The Russian Revolution: An Annotated Timeline

Alexander II takes the throne

Mar 2, 1855

At the age of 36, Alexander took the throne after the death of his father.

Emancipation of serfs

Feb 19, 1861

Among Alexander's reforms was most importantly the emancipation of serf.

Judicial reformation

Dec 14, 1864

Alexander II reorganized the judicial system.

Alexander II assasinated

Mar 13, 1881

After several failed attempts, Alexander was killed from an explosion.

Nicholas II takes the throne

Oct 20, 1894

After the death of his father from kidney disease, Nicholas takes the throne.

Nicholas marries Alexandra

Nov 20, 1894

In order to make sure he had a future heir to the throne, Nicholas had to marry quickly.

Grigori Rasputin

Dec 14, 1903

Born a peasant in Siberia, Russia in 1869, he became a mystical adviser to the throne. He predicted the death of the royal family if he were killed. This came to pass 15 months after his death.

Russo-Japanese War

Feb 8, 1904

Russia had not withdrawn troops from Japan like promised. A surprise attack is launched by Japan. On May 27–29, 1905 Japan destroyed the Russian fleet.

Duma

Apr 27, 1906

Under pressure Nicholas pledged to institute civil liberties. However, Nicholas was determined to hold on to his power he maintained the ability to dismiss the Duma.

World War I

Jul 30, 1914

Due to being allies with France, Russia entered the war with Germany as a result of France entering.

March Revolution

Mar 14, 1917

Due to civil unrast and food shortages, open revolt led to Nicholas giving up the throne. Nicholas and his family were killed in July.

Aleksandr Kerensky Prime Minister

Jul 14, 1917

Aleksandr became Prime Minister of the provisional government. Because he had been in support of World War I, when the Bolsheviks revolted he went into hiding until 1918. He emigrated to Europe and moved to US in 1940.

Nicholas II and family murdered

Jul 17, 1918

Under Lenin the Bolsheviks murdered the entire family. This ended three centuries of Romanov rule.

Vladimir Lenin - "Peace, Land, and Bread"

Nov 8, 1918

Lenin was the Bolshevik Party leader. Lenin was drawn into the revolutionary cause after his brother was killed for being involved in the assassination of Alexander III. His slogan, "peace, land, and bread" gained popular support. He became the leader of Russia.

Russian Civil War - Red Army

Dec 14, 1918

The Red Army was the defenders of the new Bolsheviks government. The "whites" were composed of those who opposed Lenin.

Leon Trotsky - Lenin's #2 man

Dec 14, 1918

Trotsky was a communist and agitator. He was admitted into the Bolshevik party while still in jail for agitating. He was a military leader of the Revolution. Stalin defeated Trotsky after Lenin's death. He was eventually murdered.