Bolshevik Revolution

Bolshevik Revolution
Paper: Theories Of International Relations And World

History
Lesson: Bolshevik Revolution
Lesson Developer: Gayatri
Department: Political Science/ University of Delhi
1
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi
Table of Contents:
Title of the Chapter: Bolshevik Revolution
 Introduction
 1: Background of Russia
 2: Reasons for the occurrence of the October Revolution
 3: Major events of Russian Revolution
 4: Consequences of Bolshevik Revolution
 5: How the Bolshevik Revolution international Character
 6: Cold war as a long survived result of Red October Revolution
 Conclusion
 See also
 Glossary
 Exercises
 Questions for consideration
 References
 Endnotes
 External links
2
The Russian Empire in 1866 and its sphere of influence
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Russian_Empire_%28orth
ographic_projection%29.svg/541px-
Russian_Empire_%28orthographic_projection%29.svg.png accessed on March 5,2015
Introduction
The Bolshevik revolution is one of the remarkable events of the 20 th century in the
history of the world. It also became a factor in giving a shape to the present world
scenario. After this revolution the socio-economic-political relations in the domestic as
well as in the world got changed. It created a surprising and unpredictable feeling in the
Western world. This article is set to discuss the background, causes, events,
consequences of this revolution. Further this article is talking about the changes in the
international relations as it laid the beginning for the transition of the nation state from
capitalism to socialism. How this revolution helps in the intensification of the nationalist
movements in colonial countries and in the politics of Third world countries .This
revolution not only has short term effects but also it has long term effects- those effects
can be seen in the spread of the socialism and communism as an ideology, working in
the present world in shaping the national interest of the nations. The Capitalist countries
took all efforts to save their ideology of capitalism and individualism as oppose to the
socialism. International relations matters a lot in formulation of foreign policies of a
nation and in turn reflects the domestic policies of a nation. The significance of the
Bolshevik revolution is in the fact that it changed the international relations and compel
the other countries to change their foreign and domestic policies because of the spread
of the wave of socialism all over the world. To understand the Bolshevik revolution, we
must know the politico-social background of Russia.
3
Topic 1: Background of Russia
1.1 Politico-socio-economic condition of Russia before 1917 Red October
Once, Russia was a landlocked country. But because of the efforts and services of the
Peter the Great (1689-1725) and Queen Catherine, Russia expanded its territory and
became able to touch the Baltic region in the north-west, Pacific Ocean by its Eastern
border and the Black sea coast in the South. Due to these efforts, Russia got a vast
territory under its control. In Russia, there was absolute monarchy, ruled by the
Romanovs (1613-1825)
4
ROMANOVS
(TSAR)
REFORMS EXPANSION
ON PAPER OF RUSSIA
BACKWARD ABSOLUTE
PEOPLE MONARCHY
Source- self created (Author)
The Romanovs were the ruler of the Russia and known as the Tsar. They were good in
maintaining their rule in Russia. Russia was an absolute monarchy till the 19th century.
The Romanovs did nothing special for the economic and technical advancement of
Russian people even they had the vast empire and huge population to rule. Russian
people became backward in comparison to the other European countries as major
historical events were taking place there such as renaissance, enlightenment and
industrialisation in other European countries. After a long time Czar Alexander II decided
to bring reforms in Russia for welfare of the common people.
Czar Alexander 2nd (1855-1881) was first one who took the initiatives for reforms in
social field and to counter the nascent revolutionary he also proposed additional
parliamentary reforms.. The extraordinary demands of rapid industrialisation and
extreme population growth that characterized tzarist society from about 1860 put on
great pressure upon administrative and social bonds erected centuries earlier under
entirely different circumstances.1 With his death, reform initiatives were also buried.
Czar Nicholas II (1894-1917) was last ruler of the Russian empire and with his and his
family member’s murder, the Romanovs got end from future to make history.
Value addition-know it more’
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To know more about the bolshevik revolution one may read further from :Documents on
the Russian Revolution
https://www.marxists.org/history/ussr/events/revolution/

