Significance Timeline

  • October Revolution

    October Revolution
    The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, took control from the Provisional Government in a coup and set up a communist government.
  • Formation of the Provincial Government

    Formation of the Provincial Government
    After the Tsar stepped down, a temporary government was set up to try to create a democratic system.
  • February Revolution

    February Revolution
    The February Revolution happened in March 1917 when people were upset about food shortages and World War I. Protests broke out in Petrograd, and the military wouldn't stop them. Tsar Nicholas II gave up his throne on March 15, 1917, ending the Romanov family rule. A temporary government took over but struggled to make changes. This eventually led to the Bolshevik Revolution later that year.
  • Lenin Returns to Russia

    Lenin Returns to Russia
    Vladimir Lenin came back from exile and shared his ideas about a socialist revolution, encouraging the Bolsheviks to take action.
  • Civil War Begins

    Civil War Begins
    The fight between the Red Army (Bolsheviks) and the White Army (anti-Bolsheviks) started and continued until 1922.
  • Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

    Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
    The Bolsheviks made a peace deal with Germany, which ended Russia's participation in World War I, but they gave up a lot of land.
  • Establishment of the Soviet Union

    Establishment of the Soviet Union
    The USSR was officially created, strengthening Bolshevik control.
  • Death of Lenin

    Death of Lenin
    When Lenin passed away, it started a fight for power in the Communist Party. Many leaders wanted to be in charge, which caused a lot of conflict. This struggle went on for some time, with different groups trying to take control. In the end, Joseph Stalin became the main leader. His ride changed the course of the Soviet Union.