The Russian Revolution marked the first outbreak of communism in Europe.

Contrary to
popular belief, however, there were in fact two specific and unique revolutions that took
place during 1917:

• March Revolution of 1917 – A true Marxist revolution

• November Revolution of 1917 – Revolution Led by Vladimir Lenin

Historical Background
Under Czar Nicholas II, who ruled from 1896-1917, the people believed that he would hear
their grievances and would be able to fix their problems. However, people soon realized that
the Czar could not be trusted.
Nicholas II learnt little from the 1905 Revolution also known as “Bloody Sunday”, when
considerable discontent in Russia led to the Revolution, which broke out just after Russia’s
defeat by Japan in Russo-Japanese war in 1904-05. He blindly adhered to autocracy as soon
as the Revolution was over. From 1905 to 1914, he had adopted agrarian reforms and factory
reforms, but they were too piecemeal in nature and so failed to remove the discontent of the
peasants and the workers. When the First World War broke out, their discontent exploded in
the form of a revolution. Then Czardom collapsed.
The peasants were unhappy with the Czar as a result of:

• Losses from the WWI

• The lack of real representation of the people’s will

• Czar’s dismissal of the Duma (Russian Parliament consisted of the Upper and Lower
Chambers but having limited powers)

• The influence of Rasputin upon Alexandra, who allowed Rasputin increasing political
power in Russia

• Massive hunger, food shortages, rising inflation and poor working conditions
March Revolution of 1917
On March 8, 1917, food riots broke out in St. Petersburg; however, the soldiers refused to fire
upon the rioters. At this time two forces were in competition for the control of the revolution.
Members of the Duma executive committee called for a moderate constitutional government,
while Soviets, members of workers councils, pushed for revolution and industrial reform. On
March 15, the Czar attempted to return to Russia by train, but was stopped by the troops and
was forced to abdicate.
The March revolution marked the first time that the class struggle predicted by Karl Marx
took place. Thus, the March revolution was truly a Marxist revolution.
November Revolution of 1917
From March through November, a provisional Government was led by Alexander Kerensky,
a socialist and prince Lvov. However, this government miserably failed as it took no actions
in land distribution, continued to fight in WWI and failed to fix food shortages. General
Kornilov, the commander in chief who could have prevented the revolution, attempted a coup
but Kerensky used the Soviets and the Bolsheviks to put down the coup and disarmed
Kornilov.
However, this action showed the weakness of Kerensky and allowed the Bolsheviks greater
power. By November 1917 the Provisional Government was in complete collapse. In the
meantime, the Bolshevik party, helped by German money, had built up an efficient party
organisation, a brilliant propaganda machine, and a powerful private army (the Red Guards).
The Bolsheviks were well lead by Vladimir Lenin - A brilliant leader – a professional
revolutionary with an iron will, ruthless, brilliant speaker, a good planner with ONE aim – to
overthrow the government. When Lenin moved to take over, the Provisional Government was
unable to stop him, and the 'November Revolution' was less of a revolution than a coup d'état.
By November 8 Lenin announced the new Communist government and attempted to maintain
Marxism by hoping to reach a state of property-less, class-less utopia. However, this pursuit
generally failed and economy declined even more which prompted Lenin to enact a new
economic policy in March 1921, compromising many aspects of communism for capitalistic
gains.