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Russian Revolution

The Russian Revolution was a pair of revolutions in 1917 that ended the Russian Empire and brought the Bolsheviks to power.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Russian Revolution was a pair of revolutions in 1917 that ended the Russian Empire and brought the Bolsheviks to power. It began with the February Revolution, which overthrew Tsar Nicholas II, and was followed by the October Revolution, which installed a Bolshevik government and set the course for the Soviet Union.

Background

By 1917, Russia faced severe strain from World War I, economic crisis, food shortages, and growing dissatisfaction with autocratic rule. These conditions helped create the unrest that led to revolution.

February Revolution

The February Revolution began with protests and strikes in Petrograd and ended with Tsar Nicholas II abdicating. A Provisional Government replaced the monarchy, but it did not resolve Russia’s deeper political and social problems.

October Revolution

Later in 1917, the Bolsheviks overthrew the Provisional Government in Petrograd. This transfer of power placed Lenin’s party at the center of government and marked a decisive turn toward one-party rule.

Aftermath

The revolution was followed by civil war and the consolidation of Bolshevik power. In 1922, the Soviet Union was formed from Russia and other former imperial territories.

Key facts

  • The Russian Revolution is usually treated as two revolutions in 1917: February and October.
  • The February Revolution overthrew the imperial government and Tsar Nicholas II.
  • The October Revolution brought the Bolsheviks to power.
  • The revolutions took place amid war, economic hardship, and political unrest.
  • The revolutionary period led to the collapse of the Russian monarchy and contributed to the creation of the Soviet state.
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Canadian context

The Russian Revolution shaped global politics in the 20th century, influencing socialist and communist movements, anti-communist politics, and international relations that also affected Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What was the Russian Revolution?
It was a pair of revolutions in 1917 that ended the Russian Empire and brought the Bolsheviks to power.
How many revolutions were there in 1917?
There were two major revolutions in 1917: the February Revolution and the October Revolution.
Who was overthrown in the February Revolution?
Tsar Nicholas II and the imperial government were overthrown.
Who led the Bolsheviks?
Vladimir Lenin was the Bolshevik leader most closely associated with the seizure of power.
What came after the Russian Revolution?
Russia entered a civil war, and the Soviet Union was formed in 1922.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/event/Russian-Revolution
    Supports: Definition of the Russian Revolution as the two 1917 revolutions and their outcomes
  2. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum — https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/the-russian-revolution-1917
    Supports: Two revolutions in 1917 and their collective identification as the Russian Revolution
  3. Marx Memorial Library — https://www.marx-memorial-library.org.uk/project/centenary-russian-revolution/brief-history-russian-revolution
    Supports: February Revolution background, Petrograd unrest, and 1922 formation of the Soviet Union
  4. History — https://www.history.com/articles/russian-revolution
    Supports: General overview of the 1917 revolutions and their role in the formation of the Soviet Union
  5. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Russian-Revolution
    Supports: Causes including corruption, Tsar Nicholas II's policies, and World War I losses
  6. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Russian-Revolution/353713
    Supports: February Revolution, Bolshevik takeover, civil war, and 1922 renaming as the USSR