The Bolshevik Revolution, a pivotal event in world history, refers to the seizure of state power in Russia in 1917 by the Bolsheviks, a faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party. This revolution, led by Vladimir Lenin, resulted in the overthrow of the Provisional Government that had replaced the Tsarist autocracy. A key example illustrating its impact is the establishment of the worlds first constitutionally socialist state, which fundamentally altered Russias political and social landscape.
Understanding this historical event is crucial for students preparing for the APUSH exam because it represents a significant turning point in global geopolitics. Its importance stems from its role in ushering in a communist regime in Russia, influencing subsequent communist movements worldwide, and contributing significantly to the tensions that characterized the Cold War era. Moreover, it provides context for understanding 20th-century ideologies and international relations.