5
Topic 2: Reasons for the occurrence of the October Revolution
Source -
djarrett.deviantart.com|art|Bolshevik-Revolution-162926104 accessed on 12 Oct. At
11: 45 a.m.
After understanding the political system and social conditions of Russia, to understand
the international character of Bolshevik Revolution we should be know the reasons for its
appeal in the society.
Causation of Bolshevik revolution
Source:Self created (Author)
2.1 Exploitation of people by the Autocratic government of Czar
Provisional government did not work whole heartily for the welfare of people and had
failed in introducing radical and required land reforms; the masses were continually
exploited. Regrettably the Provisional government did nothing for the miserable
condition of the workers in factory and of the peasants. Karensky’s Menshevik
6
government was not popular and was unable to provide radical solutions to some of the
acute problems such as the food shortage, redistribution of lands among peasants and
unemployment.2 Bolsheviks took advantage of this and includes the issues of workers
and peasants in its strategy and gave call for the proletariat dictatorship
2.2 Weak political system and instability in provisional government
The Provisional government established by the White Russian was weak and unstable.
Its ministers did not have organised plans and strategies and they were not able to deal
with the pressure exerted by the Soviets, they also had lack of unity among themselves.
Because of the three coalition ministries between March and September 1917, there was
instability in political system. Owing to the dual power system Soviet became able to
paralyse the Provisional government.
2.3 Weak and unorganised strategy of the White Russian
The Provisional government did not care for the sentiments of the people. Leadership of
the premier Lvov in early days and of Kerensky in the later days was not able to satisfy
the people. Their weak and unorganised strategy helped the Bolsheviks in mobilising the
people in their favour. White Russian ignores the emerging appeal of the Bolsheviks and
failed to introduce progressive legislation.
2.4 Support of the peasants and workers
Oppression by monopoly capital brings the proletariat and the middle class together in
the struggle against the monopolies. State-monopoly capitalism aggravates not only the
contradiction between labour and capital but also that between the monopolies and the
people, and this creates an objective basis for unity between the working class and the
middle strata.3 Exploited people were waiting of heroes to liberate themselves from the
clusters of Capital class.
2.5 Well organised plan and realistic strategy of the Bolshevik Party under the
Leadership of Lenin and Trotsky
Lenin-The leader of the revolution
7
Source-http:||upload.wikimedia.org|Wikipedia|commons|b|b9|Lenin.jpg (accessed on
10 Oct. 6:00 p.m.)
Under Lenin’s leadership the Communist Party and the Soviet Government
organised a new state apparatus, confiscated the landed estates, nationalised all the
land, banks, the bigger industries and transport, promulgated a state monopoly on
foreign trade, abolished national oppression, formed a worker – and- peasant militia in
place of the old police force and set up the Red Army.4 They had plans and strategies to
bring revolution. They knew how to address the cause of the peasants and working class
to get their support in Bolshevik Revolution.
2.6 Adherence of the Russian army with the Soviets
The proletariat is not alone in this struggle for socialist ideals. It speaks for all working
people, it acts as the vanguard of the whole people. 5 As Russian Army was of common
people, they generally belong to the worker’s or peasant’s families. They had
experiences to understand the misery of the oppressed people. on the other hand family
members of nobles were not in army to represent the feeling and thinking of the nobles..
2.7 Participation of the Russia in First World War as a controversial issue
Russian army participated in the First World War. In this war Russian Army suffered from
a lack of supplies of equipments, soldiers were neither well trained nor they had well
equipments and support of the Provisional government. The war had the devastating
effect on the socio-economic conditions and psychology of the people and the economy
of the country got deterioration. Bolshevik party see the condition of the people and
made them ready for the revolution for their cause on the issue of ‘daily bread’.
Value addition-Did you know?
Bolshevik Revolution officially known as the Great October Socialist Revolution, this
name was given to this after the 10th anniversary of the Revolution in 1927. This
Revolution was commonly known as Red October, Bolshevik Revolution and Russian
revolution. It is called October Revolution because it happened on 25 October 1917
according to the Julian or Old Style Calendar of Russia and according to the Gregorian or
New Style calendar Bolshevik Revolution took place on 7-8 November. 7 November was
celebrated as the National day of the USSR from 1918 onward till the disintegration of
the USSR. In this Vladimir Lenin, Leon Trotsky, Pavel Dybenko and Alexander Kerensky
played an eminent role. Later Stalin played a major role in giving shape to this socialist
Revolution as the international award to world.
Source- www.en.m.wikipedia.org|wiki|Russian_Revolution (accessed on 4 Oct. 2014 at

4: 15)
8
Topic 3: Major events of Russian Revolution
Major events of that time matters a lot to understand the happening of this historical
revolution
3.1 Defeat of Russia in Russian- Japanese war of 1904-1905
Duration of this war is considered from Feb. 1904 to Sep. 1905. It was fought over the
Manchuria and Korea. Both want to establish their control with imperial intention on
these regions. In this war Japan got victory. With this Japan changed the mind set of
many big powers at international level by proving itself as a victorious over Russia.
3.2 1905 Revolution
This Revolution has its own significance in the history of Russia. It started with a
peaceful protest by 1 50 000 people, on January 22 under the leadership of Russian
Orthodox priest, Father Gapon, for their lifestyle. It was not a political protest. But when
a huge crowd was marching through St Petersburg to the Winter Palace, troops started
firing on them. With the death of several hundred of protestors firing was stopped. In
the world and Russian history this tragedy is known as “Bloody Sunday”. Because of this
Russia lost the Russia- Japanese war of 1905 as people did not have patriotic feeling.
After this the demands became political in nature. They started to demand freedom of
speech, the right to form political parties and an elected parliament (Duma). With these
rights, people were demanding for change and in October 1905, a general strike took
place in Moscow and it spread in other cities also. To face this situation Nicholas issued
“October Manifesto” on October 30th for reforms. But by December Russian troops had
come back in Russia and Nicholas used these troops in crushing these protests and
strikes.
Bolshevik Revolution-The actual Scene
JAN.
22,
1905
ST.
BLOODY FATHER
PETERSB
SUNDAY GAPON
URG
FIRING
ON
PEOPLE
Source- self created
9
3.3 February Revolution (1917)
This revolution took place in late February according to the Julian calendar. Its main
centres were Petrograd and capital. This revolution changed the political reality of the
Russia. With the end of this revolution Romanov dynasty also got end for absolute ruling.
The overthrow of the tsar, accomplished by workers and soldiers in Petrograd early in
1917, was the product of largely spontaneous action by thousands of hungry, angry, and
war-weary women and men who had lost confidence in the government of Nicholas 2 nd. 6
This revolution was the result of chaotic affairs-civil and military unrest. The Csar rule
was replaced by a Russian Provisional Government under prince Georgy Lvov.. And a
dual power system was established. Owing to this, Bolshevik won support in Petrograd
and by October they secure a small majority in the Soviet.
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To read more about the events of Bolshevik revolution,you may read from:
The Russian Revolution (1917–1918): Summary of Events

