Ruling Russia: Tsars, Revolutions, Civil War , and the Triumph of Lenin (1860-1924)

About this course

The course traces the development of autocracy and radical politics in 19th-century Russia, then examines the 1905 Revolution, the effects of the First World War and the February and October Revolutions. It also considers the Provisional Government, the Petrograd Soviet, War Communism and the Civil War. Teaching combines lectures, question-and-answer sessions, source analysis and discussion in pairs, groups and the full class. Short texts are read and discussed during the course.

What you'll learn

• Explain how autocracy operated in the Russian context
• Analyse the factors leading to the Tsar’s abdication in February 1917
• Identify the main challenges confronting the Provisional Government
• Explain how the Bolsheviks gained power in October 1917
• Explain the reasons for the Red Army’s victory in the Civil War

Is this course right for you?

This introductory course expects no background knowledge. It is intended for learners willing to read and discuss short historical texts in class, engage with questions and consider differing interpretations with an open and critical approach.

• No prior background knowledge is expected
• Includes reading and discussion of short texts
• Requires willingness to participate in pair, group and whole-class discussion

Before you go

• A comprehensive bibliography is provided at the start of the course, with brief reading materials supplied after each session.
• Supplementary reading is not required.
• A pen and paper or notebook may be useful for making notes.