The Russian Revolution: History in an Hour

History In An Hour

by Rupert Colley

In 1917 the world changed for ever. One of the most influential and contentious events in recent history, the Russian Revolution unleashed the greatest political experiment ever conducted, one which continues to influence both Eastern and Western politics today.

‘The Russian Revolution: History in an Hour’ neatly covers all the major facts and events giving you a clear and straightforward overview: from the circumstances behind the rise of Lenin and the Bolsheviks, to the consequences of their struggle for a new socialist utopia. ‘The Russian Revolution: History in an Hour’ is engagingly written and accessible for all history lovers.

Love your history? Find out about the world with History in an Hour…

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Russia, Audiobook, Amazon, Politics, Historical

227 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2012

About the author

Founder, writer and Series Editor of History In An Hour (http://historyinanhour.com), owned by HarperCollins UK, and now author of two novels.

The first, "My Brother the Enemy", a novella, is set during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.

The second, "This Time Tomorrow", set during and following World War One, is a compelling story of war, brotherly love, passion and betrayal.

My third novel, "The Black Maria", is set in Moscow in 1935, the height of Stalin's reign, about love crushed by the machine.

Reviews

[Dr. Appu Sasidharan (Dasfill) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Russian revolution began in 1917 during the First world war, with the February Revolution, and concluded in 1923. The October Revolution in 1917 led to the relocation of the National capital to Moscow, and the Bolsheviks had secured a strong base of support within Russia. This book deals with these events in a very vivid manner.


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[Osama · Rating 4 out of 5]

قد يتكاسل المرء عن القراءة بحجة عدم توفر الوقت وكثرة المشاغل، وقد يكون الحل الأنسب اختيار كتب قصيرة وترتبط باهتمامات القاريء وميوله. في هذا الكتاب القصير تعرفت على لمحة من تاريخ الثورة الروسية، وكذلك الأحداث التاريخية والعسكرية التي سبقتها كسقوط الملكية القيصرية ونشوب الحرب العالمية الأولى. وتعرفت كذلك على كارل ماركس فيلسوف الشيوعية التي بنيت عليها دعائم هذه الثورة، ولينين ومن بعده ستالين.

[Omar Kassem · Rating 3 out of 5]

لمحة بسيطة و موجزة عن الثورة الروسية ، سقوط الملكية الروسية والدخول في الحرب العالمية الاولى والعديد من الأحداث التاريخية والعسكرية التي كانت سببًا بما سيحدث لاحقًا..
فكر وفلسفة كارل ماركس والمبادئ التي بنيت عليها الشيوعية ومن بعده فلسفة كل من لينين ثم ستالين..
مختصر لكن مهم..


33/2022

[Theo Milos · Rating 3 out of 5]

People loved the Tsar but then they started to hate him. The hatred began with the Bloody Sunday where countless people including children and women died.

The First World War increased the patriotism in Russia by high degree. People really wanted to win and make the mother land proud. However this stopped, partly because of the Dooma. Women in the cities started to break windows etc as a consequence of long queues to shops and general disappointments. A revolution started and people wanted to take away the tsar, stop the war and take down the German woman who were married to the tsar. This started in February 1917.

Lenin but also Trotsky were influential in forward of a revolution. Lenin had been in exile for a decade but went back to Russia via German help, even though the countrys were at war. They did this because they had the same goal - to make Russia die. Lenin wrote his April manifesto for the Bolshevik party during the train trip to Russia.

Germany provided the Russian Revolution with much money and materials. They paid for newspapers and salaries for those in compliance with the revolution.

The treaty of Brest-Litovsk gave Poland, Finland and the Baltic states their independence. However when Germany fell these nations had to face the red army, creating many wars for instance in Poland and Finland.

After Lenin's death, the state changed the name of the city of Petrograd to Leningrad. He laid in a church for several days and a million people came to pay its respect. Then Lenin's head was put in an acid and later cut into 3000 parts examined by doctors. They wanted to know how the brain of a genius looked and worked.

[Lucas Joviniano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dá uma boa pincelada sobre o assunto, nada muito rico.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars - It was a lot better than I expected and while I typically don't like audiobooks (& thus had to start with such a short one), it was really informative and well narrated. Still, I had trouble paying attention to it (due more to my hatred of audiobooks than this book itself) so I probably won't start listening to more audiobooks anytime soon

[L.S. Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice short history. Perfect for someone interested in the topic, but not quite ready to commit to an in-depth analysis.

[George Nordling · Rating 5 out of 5]

The history leading to the Red October and the revolution itself fascinates me.

