Why did Russia leave the world war 1?

Why did Russia leave World War I?

Russia’s withdrawal from World War I in 1917 was a significant turning point in the conflict, allowing Germany to shift its focus to the Western Front and ultimately contributing to the war’s outcome. But what led to Russia’s sudden departure from the war effort?

The Bloody War

Russia entered World War I in August 1914, eager to support its allies and gain revenge for the defeat it suffered in the Russo-Japanese War. The early years of the war saw Russia make significant gains on the Eastern Front, capturing territory from Germany and Austria-Hungary. However, the war effort was not without its challenges. Russia suffered heavy casualties, and the economy was struggling to cope with the demands of total war.

The February Revolution

By 1917, Russia was on the brink of collapse. Food and fuel shortages were widespread, and discontent was growing among the population. In February 1917, a revolution broke out in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg), led by socialist parties and workers’ councils. The provisional government that emerged was weak and divided, unable to address the country’s pressing issues.

The Rise of the Bolsheviks

In April 1917, Vladimir Lenin, a charismatic Bolshevik leader, returned to Russia from exile and quickly became the dominant force in the revolution. Lenin and his followers believed that the provisional government was a tool of the bourgeoisie and that the only way to achieve socialism was through a revolution led by the working class.

The July Days

In July 1917, a series of demonstrations and protests broke out in Petrograd, known as the July Days. The Bolsheviks, who were not yet in power, attempted to seize control of the government, but the provisional government and the army crushed the uprising. This failed insurrection weakened the Bolsheviks and led to a period of repression and isolation.

The Kornilov Affair

In August 1917, General Lavr Kornilov, a conservative military leader, attempted to stage a coup against the provisional government. The Bolsheviks, who had been secretly supporting Kornilov, suddenly turned against him, denouncing his actions as a counter-revolutionary attempt. The Kornilov Affair further eroded the provisional government’s authority and paved the way for the Bolsheviks to seize power.

The October Revolution

On October 25, 1917 (November 7 in the Gregorian calendar), the Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, launched a successful insurrection and seized control of the government. The provisional government was dissolved, and the Bolsheviks established the world’s first socialist state.

The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

In March 1918, the Bolsheviks signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany, ending Russia’s participation in World War I. The treaty was humiliating for Russia, as it forced the country to surrender significant territory and resources to Germany. However, it allowed the Bolsheviks to focus on consolidating their power and building a socialist state.

Key Points

• Russia’s economy was struggling: The war effort had drained Russia’s resources, leading to food and fuel shortages, and widespread discontent among the population.
• The provisional government was weak and divided: The government was unable to address the country’s pressing issues, leading to a power vacuum that the Bolsheviks were able to exploit.
• The Bolsheviks were able to seize power: The successful insurrection in October 1917 allowed the Bolsheviks to establish the world’s first socialist state.
• The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was a significant departure: The treaty marked Russia’s withdrawal from World War I and allowed the Bolsheviks to focus on building a socialist state.

Conclusion

Russia’s withdrawal from World War I in 1917 was a complex and multifaceted process. The country’s economic struggles, the weakness of the provisional government, and the rise of the Bolsheviks all contributed to the country’s departure from the war effort. The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, which marked Russia’s withdrawal from the war, was a significant turning point in the conflict, allowing Germany to shift its focus to the Western Front and ultimately contributing to the war’s outcome.

Timeline

Sources

• "The Russian Revolution" by Richard Pipes
• "A People’s Tragedy: The Russian Revolution 1891-1924" by Orlando Figes
• "The Bolsheviks and the October Revolution" by Vladimir Lenin
• "The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk" by Germany and Russia, March 1918