Russian Revolution: Welcome

• The role of the Tsar, Nicholas II, (and Tsarina Alexandra?)
• A critique of Tsarist Russia – in general – leading to the Revolutions
• The roles of prominent characters associated with the Revolution:
  • Lenin
  • Trotsky
  • Kerensky
  • Rasputin
• The 1905 Revolution
• The effect of Russia’s involvement in WWI
• The dynamic/power struggle between the Provisional Govt. and the Petrograd Soviet during 1917
• The Russian Civil War (Reds v Whites)
• The ultimate Bolshevik victory – why did it occur?

The above is not a finite list - there maybe other topics you will cover

General Information

• Marquette Unviersity (US): The Russian Revolution of 1917

• Spartacus Educational: The Russian Revolution

• Bucknell University: The Russian Revolution

  Provides links to a variety of sites on Russian history.

• History.com: Russian Revolution

• Orlando Figes: Russian Revolution

  From a university lecturer. Breaks the topic into manageable chunks.

• New World Encyclopedia: Russian Revolution

• Alpha History: Historiography of the Russian Revolution

  • National Geographic: From Tsar to U.S.S.R.: Russia's Chaotic Year of Revolution

Causes

• California State University (US): Causes and Consequences of the Russian Revolution

• BBC Bitesize: Reasons for the February Revoluton, 1917

• BBC History: War and Revolution in Russia 1914 - 1921

• Timeline of 1917

  From Marxists.org. Be aware of bias.

The Bolshevik Revolution

• The History Guide: The Russian Revolution, February - October 1917 (1)

• The History Guide: The Russian Revolution: Red October and the Bolshevik Coup (2)

• The Russian Revolution was caused by the consequences of World War I: economic crises, and demotivated soldiers. In both cases, governments – the Romanov Dynasty and the Provisional Government that first seized power from the Tsar – were unable to resolve these problems. But these factors alone were not sufficient enough to cause the Russian Revolution, rather they should be understood as preconditions. What was also needed was a strong party – the Bolshevik Party – willing and able to capitalize on such preconditions.

  • Anarchism and Council Communism on the Russian Revolution - This essay examines the two radical currents of anarchism and Council Communism and their critical confrontation with the Russian Revolution and the class character of the Soviet regime.

The Aftermath

• The History Guide: The Aftermath of the Bolshevik Revolution

Fordham University Internet Sourcebook: Russian Revolution

Eurodocs: A Collection of Primary Sources
 

Alpha History: Russian Revolution Documents
This is a solid collection of primary documents from 1917 as well as a detailed chronology of events.
 

Seton Hall University: Documents in Russian History
 

Granger Academic

Online repository of historical images, cartoons and posters.

Seventeen Moments in Soviet History
This is a collection of primary and multi-media materials relating to 17 key moments in the history of the Soviet Union from 1917-1991. Each section contains an introductory essay plus access to digitised government documents, photographs and multi-media clips. Links are also provided to related web sites.​​

​The Deepening of the Russian Revolution 1917
This is a good source for both online and print primary documents about the 1917 Revolution. One of the most engaging aspects of this site for student is the interactive parallel timelines for workers, peasants, soldiers and activists.

Eyewitness Accounts: Visitors to Soviet Russia 1917-1928
A series of reports, photographs and other documents of eye witness accounts of the early years of the Soviet Union by foreign visitors.

Time Magazine: The Bolshevik October Revolution in Pictures
Time magazine’s compelling photo essay allows students to see the events of 1917 through the lens of gorgeous black and white photos taken during the Revolution.

Sources of Evidence
An online teaching module on 1917 with a great section of primary sources including revolutionary songs, pictures and maps.