The Bolshevik Revolution, also known as the October Revolution, took place in 1917 in Russia. It was led by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolshevik faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party.
The revolution occurred in two main phases during 1917. The February Revolution (March 1917 by the Gregorian calendar) resulted in the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the establishment of a Provisional Government. The October Revolution (7-8 November 1917 by the Gregorian calendar, or 25-26 October by the Julian calendar then in use in Russia) saw the Bolsheviks overthrow the Provisional Government and seize power. Armed workers, soldiers, and sailors stormed the Winter Palace in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg), and Lenin declared the transfer of authority to the Soviets (workers' councils).
This revolution established the world's first socialist state and led to the creation of the Soviet Union in 1922. It was a pivotal event of the 20th century that reshaped global politics.
The year 1915 falls in the middle of the First World War before revolutionary events reached their climax. The years 1919 and 1921 come after the revolution, during the Russian Civil War period (1917-1922).
Exam tip: Remember the two revolutions of 1917: the February Revolution toppled the Tsar, and the October (Bolshevik) Revolution brought Lenin and the Bolsheviks to power.
