The Russian Revolution of 1905 and 1917: A Comparative Study

The Russian Revolutions of 1905 and 1917 were two significant upheavals that altered the
course of Russian history. Both revolutions were driven by public dissatisfaction with autocratic
rule, economic misery, and social inequality, but they differed in terms of leadership, outcomes,
and historical significance.

Background to the Revolutions

Russia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was governed by an autocratic Tsarist regime
under the Romanovs. The Tsar ruled with absolute power, backed by the principles of autocracy,
orthodoxy, and nationalism. The majority of Russians were peasants living in poverty and bound
by a backward agricultural system. Industrialization had begun under Finance Minister Sergey
Witte, but it created poor working conditions and an exploited urban proletariat. Political activity
was suppressed, and revolutionary ideas were mostly spread through underground movements
and exiled intellectuals.

One of the key influences on the revolutionaries was Marxism, introduced by Russian exiles in
Geneva through the movement “The Liberation of Labour.” Karl Marx argued that history
progresses through class struggle and that the working class must overthrow capitalism to
create a socialist society. Vladimir Lenin, a committed Marxist, joined this movement and later
became a central figure in Russian revolutionary politics.

The 1905 Revolution

The immediate trigger for the 1905 Revolution was Russia’s defeat in the Russo-Japanese War,
which humiliated the nation and exposed the weaknesses of the Tsarist regime. On 22 January
1905, a peaceful procession of around 200,000 workers led by Father Gapon marched to the
Winter Palace to present a petition for better working conditions and civil rights. However, troops
opened fire on the crowd, killing hundreds in what became known as "Bloody Sunday."

This massacre led to widespread strikes, protests, and uprisings across Russia. Workers
formed Soviets (councils), such as the St. Petersburg Soviet of Workers’ Deputies. Although
these movements shook the regime, they lacked coordination and leadership. In response, Tsar
Nicholas II issued the October Manifesto, which promised civil liberties and the creation of a
Duma (parliament). However, the Duma had limited power, and the Tsar retained control.

Despite some gains, the 1905 Revolution failed to bring real change. The government used
military force to suppress uprisings, and most revolutionaries were arrested or killed. The
autocracy survived but had learned that it could no longer ignore public dissatisfaction.

Prelude to the 1917 Revolution

Russia's involvement in World War I worsened the situation. The war effort drained resources,
caused massive casualties, and led to severe food shortages. Inflation soared, and the people
grew increasingly angry with Tsar Nicholas II, who had taken personal command of the army.
His wife, Tsarina Alexandra, and her advisor Rasputin governed the country in his absence,
causing further discontent.

By early 1917, the Russian people were desperate for change. The urban workers, now more
politically conscious, were joined by peasants and disillusioned soldiers in their demand for an
end to war, hunger, and autocracy.

The February 1917 Revolution

The revolution began with a women-led protest in Petrograd on International Women's Day,
demanding bread and peace. Workers joined the protests, and soon, mass strikes spread
across the city. The army, instead of suppressing the crowds, sympathized with them and
eventually mutinied. Tsar Nicholas II lost control of the military and was forced to abdicate in
March 1917. This marked the end of the Romanov dynasty and the beginning of the Russian
Republic.

A Provisional Government was established, made up of liberal politicians from the Kadet Party.
Simultaneously, the Petrograd Soviet was formed, representing workers and soldiers. This
created a situation of “dual power,” where both the government and the Soviet tried to assert
authority.

The Bolsheviks and the October 1917 Revolution

The Provisional Government failed to deliver on its promises. It continued Russia’s participation
in World War I, did not solve the food crisis, and delayed land reforms. This created an
opportunity for the Bolsheviks, who gained popular support by promising “Peace, Land, and
Bread.”

Lenin returned from exile and laid out his April Theses, demanding the overthrow of the
Provisional Government. Under Trotsky's leadership, the Bolsheviks organized armed units
called the Red Guards. In October 1917, they carried out a coup, capturing key locations in
Petrograd, including the Winter Palace. The Provisional Government was overthrown, and the
Bolsheviks seized power.
The new Bolshevik government, led by Lenin, issued decrees nationalizing land and industry,
and withdrew Russia from the war by signing the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany. Private
property was abolished, and a one-party dictatorship replaced the earlier democratic
aspirations.

Role of the Peasantry

The peasants were a vital force in both revolutions. In 1905, they were largely unorganized and
reacted violently against landlords. By 1917, their sense of identity had evolved. They began to
refer to themselves as “citizens” and demanded land and rights. However, they often did not
fully understand the goals of the revolutionaries. The language and ideology of socialism were
foreign to them, and they were easily influenced by monarchists or misled by vague promises.

Despite this, the Bolsheviks tried to win peasant support by redistributing land and recognizing
village soviets. However, their long-term policies, such as forced collectivization, later turned
many peasants against the regime.

