#OTD20 | October 25, 1917 (O.S.)

The Bolshevik Uprising: A Pivotal Moment in Russian History

October 25, 1917 (O.S.): The Bolsheviks, under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin, launch a determined uprising against the Provisional Government in Petrograd, marking the onset of the October Revolution.

Amidst the backdrop of political instability and a nation weary from World War I, the Bolsheviks mobilize their forces to seize key points in the Russian capital, culminating in the capture of the Winter Palace in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg).

This event signifies a fundamental shift in Russian politics, as the Provisional Government is toppled and Bolshevik control firmly established, paving the way for the birth of Soviet Russia.

The Bolshevik uprising and subsequent October Revolution have since become defining moments in world history, symbolizing the power of revolutionary ideals and the profound impacts of societal change.

Today, the events of 1917 are remembered not only as turning points in Russian history but as influential moments that shaped the geopolitical landscape of the 20th century.

Viewing Options

The 1917 Bolshevik Revolution is chronicle in "From World War to Cold War," chapter one in our epic video survey, COLD WAR.

Preview

Preview short excerpts from "Cold War."

Stream

View "Cold War" in our members-only Streaming Room™.

Subscribe

Explore subscription plans for our premium content portal, the Streaming Room™.

Additional Resources

Access more information from Media Rich Learning and curated off-site sources.

American Historical Association

Read about the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution at the website of the American Historical Association.

Time

Read "What the World Got Wrong About the Russian Revolution" on the website of Time.

The Ohio State University

Read "The October Revolution in Russia" from the series, Origins: Current Events in Historical Perspective at the website of The Ohio State University.

#OTD20

Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.

September 15, 1916: First Use of Tanks in Combat

#OTD20 — September 15, 1916: History is made as military tanks roll into combat for the first time during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, part of the Somme Offensive.

September 13, 1948: Margaret Chase Smith Elected to Senate

#OTD20 — September 10, 1948: Margaret Chase Smith is elected to the U.S. making her the first woman to serve in both chambers of Congress.

September 12, 1962: JFK Pledges “We Go to the Moon…”

#OTD20 — September 12, 1962: JFK delivers his “We Go to the Moon” address at Rice University, challenging the nation to land a man on the moon within the decade.

September 11, 1973: Coup Topples Government in Chile

#OTD20 — September 11, 1973: a military coup topples the democratically-elected government in Chile.

September 9, 1916. Woodrow Wilson Urges Patience on Women’s Suffrage

#OTD20 — September 9, 1916: President Woodrow Wilson speaks in Atlantic City, urging patience on the issue of women’s suffrage.

September 8, 1945. Korea Partitioned at 38th Parallel

#OTD20 — September 8, 1945: American troops arrive in Korea, initiating the division of the peninsula along the 38th parallel.

September 8, 1945: Huey “The Kingfish” Long Shot

#OTD20 — September 10, 1935: Senator Huey Long, a prominent figure during the Depression-era politics, is shot while at the Louisiana state capital in Baton Rouge.

September 7, 1940. Luftwaffe attacks. London Blitz Begins.

#OTD20 — September 7, 1940: The Blitz of London begins as the German Luftwaffe launches a devastating attack on the city. By day’s end, one thousand Londoners are dead.

Introducing #OTD20: Your Daily Dose of History

Join us as we unveil our #OTD20 Series—a daily exploration of significant events from the past. Perfect for educators, history buffs, and the eternally curious.

Remarkably social