History The Russian Revolution Study Cards

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Russian Revolution

A period of political and social revolution across the territory of the Russian Empire, resulting in the overthrow of the Tsarist autocracy and the establishment of the Soviet Union.

Causes of the Russian Revolution

Factors such as social inequality, political repression, economic hardships, and the impact of World War I contributed to the outbreak of the Russian Revolution.

Tsarist Rule and Autocracy

The Russian Empire was ruled by a series of Tsars who held absolute power and maintained a strict autocratic system, suppressing dissent and opposition.

Rise of Marxism and Socialism

The ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels gained popularity among Russian intellectuals, advocating for the overthrow of capitalism and the establishment of a socialist society.

Bloody Sunday

A peaceful protest in 1905 by workers and their families in St. Petersburg, which turned violent when the Imperial Guard opened fire on the crowd, sparking widespread unrest and strikes.

1905 Revolution

A wave of mass protests, strikes, and uprisings in response to Bloody Sunday, leading to the creation of the first Russian constitution and limited reforms.

World War I and Russian Involvement

Russia's participation in World War I put a strain on the country's resources and led to military failures, causing discontent among the population and further fueling revolutionary sentiments.

February Revolution

A series of spontaneous protests and mutinies in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) in 1917, resulting in the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the establishment of a provisional government.

Provisional Government

The temporary government formed after the February Revolution, aiming to establish a democratic system in Russia but facing challenges from various political factions and social unrest.

October Revolution

Led by the Bolshevik Party and Vladimir Lenin, the October Revolution overthrew the Provisional Government and established Soviet power, marking the beginning of communist rule in Russia.

Bolsheviks and Lenin

The Bolshevik Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, played a central role in the Russian Revolution, advocating for the proletariat to seize power and implement socialist policies.

Civil War

A conflict between the Red Army (Bolsheviks) and the White Army (anti-Bolshevik forces) that lasted from 1918 to 1922, resulting in the victory of the Bolsheviks and the establishment of the Soviet Union.

New Economic Policy

A temporary retreat from full socialism implemented by Lenin, allowing limited private enterprise and market mechanisms to revive the economy after the devastation of the civil war.

Stalin's Rise to Power

Joseph Stalin emerged as the leader of the Soviet Union after Lenin's death, consolidating his power through purges, collectivization, and the implementation of a command economy.

Impact of the Russian Revolution

The Russian Revolution had far-reaching effects, including the spread of communism, the formation of the Soviet Union, ideological conflicts during the Cold War, and the transformation of global politics.

Legacy of the Russian Revolution

The Russian Revolution left a lasting legacy in terms of political ideologies, social changes, and the impact on subsequent revolutions and movements around the world.