The History of the Russian Revolution

Leon Trotsky

19321876 pages

The History of the Russian Revolution, Volume One is a detailed and compelling account of the events leading up to and including the February Revolution of 1917 in Russia. Written by Leon Trotsky, one of the key figures in the revolution itself, the work offers both a participant's insight and a historian's analytical perspective. Trotsky examines the political, social, and economic forces that contributed to the downfall of the Tsarist regime, exploring the tensions within Russian society and the growing discontent among workers, soldiers, and peasants. Through a combination of narrative storytelling and theoretical analysis, Trotsky delves into themes of mass movements, class struggle, and revolutionary leadership. His focus on the role of the proletariat, the crisis within the ruling classes, and the dynamics of revolutionary momentum highlights the complexities of historical change. The first volume particularly emphasizes the spontaneous nature of the February Revolution and the inability of the old regime to respond effectively to mounting opposition. Since its publication, The History of the Russian Revolution has been regarded as both a primary historical document and a classic of Marxist literature. Trotsky's sharp political insights, combined with his vivid descriptions of social unrest and political maneuvering, make the work an essential reference for understanding the dynamics of revolutionary movements. The book continues to be studied for its narrative power, its theoretical contributions, and its detailed portrayal of one of the most significant upheavals in modern history.

Cover Leon Trotsky Contents Preface Volume One: The Overthrow of Tzarism 1 Peculiarities of Russia’s Development 2 Tzarist Russia in the War 3 The proletariat and the Peasantry 4 The Tzar and Tzarina 5 The Idea of a Palace Revolution 6 The Death Agony of the Monarchy 7 Five Days 8 Who Led the February Insurrection?9 The Paradox of the February Revolution 10 The New Power 11 Dual Power 12 The Executive Committee 13 The Army and the War 14 The Ruling Group and the War 15 The Bolsheviks and Lenin 16 Re-arming the Party 17 The April Days 18 The First Coalition 19 The Offensive 20 The Peasantry 21 Shifts in the Masses 22 The Soviet Congress and the June Demonstration 23 Conclusion Chronological Table for Volume One Appendix I Appendix II Appendix III Volume Two: The Attempted Counter-Revolution Introduction to Volumes Two and Three 24 The July Days: Preparation and Beginning 25 The July Days: Culmination and Rout 26 Could the Bolsheviks Have Seized the Power 27 The Month of the Great Slander 28 The Counter-Revolution Lifts Its Head 29 Kerensky and Kornilov 30 The State Conference in Moscow 31 Kerensky’s Plot 32 Kornilov’s Insurrection 33 The Bourgeoisie Measures Strength with the Democracy 34 The Masses Under Attack 35 The Rising Tide 36 The Bolsheviks and the Soviets 37 The Last Coalition Volume Three: The Triumph Of The Soviets 38 The Peasantry Before October 39 The Problem of Nationalities 40 Withdrawal from the Pre-Parliament and Struggle for the Soviet Congress 41 The Military-Revolutionary Committee 42 Lenin Summons to Insurrection 43 The Art of Insurrection 44 The Conquest of the Capital 45 The Capture of the Winter Palace 46 The October Insurrection 47 The Congress of the Soviet Dictatorship 48 Conclusion Note to the Appendices Appendix I: Some Legends of the Bureaucracy Appendix II: Socialism in a Separate Country Appendix III: Historic References on the Theory of Permanent Revolution