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International Women's day
8 March (23 February) 1917: On International Women’s Day, demonstrators and striking workers – many of whom are women – take to the streets to protest against food shortages and the war. Two days later, the strikes spread across Petrograd. -
Lenin Returns from Exile
Lenin returns from exile, travelling to Petrograd in a sealed train from Switzerland via Germany and Finland. -
Period: to
Russian Revolution
A series of public protests begin in Petrograd, which last for eight days and eventually result in abolition of the monarchy in Russia. The total number of killed and injured in clashes with the police and government troops in Petrograd is estimated around 1,300 people. -
June Offensive
1 July (18 June) 1917: Alexander Kerensky launches an offensive against Austria-Hungary forces in Galicia. The soldiers refused to fight. Many soldiers returned home to redistribute the land. -
July Days
July 16–20 1917: The July Days, a series of spontaneous armed anti-government demonstrations of industrial workers and soldiers, begin in Petrograd. Lvov resigns as leader of the Provisional Government, with Alexander Kerensky taking over and crushing the demonstrations. In the same month, the death penalty is reintroduced and women are granted the right to vote and hold office. -
Kornilov affair
The Kornilov affair: A failed coup by General Kornilov, commander of the Russian army, takes place, when he orders troops towards Petrograd to counter the threat of the Bolsheviks. -
Russia's Declares as a Republic
Russia is officially declared a republic. -
Bread Prices
Each person receives 1/4 pound of bread per day. Bread and flour are still being sold openly, but for extortionate prices. -
October Revolution
7 November (25) 1917: The Bolsheviks seize control of Petrograd.
8 November (26 October) 1917: The Bolsheviks take control of the Winter Palace, the last remaining holdout of the Provisional Government.
8 November (26 October) 1917: The Decrees on Land, and Peace, are issued by the new Bolshevik government. Subsequent workers’ decrees outline measures for an eight-hour working day, minimum wage and the running of factories. The death penalty is abolished once again. -
The adoption of the Gregorian calendar
Russia adopts the Western (Gregorian) calendar. -
Russian Social Democratic Labour Party
At the 7th Congress of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party, the Bolsheviks change the name of their party to the Russian Communist Party. The Russian capital is also moved from Petrograd to Moscow this year. -
Equal rights to men and women
The first constitution of the Russian Socialist Federated Soviet Republic grants equal rights to men and women. -
Nicholas II Execution
Tsar Nicholas II and his family are executed by the Bolsheviks in Yekaterinburg. -
Red Army Invasion
The Red Army invades and occupies Crimea and the White Army is forced to withdraw. -
End of War Communism and the Introduction of The New Economic Policy
The Kronstadt mutiny, an unsuccessful uprising against the Bolsheviks, takes place. End of ‘War Communism’ and the introduction of the ‘New Economic Policy’ (NEP). -
The Creation of the Soviet Union
Creation of the Soviet Union. -
Lenin Dies
Lenin dies, leading to a power struggle within the party. Stalin emerges as Party leader. His rival Leon Leon Trotsky is dismissed, then exiled and finally murdered in 1940.