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The Russian Marxist movement fractures into two groups. The Mensheviks, who wanted gradual change, and the Bolsheviks, who sought immediate revolution. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Russia joins the war against Germany and Austria Hungary, but they are poorly led and poorly equipped. -
With many protests and striking workers Tsar Nicholas II abdicates the throne. A provisional government get put in place but has trouble fixing issues. -
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. -
Russia signs a peace treaty with Germany, ending its involvement in World War I. However, the treaty makes Russia give up massive territory. -
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. -
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.