Russian Revolution

104 years ago, the Russian working class seized power. To celebrate the anniversary of these remarkable events, we are excited to publish the following eye-witness account of revolutionary Russia, including never-before-seen photographs.

At this time 100 years ago, the Communist International held its second congress, with discussions and debates that laid the theoretical basis for the worldwide socialist movement. James Kilby looks back at this historic event.

Today, 22 April, marks the 150th birthday of Vladimir Lenin, the great revolutionary leader. Whilst the bourgeois historians and liberals slander him, we celebrate the life and ideas of Lenin – ideas that are more relevant now than ever.

The first few months following the 1917 October Revolution in Russia were a frantic period for the new Soviet government of workers and peasants. Lenin and the Bolsheviks spent much of this time issuing decrees and appeals, designed to put their programme into effect and further win over the hearts and minds of the masses. James Kilby looks at the opening months of Soviet power.

Continuing our series of articles and videos celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution, Rob Sewell, editor of Socialist Appeal, answers the myths and distortions put forward by bourgeois academic and historian Orlando Figes in his recently re-released book, A People’s Tragedy.

No other event in human history has been the subject of more distortions, falsehoods and fabrications than the Russian Revolution. We publish here Alex Grant’s list of the 10 biggest downright lies about Lenin, the Bolsheviks, and the 1917 October Revolution – and the truth behind the myths.

Continuing our week of articles and videos in celebration of the centenary anniversay of the 1917 October Revolution, we publish here extracts from John Reed’s article entitled Soviets in Action, in which the American socialist writer describes the workers’ democracy that existed in Russia following the Revolution.