The Russian Revolution

In 1917, Russia went through two revolutions that changed the country forever. The Russian people were tired of poverty, hunger, and a terrible war. First, they overthrew the czar, their emperor. Then, a group called the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, took power. They created a new kind of government based on the ideas of communism. Russia became the Soviet Union, which lasted until 1991.

Why the People Revolted

Life in Russia was very hard for most people. The czar, Nicholas II, lived in luxury while ordinary people struggled. Workers in factories worked long hours for little pay. Farmers did not have enough land. Then World War I made everything worse. Millions of Russian soldiers died, and there was not enough food at home. In February 1917, the people rose up and the czar gave up his throne.

The Bolsheviks Take Power

After the czar left, a temporary government tried to run the country. But it could not solve Russia's problems. In October 1917, Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks seized power. They promised peace, land, and bread. They pulled Russia out of World War I and began building a communist country where the government controlled everything. The Russian Revolution inspired some people around the world but frightened others.

Fun Facts

• Czar Nicholas II and his family were the last royal family to rule Russia.
• Lenin's real last name was Ulyanov. He used 'Lenin' as a secret name.
• The Bolsheviks changed Russia's calendar, skipping 13 days to match the calendar used in the rest of Europe.

Did You Know?

The Russian Revolution happened during World War I, making it one of the very few times a country has had a revolution while also fighting a major war.