Russian Revolution

April 1903 – The Rise of the Bolsheviks

1903

The Russian Marxist movement fractures into two groups. The Mensheviks, who wanted gradual change, and the Bolsheviks, who sought immediate revolution.

February 1904 – The Russo-Japanese War Begins

1904

Tensions between Russia and Japan escalate into war over control of Manchuria and Korea. Russia was expecting an easy victory and was humiliated by their loss.

May 1906 – The First Duma is Established

1904

In response to unrest, Tsar Nicholas II creates the Duma, Russia’s first parliamentary body. However, the Tsar still had absolute power and didn't allow the Duma to challenge him.

January 22, 1905 – Bloody Sunday

Jan 22, 1905

Many workers protested at the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg for better working conditions; they were fired upon, and many died or were wounded. This sparks the 1905 Revolution, and leads toward resent of the monarchy.

August 1914 – Russia Enters World War I

1914

Russia joins the war against Germany and Austria Hungary, but they are poorly led and poorly equipped.

March 1917 – The February Revolution

1917

With many protests and striking workers Tsar Nicholas II abdicates the throne. A provisional government get put in place but has trouble fixing issues.

November 1917 – The Bolshevik Revolution

1917

The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, seize power in Petrograd, and the Provisional Government collapses without much resistance. Lenin and the Bolsheviks establish a socialist government, promising "peace, land, and bread" to the Russian people.

March 1918 – Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

1918

Russia signs a peace treaty with Germany, ending its involvement in World War I. However, the treaty makes Russia give up massive territory.

October 1920 – The Russian Civil War Ends

1920

After years of brutal conflict between the Bolsheviks and anti-communist forces, the Bolsheviks emerge victorious. The war devastates Russia, ruins their economy, and kills millions.

December 1922 – The Formation of the Soviet Union

1922

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) is officially established, combining Russia and neighboring republics. Lenin’s government takes complete power, laying the foundation for Soviet rule in the 20th century.