www.sparknotes.com › ... › The Russian Revolution (1917–1918)
parkNotes Editors. (2005). SparkNote on The Russian Revolution (1917–1918). Retrieved March
10 , 2015, from http://www.sparknotes.com/history/european/russianrev/
3.4 Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
The Soviet Government, wishing to Extricate Russia from the war to get the support of
the peasants, workers and of Russian army and to obtain breathing space in which to
strengthen the Soviet Republic, decided to initiate talks with the German-Austrian bloc.7
This treaty helps the Russia to end the war between Russia and Germany in 1918. The
treaty with Germany was the plan of the Bolshevik party to use the power to strengthen
their rule in Russia. The treaty was signed on March 3, 1918. This treaty opened the
eyes of the Allied Powers and compels them to change their attitude towards Russia.
These events had their role in deciding the consequences of Red October Revolution.
These consequences had international effect and influence on international relations.
Topic 4: Consequences of Bolshevik Revolution
4.1 End of the autocratic rule from Russia for forever
Revolution has great importance in changing the politico-social and economic conditions
of the Russia. It brought end of the Tsarist system of ruling and also threw out
Provisional government for forever. The Nicholas - II and his entire family was executed
by Red Army so that the ruling blood could never approach to the people for gaining
control of the power. Bolsheviks replaced monarchy rule with a communist government.
10
4.2 Russia emerged as a first socialist modern nation state and establishment
of the dictatorship of Proletariat
After overthrew the Provisional government in Petrograd, power was given to local
soviets and Russian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic was established. The Duma was
replaced by All- Russian Congress of the Soviets (workers and peasants). In 1918,
Bolshevik party was renamed as “Communist Party”. Soviet government took control of
the factories and estates of the capitalist class of Russia and made them public (under
state control).
4.3 Start off of the civil war in Russia
This revolution has main concentration in Petrograd. And to get recognition in whole of
Russia, struggles were followed by a bloody civil war from 1918 to 1921. Many reasons
were there for civil war- many did not like the policies of Bolsheviks, many were against
the ideology of Lenin, many dissents of Russia or non Russian Nationalities (Moslems of
Central Asia, Baltic people, Ukrainians, and people of the Caucasus. saw this as an ideal
opportunity to get separation from Russia. The main players of this civil war were the
Red Guards (Bolsheviks), Whites, Monarchists, non- Russian nationalities, Conservatives,
Moderate Democrats, Social Revolutionaries and Mensheviks.
4.4 Extraction of Russia from the First World War and intervention of the
Western power in Civil war
Russia after concluding Brest- Litovsk treaty with Germany, withdrew itself from the First
World War. In 1918 foreigners (Allied Troops) invaded Russia. Canadians, British,
French, Czechoslovaks, Japanese and American opposed the Bolsheviks and the
leadership of Lenin. Because owing to Lenin Russia had withdrawn itself from the First
World War. By taking the side of Whites Allied Powers were expecting that Russia would
re-enter in the war. This intervention expanded the duration of civil war and made it
bloodier in character.
4.5 National movements got boost for their freedom struggle
20th century was the period of the imperialist power in the world hiatory. In most of the
subject- nations of imperialist countries decolonisation process had been started. These
countries got a method and strategy from Bolshevik Revolution. They had started to
hope that Bolsheviks would lead their national movement for their cause. Most of the
countries adopted violent method to achieve their independence. China was one of them
to follow the communist ideology. These countries got intensified their struggle against
political subjugation and economic exploitation. In fact USSR also supported anti-colonial
movements in Africa and Asia.
4.6 Threat to the Western values
The Bolshevik revolution and then after established political system and socialist
economy posed a major threat to the existence of the Western values. As being a
socialist- communist society Soviet Union threw out a great challenge to the Western
11
culture, fundamental economic system, capitalist class, political principles and

fundamentals of the individualistic society of Western world.
4.7 Emergence of Soviet Union as a big power and emergence of bipolar world
By 1920 the Bolsheviks under the leadership of Lenin, Trotsky, Stalin and with the
support of working and peasantry class had established control over all of Russia. New
Economic Policy was introduced by USSR in March 1921 by Lenin to rebuild Russia as a
economically strong big power. It registered a lead over the advanced Western countries
in economy, military strength and even in ideology. In this way USSR stood itself as
powerful as the USA was in 20th century and world was divided between two countries
because of Cold War.
Consequences of October Revolution shows its international character. It becomes

quietly easy to understand the international character of this revolution after grasping
the results of this.
Value addition – Know it Better
Difference between Menshevik and Bolsheviks
The Bolsheviks and Mensheviks were both revolutionary political parties of Marxist
origins. Both derived their origin from Social Democratic Labour party or SDs (1898). In
20th century the SDs were Russia’s largest Marxist party. Menshevik means ‘minority’
and Bolshevik means ‘majority’. Menshevik considers themselves as orthodox Marxists.
They believe in Marx’s stages of economic development. The SDs were divided over
issue raised by Lenin at its 1903 party Congress. Their split became irrevocable in 1912.
Lenin became the leader of Bolsheviks.
From - www.alphahistory.com|Russian revolution... (accessed on 13 Oct. 2014 at 3:15

