Revolutionary Russia

This course focuses on the revolutionary period in Russia in the early part of the 20th century. It begins by looking at the revolutionary challenge to Tsarism in 1905 and questions whether this was a revolution in itself or the start of a revolutionary period. It then turns to the two revolutions in 1917, firstly considering why the February Revolution broke out and why it developed in the way it did. It discusses the end of Tsarism and the events following Nicholas II’s downfall, including the formation of two different types of government, the continuing war effort and the attraction of the revolutionary socialism of the Bolshevik Party. It then considers the other political ideas such as liberalism and moderate socialism in order to explain why they failed and why Bolshevism grew in popularity. The roles of the key leaders including Alexander Kerensky and Vladimir Lenin will be assessed here. The course then turns to the October Revolution and examines the Bolsheviks’ victory, the ways in which they held on to power and what they did in order to win the Civil War. It concludes by examining the ways in which Russia had been changed by its revolutions.

What our students say

"Dr Jonathan Davis has a fantastic teaching style which is enthusiastic, passionate and infectious to all students in his class. Thoroughly enjoyed the subject and learned a great deal!"