History: The October Revolution As A Turning Point

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The October Revolution as a Turning Point
1. Introduction The twentieth century was a turbulent era of history. From world wars that destroyed nations to movements that formed new nations, the events of the twentieth century changed the landscape of the world and transformed it into what it is today. The October Revolution of 1917 was a defining event in Russian history where the Bolshevik Party came into control. Although the revolution was an overthrow of the Provisional Government established after the February Revolution, its roots lie within tensions built up from autocratic Russia which were intensified under the Provisional Government. The revolution was political, economic, and social in nature and have impacted Russia’s course through …show more content…

The Provisional Government’s failure to leave the war had also allowed the Bolsheviks to champion themselves as an ally of the people (Davenport 47) and the failure of the offensive hurt the reputation of the Provisional Government. Another event that shows the political situation of Russia prior to the October Revolution is the Kornilov affair. Due to a misunderstanding Kerensky believed that Lavr Kornilov, the Commander in Chief, was planning to carry out a military coup. This led to Kerensky dismissing Kornilov (Pipes 133). Kornilov, angered by his dismissal ended up actually rebelling but his attack was put down quickly. The event discredited Kerensky and caused a rift between him and the military. Furthermore, it allowed the Bolsheviks to gain seats in municipal elections (135). Russia’s political landscape before the October Revolution can be described as a jumble of puppies all trying to get a ball. Due to the separate ideas of the puppies, some want to play with the ball, others want to keep it, they collide with each other and are unable to reach an end to their plight. However, the situation reached a climax in

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