p.m.)
International character of the Bolshevik revolution
Source:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/English_language_Communist_Int
ernational_issue_6.jpg accessed on March 10 2015
12
5.1 Communist International and USSR
There is no doubt that like its consequences, it had an international thinking and plans
for every country to overthrow the Capitalist class by the Oppressed class. The socialist
revolution in Russia arose out of the critical situation engendered by the economic and
political development of the world imperialist system.... Soviet Russia gave the
proletariat of other countries an insight into the mechanics of the development of the
socialist revolution and also showed it how to build a new society.8 Comintern or
Communist International were organised by the USSR to bring communist revolution to
foreign countries. The Third Communist International, or Comintern, was held under
Lenin’s direction. Russian foreign policy seeks nothing less than the total annihilation of
what it calls the “capitalist-imperialist” system and residual pre capitalist social orders
which are dependent on it.9 the February 1920 conference was attended by 16
delegates, including representatives of the Communist Parties of Russia, the Communist
Party of Germany, America (CPA International Secretary Louis C. Fraina the delegate);
the British Socialist Party, the Workers’ Socialist Federation, and the Stop Stewards and
Works’ Committees; the Swiss and Belgian Communist movements. ... the conference
adopted an extensive thesis on unionism, which was prepared and introduced by Fraina,
as well as these on Social-Patriotism and Unity.10 In this way it was functioning
internationally and through the Comintern was spreading the ideology of socialism,
scientific in nature and Marxist in working .
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To enhance the understanding and information on communist international you may

read from :
Marxist History: "The Communist International (1919-1943)", primarily accessed -March

22, 2010 ,reaccessed on March 10 2015
The breakdown of imperialism and capitalism was signalled by the revolutions in

Germany, Austria, Hungary, revolutionary situations’ in Italy, France and even Britain.
The Spectre of socialist revolution hung all over Europe. 11 The Russian Revolution
through the Comintern by taking the support of working class sent a wave of
communism throughout the world. The spread of communism and socialism
internationally with its international appeal as it derived its relevance from the principles,
traditions and working of Bolshevism, helped the other countries to lead the oppressed
to overthrow the Capitalist class from their particular countries.
5.2 New diplomatic relations in International Relations
Almost all major countries of Eastern (Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Poland,

Rumania and Hungary, East Germany) Europe came under the influence of USSR and
became the representatives of the socialist ideology and showed their interest in socialist
working of state as against the capitalist system of free market and individualism. This
adoption of the socialist ideology became the deciding factor for their diplomatic
13
relations with other countries and their foreign policy were based on the principles of the
socialism of USSR America played a leading role from the side of Western Europe and
concluded military pact NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) in 1949 and in Feb.
1955 Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO) was signed. To counter NATO, USSR
got signed WARSAW (Treaty of Friendship, Co- operation, and Mutual Assistance) pact
by his allies in 1955. These pacts were result of spread and adoption of socialist ideology
and were responsible for the changed relations between the countries in 20 th century.
5.3 Efforts by Bolshevik Government in concluding peace treaties with other

countries
USSR adopted a peaceful co-existence with other countries. A treaty of friendship was
signed with Iran in Feb. 1921, similar kind of treaty was also concluded with the Turkey.
A friendship treaty was also signed with Afghanistan in 1921. For this, he concluded a
bilateral agreement with Germany in 1922 known as Treaty of Rapallo. By signing these
treaties Soviet Union was getting the space to stand itself as self-sufficient and self-
reliant without getting harm from other countries in building Russia as USSR.
5.4 Spread of socialism and communism in other nations
The influence of world socialist ideology as a state system, on the course of world
development is observed from the fact that it has become a natural economic and
political mainstay for countries which have thrown off the fetters of colonialism and have
embarked on the road of progressive socio-economic transformations.12
Once in world history, almost half of the world countries had adopted socialism under the
guidance of USSR, and became responsible for the visible tensions during Cold War
between the two blocs.
5.5 Non Alignment Movement (NAM)
NAM was a result of the Cold War politics only. NAM was established to minimise the
peaceful tensions of warfare between the two blocks, led by USA and USSR. Appadorai
said that “Non-alignment can be best defined as not entering into military aliens with
any country and in particular with any country either of the Western or of the
Communist bloc (in the era of Cold War)”. Through the working of the NAM, India also
got fame and identity in the world. India is partially thankful to the Bolshevik Revolution
owing to Cold War emerged and India got a chance to lead the newly independent
countries of the Third World without jeopardising her national interests. Indeed it was
not until the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War that India’s foreign
policy undergoes a fundamental shift and acquires renewed relevance.13 NAM was
product of the Cold War politics and Cold War in itself was a product of the tensions
between two ideologies- socialism and capitalism, scientific socialism got birth from
Bolshevik Revolution. In its way2 NAM present a new manner of maintaining relations
with other countries.
14
Did you know?
Utopian Socialism
Utopian socialism does not believe in any form of class struggle or political revolution is
necessary for socialism. According to them cooperative socialism can be established
among like-minded people within the existing society. Utopian Socialism is a label used
to define the first currents of modern socialist thought as exemplified by the works of
Henri De Saint- Simon, Charles Fourier, and Robert Owen. It was a presentation of the
visions and outlines for imaginary or futuristic ideal societies, with positive ideals being
the man reason for moving society in such a direction. These visions of ideal societies
competed with Marxist-inspired revolutionary social democratic movements. The term
“utopian” was never used by Utopian Socialists. This term was introduced by Karl Marx
and Friedrich Engles in The Communist Manifesto in 1848. Marx and Engles used the
term “scientific socialism” to describe their perception of socialism. From the mid-19th
century onwards, Marxism and Marxism-Leninism overtook utopian socialism in terms of
intellectual development.
Source- http//:en.m.wikipedia.org|wiki|Utopian_socialism (accessed on 4 October, 2014

at 8: 10 p.m.)
Topic 6: Cold war as a long survived result of Red October Revolution
COLD WAR (2-

