Как на самом деле произошли революции 1917 года в России: Февраль и Октябрь за 10 минут

The video opens by addressing a common confusion about the Russian Revolutions of 1917, emphasizing that there were actually two distinct revolutions within the same year: the February and October revolutions. The narrator challenges the popular but oversimplified image of starving workers led by Lenin seizing power, promising to clarify the complex reality behind these events.

"Многие до сих пор путают их, представляя, как голодные рабочие захватывают власть под руководством Ленина. Но на самом деле ситуация была гораздо сложнее." 0:21

Key points:

• The 1917 revolutions are often misunderstood as a single event.
• The February and October revolutions had very different causes and outcomes.
• The video aims to unpack the real sequence and nature of these revolutions.

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The narrator sets the stage by describing Russia’s position in World War I as part of the Entente alliance, fighting against Germany and its allies. The capital, Saint Petersburg, was renamed Petrograd due to anti-German sentiment. The ruling monarch was Nicholas II, with the State Duma and State Council as parliamentary bodies. Meanwhile, Lenin was living in Switzerland, leading the unpopular radical faction of the Bolsheviks.

"Ленин вообще живет в Швейцарии... он выступает за поражение в войне и мировую революцию." 1:01

Key points:

• Russia was deeply involved in WWI, allied with Britain and France.
• The capital’s name change reflected wartime nationalism.
• The political system was a monarchy with a parliamentary element.
• Lenin was abroad, advocating defeat in the war and a global revolution.
• The Russian Social Democratic Labour Party had split into Bolsheviks (radicals) and Mensheviks (moderates).

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The February Revolution was triggered by political intrigue and dissatisfaction with the monarchy during wartime. The narrator highlights internal family rivalries within the Romanovs and the opposition from the State Duma, especially the Progressive Bloc—a coalition of aristocrats and wealthy patriots who blamed the Tsar and his wife, Alexandra Feodorovna, for Russia’s failures.

"Депутаты обвиняли императрицу Александру Федоровну в связях с Распутиным... ходили слухи о специальном проводе... передавала немцам секретную информацию." 2:12

The immediate cause of unrest was not hunger, as often claimed, but delays in bread supplies. On February 23, spontaneous demonstrations erupted in Petrograd, which escalated as military units sided with the protesters. Nicholas II was forced to abdicate on March 2, first in favor of his brother Michael Alexandrovich, who also renounced the throne shortly after.

"Военные заставили Николая II подписать отречение... власть сама падала в руки военным депутатам." 3:28

Key points:

• The February Revolution was driven by political conspiracies and war fatigue.
• The royal family was deeply unpopular, with rumors undermining their legitimacy.
• Bread shortages sparked protests, but hunger was not the main cause.
• Military units in Petrograd sided with revolutionaries.
• Nicholas II abdicated, ending centuries of Romanov rule.
• Power transferred to a Provisional Government led by Prince Georgy Lvov.

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After the Tsar’s fall, Russia became a republic under the Provisional Government, which promised elections to a Constituent Assembly. However, the country did not exit the war, remaining loyal to the Entente. Meanwhile, a parallel power structure emerged: the Petrograd Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies, dominated by more radical groups like the Socialist Revolutionaries (SRs) and Mensheviks.

"Петроградский совет был лишь самым большим и влиятельным среди прочих советов... эти стихийные органы полу власти проявлялись то там, то тут и сеяли хаос." 4:26

The Soviet issued Order No. 1, which effectively dismantled the army’s traditional command by transferring authority to soldiers’ committees, leading to chaos and paralysis in the military.

"Приказы теперь даже обсуждались на демократических собраниях... офицер мог загреметь под солдатский трибунал." 5:01

Key points:

• Russia was ruled by two competing authorities: the Provisional Government and the Soviets.
• The Soviets were more radical and had grassroots support among workers and soldiers.
• Order No. 1 undermined military discipline, weakening the Provisional Government’s control.
• This dual power situation created instability and confusion.

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Lenin returned to Russia in April 1917 with the help of the Germans, who allowed him safe passage through their territory, hoping to destabilize Russia further.

