Updated October 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
The October Revolution, also known as the Bolshevik Revolution, was a pivotal event in Russian and world history that started on this day in 1917.
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What was the October Revolution?
The October Revolution was a revolution of the Bolshevik Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, which took place in October 1917. It resulted in the overthrow of the Provisional Government and the establishment of a Bolshevik-led government in Russia that would pave the way for the USSR.
What led to the October revolution?
The October Revolution was the culmination of a series of events in Russia during 1917. Key factors included widespread discontent with the Provisional Government, which had replaced the autocratic rule of the Romanov dynasty, and the ongoing hardships caused by World War I. The Bolsheviks capitalized on this discontent, promoting the idea of a socialist revolution and “peace, land, and bread.”
How did the October revolution impact world history?
The October Revolution had profound and far-reaching consequences. It led to a civil war in Russia, which lasted until 1923 and resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. The establishment of the Soviet Union under Bolshevik rule had a major impact on the course of 20th-century history, leading to the spread of communism and the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. Domestically, it transformed Russia into a socialist state with a planned economy and one-party rule.