BLOCS)
SOCIALISM CAPITALISM
USSR USA
Source- self created(Author)
Presence of ideology of socialism and communism in present time is a long living effect
of this Revolution. Cold War was also long survived effect of this revolution. A special
mention is required here to grasp its international influence. Because Cold War in itself
one of the unpredictable event of the world history and responsible for bringing changes
in international scenario, derived its breath from Bolshevik Revolution. The term “Cold
War” was used to describe the conflict and tensions between the communist states and
15
movements led by the Soviet Union, and the anti-communist Western Powers led by the
United States. This origin of Cold War can be traced back to the Western armed
intervention against Soviet Russia in 1918.14 In 1918 Allied powers intervened in the
politico- social affairs of Russia during the civil war. Russia withdrew itself from First
World War by signing Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany. First World War (1914-
1918) was fought between Allied and Associated Powers. No doubt that antagonism had
been inherent in the American-Soviet relationship since the Bolshevik Revolution of
1917. The two great continental states represented totally opposed ideologies: the
United States embraced the values of liberal, capitalist democracy, while the Soviet
Union was the first ‘socialist republic’, a communist dictatorship dedicated to spreading
‘world revolution’ by overthrowing the existing world order.1
Lenin addressing the masses
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/Lenin-Trotsky_1920-05-
20_Sverdlov_Square_%28original%29.jpg/300px-Lenin-Trotsky_1920-05-
20_Sverdlov_Square_%28original%29.jpg accessed on March 6 2015
In addition to the division of Germany, the area that came to symbolize the onset of the
Cold War was Eastern Europe. For many in the West, the communist takeover in this
region between 1944 and 1948 were seen as a frightening and gradually escalating sign
of Stalin’s true intensions.16 Since the Soviet leaders recognised power as the magic
which converts utopia into reality, the day-to-day diplomacy of the Soviet Union appears
to be framed within the traditional canon of power politics: the maximization of its power
to realize the fulfilment of state interests.17
The fate of Eastern Europe provides important insight into the puzzles of the origins of
the Cold War.18 Throughout the duration of Cold War, communist ideology remains a
16
reason because of that whole world got itself divided between two blocks and gave boost
to ideological and armed-race.
With the disintegration of the USSR, Cold War also got end and gave birth to a unipolar
world. WARSAW pact ceased its relevance with disintegration of USSR in 1991. With this
incident many socialist countries adopted capitalism and came under the direct influence
of the America. At present time there are many economic power. These new economic
powers of the world have given birth to a multipolar world. Because they have deep
determining factors to influence the working of economy of a nation. They lead global
economy.
Interesting to know?
What was the effect of October Revolution on Indian National Movement.
Like the other oppressed people of the world, India also got inspiration from this
revolution. It became the symbol of deliverance and regeneration, influenced the
courses on Indian’s nationalist movement. Russian leaders’ efforts were appreciated
by Indian newspapers. The Russian Revolution influenced the ideological thinking
and international outlook of the Indian National Congress and of freedom fighters.
Some of the newspapers of India strongly admired Lenin, portrayed that Lenin was
the most ardent champion of national freedom. In India, before the Russian
Revolution workers and peasants were not included in the current of the nationalist
movement. But after this revolution, peasant and working class were included in
mainstream of nationalist movement. S. A. Dange in Bombay, Singara Velu Chettier
in Madras, Muzaffar Ahmad in Calcutta and Ghulam Hussain in Lahore became the
founder of the early communist groups in different parts of the country. In Tashkent
a Communist Party of India was formed and M. N. Roy was a leading participant in
its formation. These communist got a different outlook to achieve their national
independence. By 1921-1922 Communist Centres were established in Bombay,
Calcutta, Lahore and Madras. With these developments Marxism also began to
spread in India.
Source – Book- Soviet Revolution and the Indian National Movement, by Vivekanand
Shukla, 1989
Conclusion
After understanding Bolshevik revolution- its, causes, events, consequences,

international character, cold war, we can conclude that Bolshevik Revolution is a reality
and a factor responsible for even present relationship of nations in international system.
Understanding of World history cannot be completed without understanding and
analysing Bolshevik Revolution. It would remain always an essential part of the
responsible conditions of the present and no doubt it shaped the international relations
in 20th century and even today we can see its influence on many countries. In 1921,
Russia came to known as Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). It was a union of
15 independent states, formed on the principle of socialist federalism and equal soviet
socialist principle. A basic principle of Soviet socialist foreign policy is the preservation of
peace, the peaceful coexistence of states with different social systems, or what Lenin
17
termed in an interview to foreign correspondents “peaceful cohabitation with other