"Немцы обеспечили Ленину и его соратникам беспрепятственный проезд... не удивительно, что Ленина считали агентом немецкой разведки." 5:38

Upon arrival, Lenin shocked his party by rejecting the legitimacy of the February Revolution and calling for a new, socialist revolution. His April Theses demanded that power be transferred to the Soviets and that the war be ended immediately.

"Ленин выдвигает свои знаменитые апрельские тезисы... буржуазно-демократическая революция должна перерасти в правильную социалистическую." 6:17

Despite skepticism from some Bolsheviks, Lenin understood that the upcoming Constituent Assembly elections would favor the SRs, who represented the peasantry, not the Bolsheviks, who mainly represented urban workers.

Key points:

• Lenin’s return marked a turning point for the Bolsheviks.
• He rejected cooperation with the Provisional Government.
• The April Theses called for immediate socialist revolution and power to the Soviets.
• Bolsheviks prepared for armed uprising, knowing elections would not favor them.

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Leon Trotsky returned from New York in May 1917 and became a key Bolshevik leader, organizing the party’s revolutionary activities. Although not originally a Bolshevik, he allied with Lenin and brought many followers.

"Подготовкой к революции в большей степени занимались именно люди Троцкого." 7:34

In July, Lenin attempted an armed uprising but failed. The Provisional Government cracked down, arresting Bolshevik leaders and dispersing their printing presses. Lenin fled to Finland, living in a humble shelter.

"Ленин и другой видный большевик Зиновьев скрылись в Финляндии и жили буквально в шалаше." 8:14

Meanwhile, Lavr Kornilov, the new commander-in-chief, attempted a military coup in August. Alexander Kerensky, head of the Provisional Government, panicked and armed the Bolsheviks to defend the government, inadvertently strengthening them.

"Керенский испугался, освободил вчерашних врагов из тюрем и раздал им оружие." 8:38

Key points:

• Trotsky’s arrival boosted Bolshevik organizational strength.
• The July uprising failed, and Bolshevik leaders were temporarily suppressed.
• Kornilov’s attempted coup created chaos.
• Kerensky’s arming of Bolsheviks backfired, increasing their power.

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By September, the Soviets across Russia, including Petrograd’s, were controlled by Bolsheviks. Lenin secretly returned from Finland and pushed for an armed uprising despite opposition within his party.

"Ленин тайно возвращается... продавливает решение готовить вооруженное восстание." 8:56

On October 25 (Julian calendar), Bolshevik forces, supported by soldiers and sailors disobeying the Provisional Government, seized key government buildings. The Aurora cruiser’s famous blank shot signaled the start of the assault on the Winter Palace.

"После легендарного залпа из крейсера Аврора... большевики почти без боя штурмуют Зимний дворец." 9:29

Kerensky fled, and the Bolsheviks declared victory, marking the beginning of the Great October Socialist Revolution. They soon signed the controversial Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany and dissolved the Constituent Assembly, which the SRs had won.

Key points:

• Bolsheviks took full control in October through a well-planned armed uprising.
• The Winter Palace was captured with minimal resistance.
• Kerensky lost all power and fled.
• Bolsheviks consolidated power by ending Russia’s participation in WWI and dissolving the elected assembly.

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The video concludes by reflecting on how the Bolsheviks’ victory was due to their relentless drive and ability to exploit opponents’ mistakes. The Provisional Government lacked a strong base, and the country experienced two revolutions in one year.

"Большевики победили благодаря железной воле к власти и фанатичной работоспособности... у временного правительства не оказалось сил." 10:07

Despite initial doubts, the Bolsheviks remained in power for decades, fundamentally reshaping Russia and world history.

Key points:

• Bolshevik success was a combination of determination and opportunism.
• The Provisional Government was weak and isolated.
• The 1917 revolutions were two separate but connected events.
• The Bolshevik regime endured far beyond expectations.

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This detailed breakdown captures the video’s narrative style, emphasizing the complexity and human drama behind the 1917 revolutions, correcting common misconceptions, and highlighting key figures and turning points.