Russian Revolution Timeline

Revolution of 1905 and the October Manifesto

Oct 17, 1905

This picture was chosen as it really shows the power of the people in Russia and also represents the significance of the revolution (many people desperate for change).

Beginning of WWI

Jul 28, 1914

I chose this picture as it represents the suffering Russians would experience as a result of WWI starting, which would influence many events with the Revolution in the future.

Czar Nicholas II takes sole control of military operations

Aug 29, 1915

This photo was chosen as it is an image of Nicholas II's power over the military, as he stands in front of his commanders/other soldiers confidently.

Brusilov Offensive

Jun 4, 1916

This image was selected as it shows Russian troops moving through the offensive.

Assassination of Rasputin

Dec 30, 1916

The image shows why many wanted Rasputin dead; he was very dark and people thought he was influencing the royal family in a negative way

International Women's Day March in Petrograd

Mar 8, 1917

The image shows the power of the women (protestors) and how they deeply wanted change in the government.

Nicholas II Abdicates

Mar 15, 1917

This photo, in comparison to the image of Nicholas II taking control of the army, shows how he lost all his power and did not have any control.

Provisional Government Formed

Mar 27, 1917

This photo shows members all huddled together, with no real leader or organized system. It illustrates the disorganization and lack of power in the Provisional Government.

Return of Lenin From Exile

Apr 3, 1917

In comparison to the picture of the provisional government, Lenin (as is shown) garnered the support of the public which made him gain power.

April Thesis Published

Apr 7, 1917

The photo shows Lenin presenting the April Thesis and presenting why the Bolsheviks should take power to a group of people.

First All-Russian Congress of Soviets meets

Jun 16, 1917

This image was chosen as it is a photo of all the delegates present at the first All-Russian Congress of Soviets. This contrasts the provisional government as delegates from the soviets were elected by the local citizens where they came from.

July Days

Jul 16, 1917

This photo is significant as it shows the workers of Petrograd rebelling through the streets, some of which appear to be shot, and lying injured/dead on the ground.

Kornilov Affair

Sep 10, 1917

This image shows various high-ranking officials following General Lavr Kornilov. This is significant as they actively went against their direct orders to follow his command.

Trotsky organizes Red Guard to defend Petrograd

Oct 10, 1917

This image shows the Red Guard fighting General Kornilov's army. This is significant as it shows the provisional government giving a high degree of power to the Bolsheviks.

Bolsheviks overthrow the Provisional Government and take control

Nov 6, 1917

This image was chosen as it shows Lenin, along with others, marching in Petrograd. This is contrasts the initial aims of the provisional government, as they had to arm the Bolsheviks in order to stop the Kornilov Affair.

Cheka Formed

Dec 20, 1917

The image selected shows a man being brutally taken away by the Cheka. This shows the complete and near lawless power that the Cheka had over Russian citizens.

Constitutent Assembly Meets and is Disbanded

Jan 18, 1918

This image was chosen to represent the disbandment of the Constituent Assembly as it displays the chaotic and crowded environment of the congress. This environment articulates the difficulty that came with attempting to develop a constitution under Bolshevik rule and what lead to the main reason for its dismemberment.

Treaty of Brest-Litovosk

Mar 3, 1918

This picture was chosen to represent the signing of the Treaty as it represents the Russians and Trotsky (left), as German Agents. It also shows the tactics of negotiation Trotsky used which made it seem as if Russia was winning the war when they were in bad shape.

Wartime Communism

Jun 1, 1918

This image was chosen to represent Wartime Communism because it displays through the soldier on the right, that the Russian government had strict control and influence over agriculture, industry, and the economy.

Red Terror

Sep 2, 1918

This image was chosen as it represents the cruel tactics that came along with the formation of the Red Terror, specifically the mass executions.

Soviets attempt to take Warsaw

Feb 14, 1919

This image depicts the Soviet Red Army's offensive to capture Warsaw, the capital of Poland, which had initial successes but ultimately ended in defeat as they were forced to withdraw by the Polish forces.

Ukraine brought under Soviet control

Mar 1, 1919

This image was chosen as it displays the territory of Ukraine (red) that was taken over by Soviet Russia. It also demonstrates how this was significant for Russia as it added a large population to its communist-led nation.

Kolchak (one of the White leaders) begins serious attacks against Reds from Siberia

Sep 1, 1919

This image was chosen as it represents the structure of the war on Bolshevism led by Kolchak. It also helps to highlight why the effort was unsuccessful in overthrowing the Bolsheviks.

Poles Move Toward Kiev

Apr 25, 1920

This image was chosen as it represents a political drawing of this war during the time it occurred. This underscores the barbaric behavior displayed by the opposing sides and the fact that it was fought in the city as townsfolk are seen in the image.

Tambov Rebellion

Aug 19, 1920

This image depicts one of the most significant peasant uprisings that occurred in the modern-day Tambov Oblast/Voronezh Oblast, which posed a significant challenge to the Bolshevik government during the Russian Civil War.

Kronstadt Uprising

Feb 26, 1921

This image represents the rebellion that occurred at the Kronstadt naval base, where sailors and workers rose up against the Communist government.

Ending of Wartime Communism

Mar 21, 1921

This image portrays the end of wartime communism, a policy adopted by the Soviet government during the Russian Civil War, which saw the introduction of strict state control over the economy and the forced requisition of grain and other resources from the peasants.

Treaty of Rapallo

Apr 16, 1922

This image portrays the signing of an agreement between the German Republic and Soviet Russia, in which both countries renounced their territorial and financial claims against each other and established diplomatic relations.

Formation of Soviet Union

Dec 30, 1922

This image illustrates the formation of the socialist state of Russia, which came into being after the Bolshevik Party, led by Lenin, overthrew the provisional government following the Russian Revolution.

Lenin's Death

Jan 21, 1924

This image represents the death of Lenin, who passed away at the age of 53 in Gorki after falling into a coma.