nations.19
We can say that Russian communist ideology was also a reason for the emergence of
Cold War because USSR challenged the supremacy of the Western world as being
contrast in its values. At global level Communist Party of USSR also wanted to bring a
revolution to finish the capitalist class and to establish the dictatorship of the proletariat
by the mean of socialist revolution. The socialist revolution is a product of the
contradictions of the capitalist socio- economic formation as a world system.... The world
socialist revolution is an era in human history. It began in October 1917 and will end
with the world wide victory of communism.20
No doubt USSR emerged as a big power and gave birth to a bipolar world. But it has its
own weaknesses which came in the system because of the corruption in the ideology of
communism with the passage of time. In 1991 USSR was disintegrated because a lot of
reasons. But we can still see the influence of Bolshevik Revolution which gave practical
shape to Marxist ideology of Communism and scientific socialism. These principles even
today play important role in the domestic as well as foreign policy of a nation.
COMMUNISM
SOCIALISM
PEAK POINT OF CAPITALISM
Source- Self- created (Author)
See also
15 Independent States of USSR
First World War (1914-1918)
Second World War (1939- 1945)
Cold War (1945-1991)
Disintegration of USSR in 1990-91
Uniplolar world after 1991 - domination of USA
Third World and NAM.
18
Glossary
Socialism – An ideology that rejects individualism, private ownership, and private

profits in favour of a system based on economic collectivism, governmental, societal or
industrial-group ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods, and
social responsibility. The doctrine of socialism varies from those espousing democratic
values to those calling for forms of absolutism and dictatorship. (International Relations:
A political Dictionary)
Communism - It connotes any arrangement based on communal ownership, production

consumption, self-government, perhaps even communal sexual-mating. Leninism implies
the accumulated experience of the Russian Communist Party in governing their country.
Communism thus connotes the theory and practice of rule by communist parties. The
mature form of communist rule was developed in USSR under the rule of J. V. Stalin.
(The social science encyclopaedia)
Democracy – An ideology constructed around the liberal values of individual freedom,

equality, human dignity and brotherhood, limited government, the rule of law and the
democratic political process. (International Relations: A political Dictionary)
Colonialism – The rule of an area and its people by an external sovereignty pursuing a
policy of imperialism. Historically, 2 broad types o colonialism can be identified: (i) the
transplanting of emigrants from the mother country to form a new political entity at a
distant location and (ii) the imposition of rule over the technologically less developed
indigenous peoples of Asia and Africa. (International Relations: A political Dictionary)
Nationalism – The spirit of belonging together, or the popular will that seeks to
preserve the identity of a group by institutionalizing it in the form of a state. Nationalism
can be intensified by common racial, linguistic, historical and religious ties. It is usually
associated with a particular territory. (International Relations: A political Dictionary)
Ideology – The articulation of basic political, economic and social values as a body of
ideas that serve as the basis for an ideal social system or “way of life”. An ideology is
concerned with the nature of the political system, the exercise of power, the role of the
individual, the nature of the economic and social system and the objectives of society.
(International Relations: A political Dictionary)
Industrialisation – the term industrialisation is meant to denote a phase in economic

development in which capital and labour resources shift both relatively and absolutely
from agricultural activities in to industry, especially manufacturing. The rise of the
factory system, increasing urbanization and movement from rural areas partly describe
the nature of the process. (The social science encyclopaedia)
Communist International (Comintern) – it is also known as “Third International,

initiated in March 1919 in Moscow. The Communist International was the successor to
the group of Parties associated with the Left Wing of the Zimmerwald Conventions. To a
great extent, the establishment of the Comintern was a manifestation of the Russian
desire for a final solution to Russian bloody civil war through world revolution.
Representatives of revolutionary parties and trends from around the globe were sought
19
for participation in the new international organisation.

(http:||www.marxisthistory.org|subject|usa|eam|comintern.html)
Red Guards Russia – Red Guards were armed factory workers. They first appeared
during the 1905 Revolution and they reformed in March 1917 in order to reform the
government and to overthrow of Nicholas II. Under the influence of the Bolsheviks, the
Red Guards played an important role in the defeat of the revolt led by General Lavr
Kornilov in September, 1917. They also were used to seize control from the Provisional
Government in November, 1917. It is estimated that by the end of the revolution there
were 7,000 Red Guards in Russia. (http:||Spartacus-
educational.com|RUSredguards.htm)
Questions for consideration
1. What were the major causes of Russian Revolution?

2. Who were Red guards and White Russians? What were the weaknesses of the
White Russians because of those they had to lose their provisional government to
Bolshevik party?
3. Discuss crucial consequences of this revolution on domestic and foreign policies of
the USSR?
4. Why Allied power intervened in the internal politics of communist government of
Russia and how this intervention is responsible for the civil war?
5. How we can say that international scenario was also responsible for the
occurrence of the Bolshevik Revolution?
6. How this revolution is responsible for the changing relations in international
system?
7. What is Third International? What role Lenin, Trotsky and Stalin played during
and after this revolution to provide it an international character?
8. How Russian Revolution of 1917 had an international character?
Objective questions
1. Fill in the blanks from the given list below
Allied – Associated Powers, Russia, Unipolar, Russia – Germany, Bipolar
(a) The treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed between _____ and _____.
(b) ______ was world’s first socialist and communist state.
(c) First World War was fought between _____ and ______.
(d) Cold War gave emergence to a _____ world.
20
(e) After disintegration of USSR in 1991 a _____ world was established.
2. Tick right or wrong
(a) Russian Revolution of 1917 was also a result of the failure of the policies of
Provisional Government of Russia.
(b) Even after the Bolshevik Revolution Tsar rule was continue with the presence of
Duma.
(c) Most of nations in their anti-colonial struggle used violent means after this
Revolution. One of them is China.
(d) Treaty of Rapallo was signed between Russia and Turkey in 1922.
(e) Third International was organised under the leadership of Stalin and Trotsky
played an important role in it.
(f) Establishment of communist regime in 1917-18 is considered as one of the
reasons for emergence of Cold war.
3. Multiple choice questions-
(a) Who was main leader during the occurrence of the October Revolution from the
side of Bolsheviks?
(i) Kerensky
(ii) Nicholas- 2nd,
(iii) Lenin
(iv) Karl Marx
(b) After Bolshevik Revolution which class established its dictatorship?

