Russia Lenin timeline

Revolution of 1905 and the October Manifesto

Oct 30, 1905

The October Manifesto represents the Tsar’s temporary concessions, which ultimately failed to satisfy revolutionary demands.

Beginning of WW I

Aug 1, 1914

Highlight of Russia’s entry into the war, which strained its economy and military, fueling discontent that contributed to the revolution

Czar Nicholas II take sole control of military operations

Sep 5, 1915

Nicholas II in military uniform represents the Tsar's decision to lead the army personally, leaving the government in the hands of the unpopular Tsarist regime and worsening public perception.

Brusilov Offensive

Jun 4, 1916

Offense involved a major Russian attack against the armies of the Central Powers on the Eastern Front, as demonstrated in the image

Brusilov Offensive

Jun 4, 1916

Offense involved a major Russian attack against the armies of the Central Powers on the Eastern Front, as demonstrated in the image.

Assassination of Rasputin

Dec 30, 1916

The artistic photo of Rasputin’s assassination shows how his dramatic assassination reflected the growing instability in Russia.

rotsky organizes Red Guard to defend Petrograd

1917

Red flags were used by guards in several variations and modifications to symbolize who they are.

International Women’s Day March in Petrograd

Mar 8, 1917

The image shows the role of women in sparking the February Revolution, demonstrating how protests can significantly affect the empire.

Provisional Government formed

Mar 15, 1917

Shows the leaders of the Provisional government and symbolizes the attempt at liberal reform and democratic governance.

Nicholas II Abdicates

Mar 15, 1917

Marks the end of centuries of Tsarist rule and symbolizes the collapse of autocracy in the face of mass protest.

Return of Lenin from exile

Apr 16, 1917

An iconic moment which marks Lenin’s return as a revolutionary leader and completely change the course of Russian history.

April Theses published

Apr 17, 1917

Shows Lenin and his theses that were published as he returned to Petrograd after his exile in Switzerland.

First All-Russian Congress of Soviets meets

Jun 16, 1917

Meeting of the First All-Russian Congress of Soviets, this meeting confirmed the supremacy of the Russian Provisional Government, members represented by lower classes as well, not only higher classes

July Days

Jul 16, 1917

Picture of riots on the Nevsky Prospect come under machine gun fire, resulted in government victory and the arrests of many Bolshevik leaders.

Kornilov Affair

Sep 10, 1917

Image shows Kornilov greeted by his officers, showing the respect they have for him and eventually how they respected his plans to bring down the Soviets.

Bolsheviks overthrow the Provisional Government and take control

Nov 6, 1917

New York times headline from 9 November 1917, shows how shocking it was to the world when a singular party overthrew the entire government.

Cheka formed

Dec 20, 1917

Members of the presidium of the Cheka in 1921.

Wartime Communism created

1918

This picture shows how wartime communism had affected peasants as they seem to lean down.

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

Mar 3, 1918

A bold line is shown in the map to depict Russia’s territorial lost from this treaty by leaving their involvement in WWI

Kolchak (one of the White leaders) begins serious attacks against Reds from Siberia

Apr 28, 1918

This picture depicts Kolchak in a fancy uniform as he shows his power in the white army but also shows his sad look as he fails to go against the Reds

Red Terror

Sep 2, 1918

Image of red soldiers with their guns, symbolizing their power and control, showing how fearful they are.

Constituent Assembly meets and is disbanded

Nov 6, 1918

The assembly shows a huge amount of people attending, showing how massive this assembly was and its significance in the Russian government, but is later dissolved by the Bolsheviks

Ukraine brought under Soviet control

Jan 2, 1919

This image symbolizes the Soviets’ power with their numbers and guns being held up as they take control of Ukraine

Poles move toward Kiev

Apr 25, 1920

This image shows soldiers filling up the road and their movement towards Kiev after it being taken over by Soviets.

Soviets attempt to take Warsaw

Aug 12, 1920

This image symbolizes the Soviets’ attempt to take over Warsaw with the road being marched upon

Tambov Rebellion

Aug 19, 1920

This picture captures the peasants collaborating with weapons to revolt against their government. This image is useful because it captures the anger of the peasants for the government taking their grain.

Kronstadt uprising

Mar 1, 1921

This image captures the sailors’ spirit when revolting against their own government. Although the text is in Russian, we can infer that they are not satisfied with the government and want changes, which is evident in the tone of the image.

Ending of Wartime Communism

Mar 21, 1921

This is an image of the icon of the Supreme Soviet of the National Economy. This government organization played a crucial role in setting up wartime communism, however as years passed by, Lenin became discontent with this government system and fully ended it to bring fourth the NEP.

Treaty of Rapallo

Apr 16, 1922

This image shows a handshake between Germany and Russia, which is essentially what happened during the treaty of Rapallo when both nations agreed to renounce any reparations and support each other economically and militarily.

Formation of Soviet Union

Dec 30, 1922

This photo shows the Sickle and Hammer, representing communism, the government system of the Soviet Union. The red and yellow symbolize power without the need of any capitalist aspects.

Lenin dies

Jan 21, 1924

The overall color in the background and the position Lenin lies shows how devastating his death was to the Bolsheviks. He would later be replaced by Stalin, but his death in this photo captures a heartbreaking loss for Bolsheviks, but a new beginning for the Russian people.