rapidly industrialize the economy through central planning.
      • The collectivization of agriculture and forced industrialization had significant human costs, including famines and forced labor camps.
    6. Cultural and Educational Reforms:
      • The new regime promoted literacy, education, and women’s rights.
      • Efforts were made to eliminate illiteracy and improve access to education and healthcare for the broader population.

    The Russian Revolution fundamentally transformed Russian society and had a lasting impact on global history, shaping the political landscape of the 20th century and beyond.

    The Russian Revolution of 1917 was driven by multiple factors:

    1. Autocratic Rule: Tsar Nicholas II’s oppressive regime and resistance to political reform fueled widespread discontent.
    2. Economic Struggles: Severe poverty, land shortages, and high taxes plagued the peasantry, while industrial workers faced harsh conditions and low wages.
    3. Military Failures: Defeats in the Russo-Japanese War and World War I demoralized the military and citizens, highlighting the government’s incompetence.
    4. Social Inequality: A stark divide between the wealthy elite and the impoverished masses exacerbated frustrations.
    5. Revolutionary Movements: Marxist ideologies gained traction, with the Bolsheviks effectively organizing and mobilizing disaffected workers and soldiers.
    6. Provisional Government Failures: After the Tsar’s abdication, the Provisional Government’s inability to address key issues, such as land reform and war withdrawal, led to its downfall.

    Effects of the Russian Revolution:

    1. End of Romanov Dynasty: Tsar Nicholas II’s abdication ended over 300 years of Romanov rule.
    2. Civil War: The revolution sparked a civil war (1917-1922), leading to millions of deaths and devastation.
    3. Soviet Union Formation: The Bolsheviks’ victory established the Soviet Union, the first socialist state, leading to nationalized industry and centralized economic planning.
    4. Global Impact: Inspired communist movements worldwide, intensified the capitalism-communism ideological conflict, and set the stage for the Cold War.
    5. Economic and Social Changes: Land reforms, rapid industrialization, and efforts to improve literacy and education, despite significant human costs like famines and forced labor camps.
  2. Rahul
    Begginer

    The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a pivotal event in world history that led to the collapse of the Russian Empire and the rise of the Soviet Union. Several factors contributed to this revolution:

    Factors Leading to the Russian Revolution of 1917

    1. Political Inefficiency and Autocracy:
      • The autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II, who was perceived as disconnected from the needs and sufferings of the Russian people.
      • The lack of political reforms and the suppression of political dissent.
    2. Economic Hardship:
      • Russia’s predominantly agrarian economy lagged behind the industrial economies of Western Europe.
      • Peasants faced severe poverty, land shortages, and high taxes, leading to widespread discontent.
    3. Military Defeats and World War I:
      • The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) and World War I exposed the weaknesses of the Russian military.
      • Heavy military losses, high casualties, and poor conditions for soldiers caused morale to plummet.
    4. Social Inequality:
      • The stark divide between the wealthy elite and the impoverished working class and peasantry.
      • Industrial workers faced harsh conditions, low wages, and long hours.
    5. Rise of Revolutionary Movements:
      • Revolutionary ideologies, including Marxism, gained popularity among the disillusioned population.
      • The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, were particularly effective in organizing and mobilizing workers and soldiers.
    6. Failures of the Provisional Government:
      • After the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in February 1917, the Provisional Government failed to address key issues such as land reform, ending the war, and improving economic conditions.
      • The continued participation in World War I was especially unpopular.

    Consequences of the Russian Revolution

    1. End of the Romanov Dynasty:
      • The abdication of Tsar Nicholas II ended over 300 years of Romanov rule in Russia.
    2. Civil War:
      • The revolution led to a brutal civil war (1917-1922) between the Red Army (Bolsheviks) and the White Army (anti-Bolsheviks), resulting in millions of deaths and widespread destruction.
    3. Establishment of the Soviet Union:
      • The Bolsheviks, after winning the civil war, established the Soviet Union in 1922, creating the world’s first socialist state.
      • This new regime nationalized industry, redistributed land, and implemented state-controlled economic policies.
    4. Impact on World Politics:
      • The revolution inspired communist movements worldwide and led to the establishment of communist regimes in several other countries over the next few decades.
      • It also intensified the ideological conflict between capitalism and communism, setting the stage for the Cold War.
    5. Economic and Social Changes:
      • The Soviet government implemented extensive land reforms, redistributed wealth, and attempted to rapidly industrialize the economy through central planning.
      • The collectivization of agriculture and forced industrialization had significant human costs, including famines and forced labor camps.
    6. Cultural and Educational Reforms:
      • The new regime promoted literacy, education, and women’s rights.
      • Efforts were made to eliminate illiteracy and improve access to education and healthcare for the broader population.

