Answer

Introduction

The Russian Revolution was driven by the ideological vision of Marxism-Leninism and the socio-political breakdown caused by war, repression, and economic distress. A critical examination shows how both conviction and chaos converged to dismantle the Tsarist regime and establish Soviet rule.

Body

Role of Ideological Conviction in the Russian Revolution

• Influence of Marxist Thought: The Revolutionary ideas based on Marxism provided a theoretical framework to dismantle capitalism and the monarchy.
  Eg: Lenin’s April Theses offered a clear ideological direction.
• Leadership of Lenin and Bolsheviks: The Bolsheviks presented a coherent political vision and an organised vanguard party.
  Eg: Lenin’s leadership helped consolidate power in October 1917.
• Use of Revolutionary Slogans: Slogans like “Peace, Land, and Bread” attracted workers, peasants, and soldiers.
  Eg: The Bolsheviks gained mass support using simple but powerful messages.
• Anti-Imperialist and Anti-Capitalist Vision: The revolution aimed to replace bourgeois democracy with proletarian dictatorship.
  Eg: The Soviets (workers’ councils) became parallel power centres.
• Ideological Discipline and Propaganda: Marxist theory enabled a sense of purpose and unity among revolutionaries.
  Eg: Pravda (Bolshevik newspaper) was used effectively for mobilisation.
• Export of World Revolution: The idea of global socialist revolution drove the momentum further.
  Eg: Establishment of the Comintern in 1919.

Role of Socio-Political Chaos in the Russian Revolution

• Failure of Tsarist Autocracy: Political repression, lack of reforms, and the alienation of the masses weakened legitimacy.
  Eg: The 1905 Bloody Sunday massacre deeply eroded trust in the Tsar.
• Economic Crisis and War Exhaustion: The World War I led to inflation, food shortages, and mass conscription.
  Eg: Petrograd workers frequently went on strikes due to bread scarcity.
• Peasant Discontent and Land Issues: The peasantry remained landless and hostile to the feudal order.
  Eg: Spontaneous land seizures occurred before the Bolsheviks institutionalised it.
• Urban Protests and Worker Strikes: Factory workers led mass strikes and demonstrations even before the Bolsheviks took charge.
  Eg: The February Revolution began as a bread riot led by women.
• Breakdown of Army Discipline: Soldiers mutinied and joined protests, weakening the state’s coercive apparatus.
  Eg: The mutiny of soldiers in Petrograd in February 1917.
• Weaknesses of the Provisional Government: After the Tsar’s abdication, the interim regime failed to deliver reforms or end war.
  Eg:  Kerensky’s continuation of WWI alienated the masses further.

Conclusion

The Russian Revolution was not solely the result of ideology or disorder, but the fusion of both. While Marxist conviction provided long-term direction, it was socio-political chaos that created the urgency and opportunity for revolution. One without the other may not have sufficed.

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