MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY OF AFRICA

MARIA WARDA

BEDK/2/00124/3/21

HIS 422

HISTORY OF USSR

WBA/CAT

LECTURER: OMUKUBA WAMATENDECHERE

SEM: JAN- APRI, 2025

DATE: 11/02/2025

MILESTONES IN THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE THAT SHAPED THE 1917 RUSSIAN

REVOLUTION USHERING IN THE SOVIET UNION.

INTRODUCTION.
The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a culmination of political, social, and economic
crises that had been brewing in the Russian Empire for centuries. The revolution led to
the collapse of the Romanov dynasty and the rise of the Soviet Union under Bolshevik
rule. Several key milestones contributed to this transformative event, including autocratic
rule, social unrest, economic struggles, and military failures. This paper analyzes the
significant milestones that shaped the 1917 Russian Revolution, leading to the
establishment of the Soviet Union.

1.Emancipation of the serfs (1861).

The Emancipation of the Serfs In 1861, under Tsar Alexander II, is a key milestone that
contributed significantly to the conditions leading up to the 1917 Russian Revolution.
This event marked the formal end of serfdom, which had been a central feature of the
Russian Empire’s feudal system. While it gave millions of peasant’s legal freedom, the
way it was implemented had important long-term consequences that contributed to the
revolutionary climate.

The serfs were granted personal freedom but were often burdened by heavy redemption
payments for the land they were allocated. The land given to the peasants was often
insufficient, poorly distributed, and difficult to cultivate effectively. As a result, many
peasants remained impoverished and dissatisfied, unable to improve their living

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conditions. The gap between the nobility and the peasantry remained wide, and the
promise of better opportunities for the peasants largely went unfulfilled.1

This led to continued unrest among the rural population, which became one of the
sources of revolutionary sentiment. The Emancipation Edict did not address the
underlying economic issues faced by the peasants, and dissatisfaction grew. The
discontented peasantry, along with the growing industrial working class, contributed to
the rise of revolutionary movements like the Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks, which
ultimately brought down the Tsarist regime in 1917.

While the Emancipation of the Serfs was intended to modernize Russia, it ultimately
deepened the socio-economic divide and exacerbated the problems faced by the majority
of the population, setting the stage for the 1917 revolution.

2.The Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905) and the 1905 Revolution.

The Russo-Japanese War was a major turning point that exposed the weaknesses of the
Russian Empire. Russia suffered a humiliating defeat against Japan, which damaged
national pride and eroded confidence in the Tsarist regime. The war strained the economy
and contributed to widespread dissatisfaction among soldiers and civilians.

The war’s failures directly led to the 1905 Revolution, during which mass protests,
strikes, and uprisings occurred across the empire. The most infamous event was Bloody
Sunday (January 22, 1905), when peaceful protesters led by Father Gapon were
massacred by the Tsar’s troops. This event shattered the myth of the Tsar as a "fatherly
protector" and radicalized many Russians.

In response, Nicholas II introduced the October Manifesto, which granted limited reforms
such as the establishment of the Duma (parliament). However, these reforms were
superficial, and the Tsar continued to suppress opposition through repressive measures,
setting the stage for future unrest.

3.Economic Hardships and Industrialization Challenges.

By the early 20th century, Russia was undergoing rapid but uneven industrialization. The
economy was heavily dependent on agriculture, with peasants suffering from extreme
poverty and land shortages. Meanwhile, the urban working class faced poor working
conditions, low wages, and long hours in factories.

1
Orlando Figes, A People’s Tragedy: The Russian Revolution 1891–1924 (London: Penguin Books,
1997), 105.
Richard Pipes, The Russian Revolution (New York: Vintage Books, 1990), 87.
S.A. Smith, The Russian Revolution: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford: Oxford University Press,
2002), 54.

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Inflation, food shortages, and economic inequality deepened social tensions. The
industrial centers, particularly in St. Petersburg and Moscow, became hotbeds of
revolutionary activity. Strikes and protests were frequent, as workers demanded better
wages, rights, and political change.