    The Russian Revolution fundamentally transformed Russian society and had a lasting impact on global history, shaping the political landscape of the 20th century and beyond.

  3. Rahul
    Begginer

    The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a pivotal event in world history that led to the collapse of the Russian Empire and the rise of the Soviet Union. Several factors contributed to this revolution:

    Factors Leading to the Russian Revolution of 1917

    1. Political Inefficiency and Autocracy:
      • The autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II, who was perceived as disconnected from the needs and sufferings of the Russian people.
      • The lack of political reforms and the suppression of political dissent.
    2. Economic Hardship:
      • Russia’s predominantly agrarian economy lagged behind the industrial economies of Western Europe.
      • Peasants faced severe poverty, land shortages, and high taxes, leading to widespread discontent.
    3. Military Defeats and World War I:
      • The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) and World War I exposed the weaknesses of the Russian military.
      • Heavy military losses, high casualties, and poor conditions for soldiers caused morale to plummet.
    4. Social Inequality:
      • The stark divide between the wealthy elite and the impoverished working class and peasantry.
      • Industrial workers faced harsh conditions, low wages, and long hours.
    5. Rise of Revolutionary Movements:
      • Revolutionary ideologies, including Marxism, gained popularity among the disillusioned population.
      • The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, were particularly effective in organizing and mobilizing workers and soldiers.
    6. Failures of the Provisional Government:
      • After the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in February 1917, the Provisional Government failed to address key issues such as land reform, ending the war, and improving economic conditions.
      • The continued participation in World War I was especially unpopular.

    Consequences of the Russian Revolution

    1. End of the Romanov Dynasty:
      • The abdication of Tsar Nicholas II ended over 300 years of Romanov rule in Russia.
    2. Civil War:
      • The revolution led to a brutal civil war (1917-1922) between the Red Army (Bolsheviks) and the White Army (anti-Bolsheviks), resulting in millions of deaths and widespread destruction.
    3. Establishment of the Soviet Union:
      • The Bolsheviks, after winning the civil war, established the Soviet Union in 1922, creating the world’s first socialist state.
      • This new regime nationalized industry, redistributed land, and implemented state-controlled economic policies.
    4. Impact on World Politics:
      • The revolution inspired communist movements worldwide and led to the establishment of communist regimes in several other countries over the next few decades.
      • It also intensified the ideological conflict between capitalism and communism, setting the stage for the Cold War.
    5. Economic and Social Changes:
      • The Soviet government implemented extensive land reforms, redistributed wealth, and attempted to rapidly industrialize the economy through central planning.
      • The collectivization of agriculture and forced industrialization had significant human costs, including famines and forced labor camps.
    6. Cultural and Educational Reforms:
      • The new regime promoted literacy, education, and women’s rights.
      • Efforts were made to eliminate illiteracy and improve access to education and healthcare for the broader population.

    The Russian Revolution fundamentally transformed Russian society and had a lasting impact on global history, shaping the political landscape of the 20th century and beyond.

  4. Rahul
    Begginer
    This answer was edited.
    What are the factors that led to the Russian Revolution of 1917? Discuss its consequences.

    The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a pivotal event in world history that led to the collapse of the Russian Empire and the rise of the Soviet Union. Several factors contributed to this revolution:

