The Russian Revolution

 

 

“Long live the revolution of the workmen, soldiers, and peasants” is the cry of the public declaration that affirmed the Bolshevik takeover in Russia. Different sources dissect the way political leaders were careful to ignite and feed the fire of the popular emotions of the working class in bringing a new order of government to Russia. Some claim that they fed upon the frustration, realization, and empowerment of the masses to create a revolution that would resonate with countries around the world.

 

Peter Litwin from the University of Washington argues that the revolutions that would eventually contribute to the overthrow of the royal family of Russia began in early serfdom with the mistreatment of peasants by landowners. He argues that the class struggles between the proletariat and the higher classes continued to simmer under the surface until they boiled over in the revolutions. It’s difficult, however, to say how the emotions of the serfs ranged at that time. The paper written from a 2002 standpoint clearly sees slaves and serfs as a transgression of human rights. However, at that time, it may have been the only source of survival. How did the serfs actually feel about their working conditions? What were their daily schedules and family life like? How is Litwin affected by his own lifetime living in the US, attending a top university? Living in a democratic society, Litwin may underestimate the claims of feudal society and be slightly biased in terms of his own government.

 

Emma’s blog also mentions that peasants and workers traditionally looked to the Tsar as a symbol of strength, support, and pride. Faith in Nicholas II began to diminish rapidly after the defeat of Russia in the Russo-Japanese War and the following extreme casualties in World War I. She carefully mentions the starvation and decrease of morale that resulted from the successive losses and drain of resources.

 

Emma continues on to describe the en masse demonstration that would later be known as Bloody Sunday. Once again writing from the U.S., she attributes the main cause of the revolution to an incapable government. From the strictly U.S. standpoint, brought up in a system that idolizes democracy, Emma’s perspective may have colored the tone by which she spoke about the failings of the Tsar. An empirical and dictatorial government may seem out of date to 21st century Americans but royal families had ruled the entire world at one point. The  present can sometimes alter perceptions of the future and it would be interesting to hear real life answers to what people in the early 1900s thought of the Tsar. Was it really betrayal and distrust that led to the revolutions? What were other causes that contributed to the public dissatisfaction apart from the wars?

 

The Socialist Party site, on the other hand, demonstrates the government’s emotional appeal to the masses by way of distributed posters, usually one of a young man staring resolutely into the future, gun cocked jauntily on his shoulder. They depicted a glory and pride associated with a new order and stirred the fire in the proletariats for becoming something more. Coming from the Socialist party, there is a much bigger emphasis on the average Joe and a highlighting of the good intentions of the Bolsheviks that rose to power with a cry for the people.

 

They are also careful to point out the banners of the time that called for international unity among all people, regardless of class or position. The Socialist Party is much more likely to promote the reasons for revolution such as abused masses, proletariat empowerment, and overall equality. But how do they address the problems of communism that came over Russia later on? What would they say about portions of the masses that were still unrepresented and facing decreasing welfare?

 

Even speaking with current public officials today such as Vladimir Putin on his views of what the Revolution did for Russia would open up a new perspective. How do politicians today see the effects of the revolution and how have they used it to build a Russia in the future?

 

It would be interesting to juxtapose what the workers of that time actually wanted and what has now been achieved in the 21st century. Speaking with descendants of people who lived through the revolution would shed some light as they, doubtless, would have heard stories from that time. It is important, however, to interview people who are still living in Russia who still have the same pride and protection of the motherland that can sometimes be corroded with living abroad .

 

There must be consistency in hearing all opinions so that although the rich, wealthy, and powerful must be questioned, so too must the average worker. How do their ideals and perspectives of the pre-revolution and post-revolution Russia compare? Do they see it as a source of pride, a matter of chaos, or a grey area in between?

 

The Russian Revolution, driven by the needs and emotions of the time, remains an important date in history. But who reports it and how they view it can be very different depending on their political, environmental, and academic background.