[Mike Cheng · Rating 3 out of 5]

A concise and matter-of-fact summary of a seminal period in Russian history, starting from the first Russian Revolution of 1905 through Vladimir Lenin’s death in 1924. This begins with the assassination of Tsar Alexander II and the tenuous reign of his grandson Tsar Nicholas II. Discontent had festered for decades, and a cadre of socialists (namely the Bolsheviks, Mensheviks, and Socialist Revolutionaries) united to plot the overthrow and permanently end the Romanov Dynasty. The Russo-Japanese War and thereafter World War I further undermined the public’s confidence in Nicholas II, ultimately resulting in his abdication. A provisional government consisting of Mensheviks and Soviets came to power briefly. The rise of the Bolsheviks, along with the return of the formerly exiled Lenin, Leon Trotsky, and Joseph Stalin, displaced said provisional government, seeking a more immediate and violent form of revolution. In November 1917 such became official at the Second All-Russian Congress of Soviets, whereby a new socialist order would be established under which the following was promised: redistribution of land; nationalization of banks and factories; shorter work days, abolishment of titles and ranks; religion cast aside; and “free love for all”. Soon thereafter in December, Lenin established the secret police to torture and oppress anyone considered anti-Bolshevik: “You can’t make a revolution wearing white gloves.” What followed was the Russian Civil War between the Bolsheviks (the “Reds”) and a coalition of right-leaners, rival socialists (some who favored a more Fabian style), and anarchists (colledtivley the “Whites”), which ended in 1920 but with continued skirmishes for several more years. Lenin introduced the concept of War Communism, whereby the government controlled all aspects of the state economy. The country suffered famine, hyperinflation, and vast economic failure. Lenin thereafter pivoted by implementing the New Economic Policy which partially restored private enterprise and allowed individuals to grow and sell food on the open market (though such was cancelled by Stalin in 1928). On December 30, 1922 the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was formed. Before his death, Lenin was concerned with the tension between Trotsky and Stalin, and was especially critical of Stalin - who exploited Lenin’s death to create a cult of personality by which to doubt Stalin was to doubt Lenin. The era of Stalin was thus set to begin.

[Lukasz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Należę do tej generacji która jeszcze miała przyjemność poznać historię rewolucji październikowej na zajęciach w szkole. Pamiętam, że oprócz biografii Lenina oraz informacji na temat rewolucji październikowej co roku w rocznicę rewolucji odbywały się uroczyste akademie upamiętniające rewolucję. Oprócz akademia, między innymi dobrze pamiętam jak była udekorowana moja szkoła na 70 rocznicę rewolucji. To że było mi dane w jakimś stopniu świętować okrągłą rocznicę rewolucji i jeszcze dorastać w systemie który uważał rewolucję październikową za coś pozytywnego i godnego świętowania uważam za niesamowity fenomen. Dziś aż nie mogę w to uwierzyć. A jednak, moja osobista biografia jakoś jest związana z tym ważnym ale zarazem okrutnym wydarzeniem historyczny. Dodam jeszcze, że na jednej z akademii upamiętniających rewolucję październikową odgrywałem rolę hutnika, godnego przedstawiciela klasy robotniczej. Nie recytowałem zbyt długich wierszyków, moja rola sprowadzała się bodajże do jednego zdania. Pamiętam to dobrze, cieszyłem się, że nie muszę się uczyć długiego tekstu na pamięć.

Poza moimi doświadczeniami osobistymi związanymi z rewolucją październikową niewiele udało mi się w życiu zebrać rzetelnych informacji na temat tego wydarzenia historycznego, które wzbudza wiele emocji. Dzięki tej pozycji chyba w końcu udało na spokojnie, w rzetelny, racjonalny sposób mogłem poznać kontekst historyczny, bezpośrednie wydarzenia przed, w trakcie i po rewolucji. Rewolucja październikowa nie wzięła się z niczego. Sytuacja w Rosji dojrzewała przez dziesięciolecia i w sumie z perspektywy czasu nie jest w tym nic dziwnego iż do rewolucji doszło. Brak reform, brutalne rządy carskie. Było kilka podejść do rewolucji i rewolucja październikowa to już któraś z kolei rewolucja, która miała miejsce w Rosji na początku XX wieku. Brutalność rewolucji jest niezaprzeczalna. Chyba nic nie usprawiedliwia milionów niewinnych ofiar.
Ta kolejna część z serii "history in an hour" świadczy o tym, że jest to seria na naprawdę dobrym poziomie. Na pewno będę sięgał po kolejne części.