    Factors Leading to the Russian Revolution of 1917

    1. Political Inefficiency and Autocracy:
      • The autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II, who was perceived as disconnected from the needs and sufferings of the Russian people.
      • The lack of political reforms and the suppression of political dissent.
    2. Economic Hardship:
      • Russia’s predominantly agrarian economy lagged behind the industrial economies of Western Europe.
      • Peasants faced severe poverty, land shortages, and high taxes, leading to widespread discontent.
    3. Military Defeats and World War I:
      • The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) and World War I exposed the weaknesses of the Russian military.
      • Heavy military losses, high casualties, and poor conditions for soldiers caused morale to plummet.
    4. Social Inequality:
      • The stark divide between the wealthy elite and the impoverished working class and peasantry.
      • Industrial workers faced harsh conditions, low wages, and long hours.
    5. Rise of Revolutionary Movements:
      • Revolutionary ideologies, including Marxism, gained popularity among the disillusioned population.
      • The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, were particularly effective in organizing and mobilizing workers and soldiers.
    6. Failures of the Provisional Government:
      • After the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in February 1917, the Provisional Government failed to address key issues such as land reform, ending the war, and improving economic conditions.
      • The continued participation in World War I was especially unpopular.

    Consequences of the Russian Revolution

    1. End of the Romanov Dynasty:
      • The abdication of Tsar Nicholas II ended over 300 years of Romanov rule in Russia.
    2. Civil War:
      • The revolution led to a brutal civil war (1917-1922) between the Red Army (Bolsheviks) and the White Army (anti-Bolsheviks), resulting in millions of deaths and widespread destruction.
    3. Establishment of the Soviet Union:
      • The Bolsheviks, after winning the civil war, established the Soviet Union in 1922, creating the world’s first socialist state.
      • This new regime nationalized industry, redistributed land, and implemented state-controlled economic policies.
    4. Impact on World Politics:
      • The revolution inspired communist movements worldwide and led to the establishment of communist regimes in several other countries over the next few decades.
      • It also intensified the ideological conflict between capitalism and communism, setting the stage for the Cold War.
    5. Economic and Social Changes:
      • The Soviet government implemented extensive land reforms, redistributed wealth, and attempted to rapidly industrialize the economy through central planning.
      • The collectivization of agriculture and forced industrialization had significant human costs, including famines and forced labor camps.
    6. Cultural and Educational Reforms:
      • The new regime promoted literacy, education, and women’s rights.
      • Efforts were made to eliminate illiteracy and improve access to education and healthcare for the broader population.

    The Russian Revolution fundamentally transformed Russian society and had a lasting impact on global history, shaping the political landscape of the 20th century and beyond.

  5. Gaurang Verma
    Begginer

    The Russian Revolution was a major political event in Russia’s history that shaped the country as we see it. This political upbringing marked the end of a 300 year domineering reign of the House of Romanov over the nation. The revolution also served as a pathway for the formation of the first socialist nation, the Soviet Union. The factors that led to the upheavel are as follows :

    Economic and Political differences between Russia and rest of Europe :

    While nations such as the Great Britain and France offered liberty and equality along with satisfactory humanitarian conditions to the populace, Russia was being viewed as an impoverished and a backwards society by the entire continent.

    Shortage of food and lack of basic amenities :

    A harsh growing season for the serfs accompanied with a population boom in the 1900s resulted in a shortage of food which angered the serfs toiling for hours on the fields of their landlords. Food was scarce, and the devastated economy

    Excess Military expenditure :

    The war against Japan and growing military tensions on the west end resulted in excess provisions being exhausted on the army. Russia had to deal with heavy losses of soldiers, numerous ships, reputation of the army and monetary losses.

    The Industrial Revolution :

    The Industrial Revolution also played a key role in initiating the Russian Revolution. The workers, toiling in harsh conditions, had a mass development of conciousness which sparked the revolution.

    The consequences of the above said issues were as follows :

    Retreating from the first global conflict :

    Russia had faced immense damage on the defense front. In 1918, Russia withdrew from the World War 1 for good.

    Bolsheviks coming into power :

    The Bolshevik Party, later known as the Communist Party under Vladimir Lenin, forced its way into power. Secret police to enforce Lenin’s government was established.

    Re-building the economy :

    The New Economic Policy (NEP) was introduced in the 1921. Main focus was given to the production of food for the commoners. It also focused on lowering the ever increasing inflation of the nation.

    Civil War :

    The nation saw another conflict right after the revolution. The civil war, 1918-1920 was fought by the “Reds” (Bolsheviks) and the “Whites” (Non-Bolsheviks) because of the acceptance of exceedingly shameful terms in the treaty of Brest-Liyovsk.

  6. Sujata Gautam
    Begginer

    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.

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