History of the Russian Revolution

Concept and creation

Leon Trotsky was a leading figure in the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in October 1917. He was expelled from the party and exiled by Joseph Stalin. In January 1929, he was banished from the Soviet Union. During his exile period in Turkey, Trotsky wrote this book on the isle of Prinkipo.

The History of Russian Revolution tells the story of the February and October revolutions in Russia which took place in 1917. This book is important due to it being an account of a major historical event by a participant and theorist. When speaking of himself, Trotsky writes in the third person in order to avoid subjectivism stating that: "the subjective tone, inevitable in autobiographies or memoirs, is not permissible in a work of history." It is considered an important and unique work as a history of a major event written by someone who took a leading role in it.

The book is divided into three volumes:

• Volume I: The Overthrow of Tzarism
• Volume II: The Attempted Counter-Revolution
• Volume III: The Triumph of the Soviets

The Overthrow of Tzarism

This volume deals with the overthrow of tsarism in the February Revolution and the Provisional Government's attempts at ruling the country.

The first volume explains the historical reasons why the democratic regime that replaced tsarism "proved wholly non-viable."

The Attempted Counter-Revolution

This volume covers the period from the July Days to the last coalition of the Provisional Government in September.

The Triumph of the Soviets

Volume three deals with the national question, the preparation of power, and finally, the October insurrection.