(i) Peasantry
(ii) Proletariat
(iii) Capitalist
(iv) Bourgeoisie
(c) “All power to the Soviets, land, bread and peace”, this slogan was given during
which event?
(i) Russia- Japan war of 1905
(ii) 1905 revolution
(iii) February revolution of 1917
(iv) Red October revolution of 1917
(d) Which country withdrew itself from First World War after signing a treaty?
(i) Russia
(ii) Germany
(iii) France
(iv) Britain
(e) Comintern was an organisation which was formed by USSR for what purpose?
(i) For communist revolution at world level
(ii) For peaceful co-existence with neighbour countries
21
(iii) For domestic socialism

(iv) For the welfare of proletariat
4. Match the following :

a. Bolshevik Revolution (i) 1914-1918.
b. First World War (ii) 1939-1945
c. Second World War (iii) 1949
d. Cold War (iv) 1917
e. WARSAW pact (v) 1945-1991
f. NATO (vi) 1955
Answer key
Exercise-1
(a) Russia-Germany
(b) Russia
(c) Allied and Associated powers
(d) Bipolar
(e) Unipolar
Exercise-2
a. Right
b. Wrong
c. Right
d. Wrong
e. Wrong
f. Right
Exercise-3
a. iii
b. ii
c. iv
d. i
e. i
Exercise-4
(a) iv
(b) i
(c) ii
(d) v
(e) vi
(f) iii
22
References
(1986), Aspects of International Socialism 1871-1914, essays by Georges Haupt,

translated by Peter Fawcett, New York, Cambridge University Press.
Banerji, Anup (1997) Merchants and Markets in Revolutionary Russia, 1917-30, JNU,
New Delhi
Carr, E. H. (1950-53) The Bolshevik Revolution, 1917-1923, vols., New York, Macmillan
publisher.
Dockrill, Michael L. and Hopkins, Michael F. (2006) The Cold War, 1945-1991, second
edition-2006, first edition published in 1988, New York, Palgrave Macmillan.
(1998) Emerging from Communism, Lessons from Russia, China, and Eastern Europe,
edited by Peter Boone, Stanislaw Gomulka, and Richard Layard, Massachusetts, London,
England, The MIT Press Cambridge.
Krasin, Y. (1971) Lenin Revolution and The World Today, translated from the Russia by
G. Ivanov-MumJiev, edited by George Langstone, Moscow.
(1972), Leninism and Contemporary Problems of the Transition from Capitalism to

Socialism, translated from the Russian by David Skvirsky, Moscow, Progress Publishers.
(1978), Marxism and the Party, London John Molyneux. First published in 1978.
(1983), Marxism, Central Planning, and the Soviet Economy, edited by Padma Desai,
Massachusetts, London, England,, The MIT Press Cambridge.
Schapiro, Leonard B. (1984) The Russian Revolutions of 1917; The Origins of Modern
Communism, New York, Basic Books.
(1972), Socialist Economic Development and Reforms, from extensive to intensive

