October Revolution

October Revolution - Page 1

The October Revolution (Russian: Октябрьская революция, Oktyabrskaya revolyutsiya), also known as the Bolshevik Revolution, refers to a revolution—as part of the Russian Revolution—that began with an armed insurrection in Petrograd (regarded by some as a coup d'état) traditionally dated to October 25, 1917 (November 7, N.S.).^[1] It was the second phase of the overall Russian Revolution of 1917, after the February Revolution of the same year. The October Revolution overthrew the Russian Provisional Government and gave the power to the Soviets dominated by Bolsheviks. It was followed by the Russian Civil War (1917–1922) and the creation of the Soviet Union in 1922.

The revolution was led by the Bolsheviks.^[1] Bolshevik troops began the takeover of government buildings on October 24;^[1] however October 25 was the date when the Winter Palace (the seat of the Provisional government located in Petrograd, then capital of Russia), was captured.

Etymology

Initially, the event was referred to as the October uprising (Октябрьский переворот) or the Uprising of 25th, as seen in contemporary documents (for example, in the first editions of Lenin's complete works). With time, the term October Revolution came into use, and the event became seen as of major importance.