Explain the course of the Russian Revolution.
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The working classes in Russia were influenced by Marxism. They organized Workmen’s Social Democratic Party. The Party split into two in 1903 on ideological grounds. The radicals, led by Lenin, came to be known as Bolsheviks, while the moderates led by Alexander Kerensky yere called Mensheviks.
After the defeat of Russian in 1915 in the World War-I, revolutionaries insisted on overthrowing the Tsarist regime. Rasputin was killed by the end of 1916. Demand for constitutional reforms in the ‘Duma’ had begun even before the World War I. Tsar dissolved ‘Duma’ and arrested its members. Negligence of administration had an adverse effect on food supply.
On March 8th,1917, women workers organised a protest at Petrograd demanding food. On March 9th a large number of workers joined the protest. They gave a call for a general protest on March 10th. Soldiers were ordered to open fire on these protesters, but they refused to obey and supported the workers. Tsar Nicholas II had to abdicate the throne on March 15th .
After ousting the Tsar, a provisional government was established in Russia headed by Kerensky. This is called as the Menshevik Revolution or theMarch Revolution. The government ensured freedom of speech and association, upheld the freedom of press and religion and encouraged liberal reforms. But the provisional government continued to participate in the First World War and suffered serious setbacks.
The Menshevik Government under Kerensky failed to remain in power, because, the aspirations of the Russians for land, peace, and security were not fulfilled. Finally, the Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, challenged the Menshevik government on 15th October 1917, and ultimately overthrew them on 25th October 1917.
This is called as the October Revolution or Bolshevik Revolution. With the help of the ‘Red Army’, Lenin who came to power fulfilled these aspirations by using force. Thus U.S.S.R was established after the October Revolution. Lenin became the head of the Republic and continued in office till his death in 1924.