GW15: The Russian Revolutions of 1917

GW15: The Russian Revolutions of 1917

From Key Battles of American History by Key Battles of American History

March 18, 2026 · 45 min

About this episode

This episode explores the twin revolutions that upended Russia in 1917 and reshaped the course of World War I.

This episode explores the twin revolutions that upended Russia in 1917 and reshaped the course of World War I. Sean and James trace the collapse of the Romanov dynasty, the rise and failures of the Provisional Government, and the growing power of the soviets amid military disaster and social unrest. They then examine how Lenin and the Bolsheviks overthrew the government in November and imposed a harsh new dictatorship backed by the CHEKA. The episode concludes with Russia’s exit from the war at Brest-Litovsk, a decision that carried enormous consequences for both the conflict and the future of Europe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Sean, James

Topics covered

  • Russian Revolution
  • World War I
  • Romanov dynasty
  • Bolshevik takeover
  • social unrest
  • military disaster

Keywords

  • Russian Revolution
  • Bolsheviks
  • Provisional Government
  • Romanov dynasty
  • CHEKA
  • Brest-Litovsk
  • World War I
  • social unrest
  • military disaster

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Romanov dynasty, Provisional Government, Bolsheviks, CHEKA

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