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Marxists revolutionaries disagree over revolutionary tactics. The more radical Bolsheviks are ready to risk everything. The charismatic Vladimir Lenin becomes the leader. -
Russia suffers humiliating defeats, weakening public trust in the government and exacerbating internal strife. -
Thousands of workers march to the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg to present a petition to Czar Nicholas II. Soldiers fire on the crowd, killing hundreds. This event sparks widespread strikes and protests. -
Russia’s elected parliament, meets but is quickly dissolved by the czar due to its demands for reform. -
Russia enters World War I, but is unprepared for the massive losses and economic strain. Morale among soldiers and citizens declines rapidly. -
The Bolshevik Revolution, also known as the October Revolution, takes place. Lenin and the Bolsheviks overthrow the Provisional Government and establish a communist regime. -
The February Revolution leads to the abdication of Czar Nicholas II. A Provisional Government is established, but it struggles to maintain power and address Russia’s economic and social crises. -
The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk is signed, ending Russia’s involvement in WWI. However, the harsh terms imposed by Germany create further unrest. -
The Red Army, led by Leon Trotsky, defeats the White Army, solidifying Bolshevik control. -
Lenin introduces the New Economic Policy (NEP), allowing limited capitalism to revive the war-torn economy. -
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) is officially established, marking the formation of a communist state under Bolshevik rule.