Consequences and Legacy

The 1905 Revolution was a failed attempt that exposed the weaknesses of the Tsarist regime
but achieved limited political reform. It was more a warning than a transformation. In contrast,
the 1917 Revolution brought about radical changes: the abolition of monarchy, the rise of a
socialist state, and the creation of the world’s first communist government.

However, the revolution’s promises of equality and freedom were soon overshadowed by civil
war, political repression, and economic hardship. The Bolsheviks’ authoritarian rule led to mass
arrests, censorship, and the suppression of political opponents. The New Economic Policy
(NEP) introduced some capitalist elements to revive the economy, but the USSR remained a
centralized one-party state.

Globally, the 1917 Revolution had a huge impact. It inspired communist movements across
Europe, Asia, and Latin America, and shaped the ideological battles of the 20th century. It also
demonstrated the dangers of disconnect between rulers and the ruled, and the power of mass
movements to overturn entrenched systems.

Conclusion

The revolutions of 1905 and 1917 were responses to the same core issues: autocracy, poverty,
and inequality. While 1905 was a rehearsal, 1917 was the real revolution that changed the
structure of Russian society and government. These events remind us that without addressing
the grievances of the people, no regime—no matter how powerful—can survive indefinitely.
Here's a simplified and exam-focused version (within 800 words) of the causes of the Russian
Revolution, structured to help you remember key points easily:

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Causes of the Russian Revolution – Simplified for Exams

The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a landmark event that overthrew the Romanov monarchy
and led to the establishment of a communist regime. It was caused by a mix of long-term
structural problems and short-term triggers.

1. Autocracy and Oppression

Absolute monarchy: For centuries, the Tsars ruled with unchecked power. Tsar Nicholas II
refused to modernize or reform. He believed he ruled by divine right.

No political freedom: There was no freedom of speech or assembly, and a brutal secret police
suppressed dissent.

Historian view: Boris Porshnev called the autocracy "oppressive and repressive." The lack of
reform alienated the public, especially the middle class and intellectuals.

2. Social and Economic Inequalities

Peasant suffering: Even after serfdom ended in 1861, peasants were burdened with land debts.
They remained poor and exploited.

Industrial worker misery: Industrialization brought peasants to cities, where they faced low
wages, long hours, and unsafe conditions. The gap between rich and poor was extreme.

Historian quote: Marc Bloch compared peasants’ conditions to medieval feudalism. Eric
Hobsbawm noted that Russia’s slow industrial growth created hopelessness among workers.

3. Russification and Ethnic Tensions

Forced assimilation: The government imposed Russian culture, language, and religion on
non-Russian communities (e.g., Poles, Ukrainians).

Ethnic resentment: These policies caused anger and uprisings among minorities, weakening the
Tsar's control.
Historian view: Lucy Worsley highlighted how Russification reduced the regime’s support in
diverse regions.

4. Russo-Japanese War & Bloody Sunday (1905)

War failure: Russia’s defeat by Japan in 1905 shocked the nation and exposed military
weakness and corruption.

Bloody Sunday: Peaceful protestors were killed by the Tsar’s troops. It destroyed people’s trust
in Nicholas II.

Effect: Although the Tsar created the Duma (parliament), it had no real power. Disillusionment
grew.

Historian note: Richard Pipes said the Duma’s failure left a political vacuum for revolutionaries.

5. World War I – The Final Blow

Military disaster: Russia’s army was unprepared. There were huge losses and poor leadership.

Economic collapse: The war caused food shortages, inflation, and broken infrastructure. People
starved.

Political chaos: Nicholas took command of the army, leaving power to Empress Alexandra and
Rasputin, whose corrupt influence discredited the monarchy.

Historian view: Eric Hobsbawm called WWI a “crucible of discontent” that pushed Russia toward
revolution.

6. Rise of Revolutionary Ideas

Marxism’s impact: Karl Marx’s ideas about class struggle inspired many Russians. They
believed in overthrowing the ruling class.

Lenin’s leadership: Lenin and Trotsky adapted Marxism to Russia. Lenin's April Theses
promised “Peace, Land, and Bread,” appealing to soldiers, peasants, and workers.

Historian view: E.H. Carr praised Lenin as a master strategist who united revolutionaries
effectively.
7. Failure of the Provisional Government (1917)

Temporary rule fails: After Nicholas II abdicated in February 1917, the Provisional Government
led by Kerensky took over.

Bad decisions: They kept Russia in World War I and failed to improve conditions or give land to
peasants.

Bolshevik advantage: These failures gave Lenin and the Bolsheviks the opportunity to seize
power in October 1917.

Historian note: Richard Pipes blamed the Provisional Government’s weakness for allowing the
Bolsheviks to rise. Isaac Deutscher said the revolution reflected both Russian problems and
universal struggles for justice.

Conclusion

The Russian Revolution was not caused by one event, but by the build-up of:

Autocratic rule

Social and economic injustice

Ethnic oppression

Military failures

Revolutionary leadership

As E.H. Carr said, it was more than a political change—it transformed Russian society forever.
The Revolution teaches us how deep-rooted inequalities and poor governance can lead to
massive upheaval.