History of the Russian Revolution volume I

The Russian Revolution of 1917 can be regarded as the greatest event in human history. For the first time, millions of workers and peasants took political power into their own hands, sweeping aside the despotic rule of the capitalists and landlords, and setting out to create a socialist world order based upon the rule of the Soviet of Workers, Soldiers’ and Peasants’ Deputies.

Capitalism had broken at its weakest link. The Russian Revolution heralded the beginning of the world revolution, inspiring the hopes and dreams of millions. Notwithstanding the terrible backwardness of Russia, the new Socialist Soviet Republic represented a decisive threat to the world capitalist order. It struck terror in the ruling classes everywhere, which rightly regarded it as a threat to their power and privileges.

Leon Trotsky’s History of these events is a masterpiece. It was the first time that a scientific history of a great event has been written by a man who played a dominant part in it. Together with Lenin, he led the Bolshevik Revolution, and lived throughout its stormy events. However, this book is not simply a dramatic narrative, but a profound analysis of the inner forces of the Revolution. It remains by far the best account of the Russian Revolution today.

This volume spans from the February Revolution to the prelude of the ‘July Days’, as well as the economic and political background of Russia before the Revolution. Also featured in this edition is Alan Woods introduction to the series.