growth under central planning in the USSR, Eastern Europe and Yugoslavia, J.
Wilczynski, The Macmillan Press Ltd, First published in 1972.
(1987), The workers’ revolution in Russia, 1917, the view from below, edited by Daniel
H. Kaiser, USA, Cambridge University Press, first published -1987.
(1974), Vladimir Ilyich Lenin Life and Work, New Delhi, Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
Vyas, Arvind, (1983), Essays on socialist economics, JNU, New Delhi, Panchsheel
Publishers.
Wade, Rex. (1984), Red Guards and Workers’ Militias in the Russian Revolution,
Standford, Stanford University Press.
23
Endnotes
1. (1987), The workers’ revolution in Russia, 1917, the view from below, page-vii,
edited by Daniel H. Kaiser, USA, Cambridge University Press, USA, first published
-1987
2. Rao, B. V. (1985), World History, page-358, New Delhi, Sterling Publishers Pvt.
Ltd.
3. Krasin, Y. (1971), Lenin Revolution and The World Today, page-89-90, translated
from the Russia by G. Ivanov-MumJiev, edited by George Langstone, Moscow,
Progress Publishers.
4. (1974) Vladimir Ilyich Lenin Life and Work, page- 72, New Delhi, Sterling
Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
5. Krasin, Y. (1971), Lenin Revolution and The World Today, page-84, translated
6. (1987) The workers’ revolution in Russia, 1917, the view from below, page-4,
edited by
Daniel H. Kaiser, USA, Cambridge University Press.
7. (1974), Vladimir Ilyich Lenin Life and Work, page-75, New Delhi, Sterling
8. Krasin, Y. (1971) Lenin Revolution and The World Today, page-197, translated
9. Aspaturian, Vermon. (1962), The Revolution in World Politics, page-210, edited
by Morton, A. Kaplan, London, John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
10. Carr, E. H. A History of Soviet Russia, volume-3, page-184
11. Hppt:||www.marxist.com|TUT|TUT1-4.htm
12. Bhattacharya, Dinesh Chandra, (1971), An Outline of World politics, page- 74,
Calcutta, Vijoya Publishing House
13. India’s Foreign Policy, edited by Sumit Ganguly
14. Bhattacharya, Dinesh Chandra, (1971) An Outline of World politics, page- 387,
Calcutta, Vijoya Publishing House.
15. Dockrill, Michael L. and Hopkins, Michael F. (2006), The Cold War, 1945-1991,
page- 8, first edition published in 1988, New York, Palgrave Macmillan.
16. Best, Antony. Hanhimaki, Jussi M. and etc. (2008), International History of the
Twentieth Century and Beyond, page-220, London and New York, Routledge Talor
and Francis Grouyp.
17. Aspaturian, Vermon. (1962), The Revolution in World Politics, Page-212, edited
by Morton, A. Kaplan, London, John Wiley and Sons.
18. Best, Antony. Hanhimaki, Jussi M. and etc. (2008) International History of the
Twentieth Century and Beyond, page-220, London and New York, Routledge Talor
and Francis Group.
19. (1974), Vladimir Ilyich Lenin Life and Work, page- 77, New Delhi, Sterling
20. Krasin, Y. (1971), Lenin Revolution and The World Today, page-189, translated
24
External links
www.inatoday.com|russian-revolution-us-10-23-2013.htm
http:||schools.cbe.ab.ca|b628|social|russia|post_revolution_history.html
http:||m. sparknotes.com|history|european|russianrev|section6.rhtml
www.history.com|..|russian-revolution
http:||content.time.com|time|photogallery|0,29307,1681193_1481200,00.html
www.education-portal.com|academy|lesson...
http:||www.historyguide.org|Europe|lecture6.html
www.bbc.co.uk|schools|gcsebitesize|history|mwh|russia|leninandbolshevikrevolutionrev
1.shtml
http:||www.britannica.com|EBcheched|topic|291225|20th-century-international-
revolution|32833|The-Russian-Revolution
http:||www.oxfordbibligraphies.com|view|document|obo-9780199743292|obo-
9780199743292-0088.xml#obo-9780199743292-0088-bibltem-0002
http:||www.oswego.org|webpages|bhall|files|05%20-%20russian%20revolution%2011-
12.pdf
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Bolshevik Revolution

Paper: Theories Of International Relations And World

Lesson: Bolshevik Revolution

Lesson Developer: Gayatri

Department: Political Science/ University of Delhi

Title of the Chapter: Bolshevik Revolution

The Russian Empire in 1866 and its sphere of influence

Topic 1: Background of Russia

1.1 Politico-socio-economic condition of Russia before 1917 Red October

Source- self created (Author)

Value addition-know it more’

Surf and know

Topic 2: Reasons for the occurrence of the October Revolution

Causation of Bolshevik revolution

Source:Self created (Author)

2.1 Exploitation of people by the Autocratic government of Czar

2.2 Weak political system and instability in provisional government

2.3 Weak and unorganised strategy of the White Russian

2.4 Support of the peasants and workers

Lenin-The leader of the revolution

2.6 Adherence of the Russian army with the Soviets

2.7 Participation of the Russia in First World War as a controversial issue

Value addition-Did you know?

Source- www.en.m.wikipedia.org|wiki|Russian_Revolution (accessed on 4 Oct. 2014 at

Topic 3: Major events of Russian Revolution

3.1 Defeat of Russia in Russian- Japanese war of 1904-1905

3.2 1905 Revolution

Bolshevik Revolution-The actual Scene

Source- self created

3.3 February Revolution (1917)

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Surf and know

The Russian Revolution (1917–1918): Summary of Events

3.4 Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

Topic 4: Consequences of Bolshevik Revolution

4.1 End of the autocratic rule from Russia for forever

4.3 Start off of the civil war in Russia

4.5 National movements got boost for their freedom struggle

4.6 Threat to the Western values

culture, fundamental economic system, capitalist class, political principles and

Consequences of October Revolution shows its international character. It becomes

Value addition – Know it Better

Difference between Menshevik and Bolsheviks

From - www.alphahistory.com|Russian revolution... (accessed on 13 Oct. 2014 at 3:15

International character of the Bolshevik revolution

5.1 Communist International and USSR

Value addition-Know more about it

Surf and know

To enhance the understanding and information on communist international you may

Marxist History: "The Communist International (1919-1943)", primarily accessed -March

The breakdown of imperialism and capitalism was signalled by the revolutions in

5.2 New diplomatic relations in International Relations

Almost all major countries of Eastern (Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Poland,

5.3 Efforts by Bolshevik Government in concluding peace treaties with other

5.4 Spread of socialism and communism in other nations

5.5 Non Alignment Movement (NAM)

Did you know?

Source- http//:en.m.wikipedia.org|wiki|Utopian_socialism (accessed on 4 October, 2014

Topic 6: Cold war as a long survived result of Red October Revolution

COLD WAR (2-

Source- self created(Author)

Lenin addressing the masses

20_Sverdlov_Square_%28original%29.jpg accessed on March 6 2015

What was the effect of October Revolution on Indian National Movement.