[Doug Hohbein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaks down the very complicated history of Russia's revolution. A nice refresher that focuses on the main players. I like how the author plays it right down the middle with the politics and personalities. No politicizing or favoring an ideology. No one is a saint when it comes to revolution and this short book bears that out. The bibliography of the main characters at the end is really valuable and creates a starting point for more learning.

[Jim Manis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sketching the revolution

If you are looking for an in depth examination or an even handed analyses of the Russian revolution, this is not it. Clearly a western view point, lightly sketching out the events around 1917.

[Igor · Rating 4 out of 5]

For just "one hour" was fine.

Off course, to understand minimally what has happened during the Russian Revolution and raise of communist USSR, one has to read thousands of pages. Let it be the beginning.

[René Toet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book on the Russian revolution is concise and offers an insightful context for a basic understanding and further reading -- regarding the period from the last Czar(s) up to the rise of Stalin and the formation of the USSR.

[Kamran syed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short summary of Russian revolution that had a profound effect on not only the lives of millions of Russians but the world as a whole. A new country with an influence emerged out of the old Tsarist Russia and USSR was born. Marxism turned into Leninism and Leninism lost itself in Stalinism.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good introduction. Clear and concise.

[Sandrine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice short summary of the main events. The fact that it's one hour makes it a little superficial and a little difficult to follow at times because it develops fast, but an interesting read.

[Joseph Ramsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these little histories. They give you a really brief outline of the main points in each period. You can rip through them so easily and they have interesting facts that students love.

[Eric C 1965 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick overview of an important historical period. Left much for further studies, which I am presently involved with (see the End of Tsarist Russia and the First World War by Strachen).
Also, I read this by audio book first and then went back and read it in my Kindle; the Kindle version was much better as I missed much detail only listening to it.

[Loke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative!

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Succinct overview of the Russian Revolution which was understandable.

[Jose Enrico]

A good and easy afternoon read. A brief yet informative summary of the Russian Revolution

[Anna Morgenstern · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just all over the place.

[Matija · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent overview of the major events of the Russian revolutions of 1917, which nevertheless does not dwell too much on the causes, but I guess that wouldn't fit in an hour then. The book is improved by the appendix, which gives short bios of major personalities involved in the main events, like Lenin, Nicholas II, Trotzky and Stalin.

The value of this book over reading the Wikipedia page on the Russian revolution is, however, suspect. In fact, the latter might contain more information, to be honest.

[Hak PhengAng · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is beyond my thinking since it had explained how Lenin and his comrade came to power to topple the unpopular and autocrat leader King Tsar, ending up the dynasty era with fatally dead by the hand of Lenin. In this book, it had described how the consequences of forming the USSR faced, showing how the well-known public figures were assassinated, sadly it lacks information and policies about how Lenin settle with the hardship that had remained before the USSR achieved. In terms of achieving the forming of a new regime, Lenin had sacrificed enough that every Communist should have known, but eventually, he had only created but not enjoy the fruitful of his result. This history in an hour fascinated me the most.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. This little guide is certainly aimed towards a rather select audience – those with a fascination for a background into Russian history. Nonetheless, it certainly did the job for a cheap little eBook, and I certainly wouldn’t mind reading more from the ‘History in an Hour’ collection, so yes, if learning a little more about revolutions and the Bolsheviks interests you, this certainly isn’t a bad place to start.
See my bite-size review on my blog ---> https://emdoesbookreviews.wordpress.c...

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first experience with the History in an Hour Series. I didn't have high expectations, honestly. I think it was due to its length and price (shallow, I know) but it was perfect. It introduced me to many events and people of interest. I'm really looking forward to listening to more books in this series as well as diving deeper into this topic.

Jonathan Keeble, the narrator, really adds to this book. His delivery is impeccable and really keeps you engrossed.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really good overview of the Russian Revolution, but I wish there had been a bit more emphasis on the power struggle following Lenin's death, as this is a crucial factor in understanding Stalin's personality and subsequent leadership of the USSR.

All in all, a very good introduction to the topic or refresher of facts you may have previously learnt.

[Deepanshu Dwivedi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book serves its purpose of giving a glimpse of history in a short read.
You are not going to get a deep insight but will become familiar to the History.
As i have not read much of the communism and this was my first encounter with the historian, i cannot comment on whether it has any bias or not.

[Mahesh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gist of Russian revolution in few hours. Really useful for someone who is totally unaware of the topic and like to skim through the surface. I read it as a companion to 'The Animal Farm'. But didn't help much. I was really interested in Stalin's rule of Russia, which in turn wasn't covered in this book.