Question

The Russian revolution took place in the year –
A. 1917
B. 1918
C. 1919
D. 1920

Answer 1

Hint: Russian Revolution was a revolution in Russian empire caused by social, political and economic turmoil leading to the end of the Romanov Dynasty. It introduced the new radical political life under the leadership of communist leader Vladimir Lenin.

Complete answer: Tsarist Russia remained orthodox till late 19th c. and in the wake of growing industrial bases, it faced severe economic crunch. Demand for land and bread were not met, and the industry workforce was unhappy with harsh working conditions. Educated sections of society were alienated from the government while minority nationalism was on the rise. This resentment towards an incompetent government was manifested through various protests and strikes in 1905, leading to the formation of a parliamentary body, Duma. Russian society’s instability increased as duma couldn’t do much and Russia took part in the first world war. By 1917, the war-weariness and bread price rose to another level, this resulted again in countrywide protest in February consisting workers, students, women and the soldiers’ revolt leading Tsar Nicholas to abdicate the throne, ultimately ending the monarchy.
Popular sovereignty and democratic representation emerged as topics of public discussion, and a new provincial government was formed. It comprised Moderates with single communist Alexandra Kerensky. This government too failed in solving issues of land and war. Meanwhile, Vladimir Lenin saw an opportunity for a radical restructuring of power through his party Bolsheviks. They organized a coup on 24th October, taking over key official places and institutions in control, and the next day the provisional government was arrested.
Lenin came up with a decree on land and peace, along with forming the council of people's commissars as the new government. The land decree led to the abolishment of proprietorship and giving charge of converting crown and church land to local land committees. A week later, Bolsheviks came with the declaration of the rights of the people of Russia abolishing all privileges based on nationality or religion along with civil and legal titles too. Centralizing and authoritarian measures were taken in the name of restoring the economy through taking control over banking, industries and introducing press censorship.
Hence, the correct option is (A).

Note: first, workers and labour associations formed a very crucial part in organizing the protest with the most important Petrograd Soviet of Workers and soldiers’ deputies. Second wives of soldiers formed groups engaging in politics at bread lines called ‘union of soldier’s wives’.