March & November 1917Reputable source · 2 sourcesWell documented
The Russian Revolution
On the timeline · around March & November 1917 ·
What happened
In 1917 Russia was convulsed by two revolutions: the February Revolution forced Tsar Nicholas II to abdicate, and in the October (November) Revolution the Bolsheviks under Lenin seized power. The new Soviet government sought to pull Russia out of the war.
Why it matters
The revolution removed Russia — the Allies' great eastern partner — from the war and created the world's first communist state, reshaping the twentieth century.
Sources
- World History Encyclopedia. Bolshevik Revolution · Reputable source
- Imperial War Museums. The Russian February Revolution · Reputable source