Reasons For The Downfall Of The Russian Empire In The Year Of 1917.
“The Soviet socialist experiment has been the great utopian adventure of our century, “ one scholar wrote about the Soviet Union. For more than 70 years, to millions it has meant hope, and to other millions, horror; but for all it has spelled fascination.”` For three hundred years, which was known as the communist era, Russia had been ruled by a system known as Czarism. Czarism was a murderously authoritarian form of government that was repeatedly brutal beyond belief. It remained almost constant from its beginning in 1614 until its dying in 1917. Much of what happened in Russia under Czarism helps us to understand the character of the Soviet system that replaced it in 1917.
The Russian Revolution began spontaneously in Petrograd in March 1917. There was a severe shortage of bread, which then led to enforce rationing and long lines at stores. The mere thought of hunger or even starvation led to demonstrations and strikes. On March 8, a huge crowd marched through the streets to demand the government to put an end to the bread shortage. Police officers broke up the march, but a few days later the demonstration grew and became stronger in the process. On March 11, troops were ordered by government officials to end the riots, but instead of restoring order the soldiers stood by or even joined in the chaos. The desertion of the local army caused the government to crurable. Czar Nicholas II resigned office March 15 not only from the enormous popular action but also from his brother, Michael, handing over the power to the “Provisional Government” formed by the Duma two days prior. The provisional government of liberals and temperate socialists succeeded the czar. Unfortunately, this government could not make genuine changes in Russian society. Although the government purposed many popular actions such as the Petrograd Soviet of Worker’s and Soldiers’ Deputies, it failed to control over the country and refused to accommodate popular demanRAB for an end of war, give land to the poor peasants, and end the widespread of food shortages. It only lasted from March-Noveraber 1917.
During this period, Vladimir Lenin arrived in Petrograd hoping he could radicalize the revolution. Lenin issued his “April These.” Lenin urged his party, the Bolsheviks who represented the Russian Social Democratic Party who believed that violence was the key to the improvement of the workers, to not support the provisional government or the war effort. He also wanted to give the soviets the government’s power. Many moderate liberals and socialists exposed Lenin’s approach, but the Bolsheviks waited for the exact moment to take over the power the government’s power. They were ready to destroy the provisional government and any opposing groups who got in their way of achieving their commitment to the objectives “land, bread, and peace.” Their ultimate goal was to create a communist society. The Bolshevik’s crucial moment came Noveraber 7, 1917, when the provisional government was at its lowest point because of the horrendous strain on Russian life caused by Russia’s involvement in WW I. The Bolsheviks apprehended control of key centers of administration. The provisional government collapsed.
The events of 1917 unfolded into the small hanRAB of the Bolsheviks, which seemed supernatural since Russia is the largest country in Europe. The key to the Bolsheviks success was their ability to appeal to the soviets at the time of the national uproar created by the crashing economy and WW I losses. The other important element in the victory to communism was Vladimir Lenin. He was a masterful strategist who believed the end justified the means. “History will not forgive us if we do not take power now,” pleaded Lenin. This quote displays Lenin’s willingness to do whatever it took to win and hold the power. Even if it meant the falling of the empire.
“The Soviet socialist experiment has been the great utopian adventure of our century, “ one scholar wrote about the Soviet Union. For more than 70 years, to millions it has meant hope, and to other millions, horror; but for all it has spelled fascination.”` For three hundred years, which was known as the communist era, Russia had been ruled by a system known as Czarism. Czarism was a murderously authoritarian form of government that was repeatedly brutal beyond belief. It remained almost constant from its beginning in 1614 until its dying in 1917. Much of what happened in Russia under Czarism helps us to understand the character of the Soviet system that replaced it in 1917.
The Russian Revolution began spontaneously in Petrograd in March 1917. There was a severe shortage of bread, which then led to enforce rationing and long lines at stores. The mere thought of hunger or even starvation led to demonstrations and strikes. On March 8, a huge crowd marched through the streets to demand the government to put an end to the bread shortage. Police officers broke up the march, but a few days later the demonstration grew and became stronger in the process. On March 11, troops were ordered by government officials to end the riots, but instead of restoring order the soldiers stood by or even joined in the chaos. The desertion of the local army caused the government to crurable. Czar Nicholas II resigned office March 15 not only from the enormous popular action but also from his brother, Michael, handing over the power to the “Provisional Government” formed by the Duma two days prior. The provisional government of liberals and temperate socialists succeeded the czar. Unfortunately, this government could not make genuine changes in Russian society. Although the government purposed many popular actions such as the Petrograd Soviet of Worker’s and Soldiers’ Deputies, it failed to control over the country and refused to accommodate popular demanRAB for an end of war, give land to the poor peasants, and end the widespread of food shortages. It only lasted from March-Noveraber 1917.
During this period, Vladimir Lenin arrived in Petrograd hoping he could radicalize the revolution. Lenin issued his “April These.” Lenin urged his party, the Bolsheviks who represented the Russian Social Democratic Party who believed that violence was the key to the improvement of the workers, to not support the provisional government or the war effort. He also wanted to give the soviets the government’s power. Many moderate liberals and socialists exposed Lenin’s approach, but the Bolsheviks waited for the exact moment to take over the power the government’s power. They were ready to destroy the provisional government and any opposing groups who got in their way of achieving their commitment to the objectives “land, bread, and peace.” Their ultimate goal was to create a communist society. The Bolshevik’s crucial moment came Noveraber 7, 1917, when the provisional government was at its lowest point because of the horrendous strain on Russian life caused by Russia’s involvement in WW I. The Bolsheviks apprehended control of key centers of administration. The provisional government collapsed.
The events of 1917 unfolded into the small hanRAB of the Bolsheviks, which seemed supernatural since Russia is the largest country in Europe. The key to the Bolsheviks success was their ability to appeal to the soviets at the time of the national uproar created by the crashing economy and WW I losses. The other important element in the victory to communism was Vladimir Lenin. He was a masterful strategist who believed the end justified the means. “History will not forgive us if we do not take power now,” pleaded Lenin. This quote displays Lenin’s willingness to do whatever it took to win and hold the power. Even if it meant the falling of the empire.