Historical Monograph:Three “Whys” of the Russian Revolution

Author: Richard Pipes

Presentation by

Matthew Seymour

Hist 5 Online

Professor Arguello

Why did the Tsar Fall?Pipes believes that the Russian Tsar fell by chance. Radical leaders, particularly the likes of Lenin, took advantage of the turmoil brought on by the world war. He claims that no body saw it coming.

He illustrates the un-anticipated nature of the fall of the Tsar by quoting Lenin who had stated, “as late as January 1917, when he was an exile in Switzerland, [he] predicted that he and his generation would not live to see a revolution in Russia” (pg. 12). This was several weeks before the Czar abdicated.

Why did the Bolsheviks Succeed?Pipes also attributes the “Bolshevik Revolution” as opportunistic, openly declaring it a well organized coup d’ètat versus a popular revolution.

He claims that Lenin’s focus was actually not on Russia, but on spreading the revolution to the rest of the world. Because of this, he promised whatever the population desired (namely that found in their slogan: Peace! Bread! Land!) regardless of his ability to fulfill those promises.

It was the Bolshevik control of the Milrevkom (Military Revolutionary Committee) that resulted in a peaceful take over of the capital city, took control of the upcoming election, and placed himself as leader of the soviets.

LeninLenin is the mastermind behind the Bolshevik Party that took power in the Russian Revolution.

He lost faith in the working class. He viewed them as not radical enough for revolution.

His primary focus, even after coming to power in Russia, was spreading the revolution to the rest of the world.

StalinSucceeded Lenin in ruling Russia as a dictator.

Became increasingly paranoid about fellow party members, resulting a massive purge.

Entered into an agreement with Hitler to conquer Poland once again. He was surprised when Hitler turned on him.

Stalin was the longest reigning & arguable the most cruel communist dictator in his time.