Article Title
Abstract
The Russian Revolution was caused by the consequences of World War I: economic crises, and demotivated soldiers. In both cases, governments – the Romanov Dynasty and the Provisional Government that first seized power from the Tsar – were unable to resolve these problems. But these factors alone were not sufficient enough to cause the Russian Revolution, rather they should be understood as preconditions. What was also needed was a strong party – the Bolshevik Party – willing and able to capitalize on such preconditions. First, this paper will argue that economic crises such as food shortages, inflation, and poor working conditions triggered mass discontent with the Tsar and the Provisional Government. Second, soldiers who were demotivated by war weariness, were disinclined to protect the political order during the February Revolution and the October Revolution. Finally, in the midst of crises, the Bolshevik Party positioned itself to build on these preconditions and turn them into revolution.
Recommended Citation
Hyun, Chang-Dae
(2019)
"The Russian Revolution,"
Grand Valley Journal of History: Vol. 7:
Iss.
1, Article 1.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gvjh/vol7/iss1/1