The Consequences of Revolution (1917-1953)

The Provisional Government and Dual Authority (1917)

Provisional Government was formed in March 1917 after Nicholas II’s abdication. Its primary goal was the continuation of war effort against Germany. But this was highly unpopular, leading to the government’s overthrow by the Bolsheviks in October 1917.
The Dual Authority: The Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies, though informal, held considerable power due to support from soldiers and workers.
Failure of Provisional Government to act on land reforms and demands for an end to the war further undermined its authority.

Lenin, leader of the Bolsheviks, promised ‘Peace, Land, Bread’, capturing the popular sentiment.
The October Revolution (1917) led by Lenin brought the Bolsheviks to power. They moved quickly to end the war by signing the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany.
The Civil War (1918-1921), was a fight for control between the Red Army (Bolsheviks) and the White Army (Conservatives, Liberals and Social Revolutionaries). Bolsheviks’ strategic location, unified command and control of industry and railways secured their victory.
The harsh economic policy of War Communism was introduced during the Civil War, involving the requisitioning of grain from peasants and nationalisation of industry.
Red Terror: The Cheka (Secret Police) was used to suppress opposition during the Civil War.
After the Civil War, Lenin introduced the New Economic Policy (NEP) to restore the economy.

Following Lenin’s death in 1924, Joseph Stalin emerged as the leader through a power struggle with Trotsky, who was exiled in 1929.
Stalin abandoned the NEP in favor of a centrally planned economy through a series of Five-Year Plans launched in 1928. The aim was to transform the Soviet Union into a major industrial power.
- Collectivisation of agriculture led to the seizure of grain and livestock, causing famine and millions of deaths among the peasantry.
- Industrialisation was successful to some extent, with significant growth in heavy industry.
The Great Purge (1936-1938) saw millions accused of being “enemies of the state”. They were either executed or sent to forced labour camps (Gulags). Stalin used the purge to eliminate potential political threats and consolidate his power.
Impact of World War II (1939-1945): The Soviet Union suffered huge losses in life and material damage but also saw a major expansion of its territory.
Stalin’s rule was characterised by unprecedented state control, repression of dissent, and a cult of personality. It lasted until his death in 1953.