The October Revolution

Vladimir Lenin had been a long time revolutionary who was a follower of Marx and determined to spread revolution and communism. When the tsar had abdicated in February, Lenin wanted to step in at that time. His followers, called the Bolsheviks did not agree with him. Because he was exiled from Russia and living in Switzerland, he was not able to exert much authority.

However, eventually Germany helped smuggle Lenin back into Russia. This made sense because Germany was at war with Russia. Lenin would cause problems in Russia potentially which would help Germany. Lenin also wanted Russia out of the war, which would also aid Germany.

By October of 1917, Russian citizens were fed up with the Provisional Government. While not everyone was a follower of the Bolsheviks or wanted communism in Russia, Lenin was a prolific speaker. He promised what the people wanted. "Peace! Land! Bread!," he proclaimed. His party gained a huge following. In a practically bloodless takeover, the Bolsheviks seized power of the Russian government in October of 1917.

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