4.The 1905 Revolution.

The Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905) exposed the weaknesses of the Russian military,
leading to a humiliating defeat. This, along with economic hardship, triggered the 1905
Revolution.

Bloody Sunday (January 22, 1905): A peaceful protest led by Father Gapon was met with
violent repression by the imperial guard in St. Petersburg, killing hundreds. This event
shattered public trust in Tsar Nicholas II and ignited widespread protests.

The October Manifesto (1905): In response to the uprising, Nicholas II issued the
October Manifesto, promising limited constitutional reforms, including the creation of the
State Duma (parliament). However, these reforms were largely ineffective, as the tsar
retained ultimate authority, leading to continued dissatisfaction.

5.Russia’s Involvement in World War I (1914–1917).

World War I was the final blow to the Tsarist regime. Russia was ill-prepared for the war,
and its military suffered devastating defeats against Germany. Millions of soldiers died,
and morale among troops and civilians collapsed.

The war exacerbated economic struggles, leading to severe food and fuel shortages.
Cities experienced frequent strikes and protests due to rising prices and hunger.
Meanwhile, Nicholas II’s decision to take personal command of the army in 1915
backfired, as he was blamed for Russia’s military failures.

With the Tsar at the front, power in the capital fell into the hands of his unpopular wife,
Empress Alexandra, and her advisor Rasputin, whose influence further discredited the
monarchy. By early 1917, frustration with the war and the government reached a
breaking point, leading to the February Revolution.

6.The February Revolution (1917) and the Abdication of Nicholas II

By early 1917, Russia was on the brink of collapse. In February (March in the Gregorian
calendar), mass protests erupted in Petrograd (modern-day St. Petersburg).2
2
Blum, J. (1961). Lord and peasant in Russia: From the ninth to the nineteenth century. Princeton
University Press, pp. 250-265.
Emmons, T. (1970). The Russian landed gentry and the peasant emancipation of 1861. Cambridge
University Press, p. 78.
Hosking, G. (2001). Russia and the Russians: A history. Harvard University Press, pp. 180-190.

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Bread Riots and Strikes: Women led protests demanding bread, which quickly escalated
into strikes involving workers and soldiers. The imperial government lost control as
mutinies spread.

Abdication of Nicholas II (March 15, 1917): With no support from the military, Nicholas
II was forced to abdicate, ending the Romanov dynasty. A Provisional Government was
established, but it struggled to maintain order and failed to address key issues like ending
the war.

7.The Bolshevik Revolution (October 1917)

The failure of the Provisional Government provided an opportunity for the Bolsheviks,
led by Vladimir Lenin, to seize power.

Lenin’s Return and the April Theses: Lenin, returning from exile, called for 'peace, land,
and bread,' rallying workers and soldiers against the Provisional Government.

The Bolshevik Takeover (October 25, 1917): The Bolsheviks, with support from the Red
Guards and soviets (workers' councils), stormed the Winter Palace and overthrew the
Provisional Government, marking the beginning of Soviet rule.

CONCLUSION.
The Russian Revolution of 1917 was the result of long-term political, social, and
economic crises in the Russian Empire. Key milestones such as autocratic rule,
industrialization, the 1905 Revolution, World War I, and the failures of the Provisional
Government all contributed to the collapse of the Romanov dynasty and the rise of
Bolshevik power. These events paved the way for the creation of the Soviet Union,
fundamentally transforming Russia and global politics.

REFERENCES.

1.Figes, Orlando. A People's Tragedy: The Russian Revolution 1891–1924. London:

Penguin Books, 1997.

2.Pipes, Richard. The Russian Revolution. New York: Vintage Books, 1990.

3.Smith, S.A. The Russian Revolution: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford
University Press, 2002.

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4.Blum, J. (1961). Lord and peasant in Russia: From the ninth to the nineteenth century.
Princeton University Press.

5.Emmons, T. (1970). The Russian landed gentry and the peasant emancipation of 1861.
Cambridge University Press.

6.Hosking, G. (2001). Russia and the Russians: A history. Harvard University Press.