Russian Revolution - Definition and Overview

The phrase Russian Revolution can refer to three specific events in the history of Imperial Russia.

• The Russian Revolution of 1905 was a series of riots and anti-government violence against Tsar Nicholas II, leading to the first Russian Constitution and the creation of the Duma, but resulting in little change in relation to Nicholas' grip on power.

• The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a period of political activity in Russia between the following two revolutionary events:
  • February Revolution, which resulted in the abdication of Nicholas II of Russia.
  • October Revolution, which was the Bolshevik revolt.

When the year is not indicated in the reference, the term "Russian Revolution", if used as a time mark, usually refers to the October Revolution of 1917, whereas references to the revolution of 1905 always mention the year and references to the February Revolution always mention the month.