The revolution in February/March 1917, a consequence of accumulated discontent among the Russians, put an end to the Romanov dynasty that ruled the country for more than four hundred years (1613-1919) (Morris 2004, 123). Consequently, the provisional government was established as an alternative form of government in March 15, 1917 (Morris 192). Despite the establishment of a new government in Russia, the provisional government, Russia faced multiple problems that led to further discontentment, tension, and conflicts within the country. As a consequence, the Bolsheviks seized the opportunity of the situation by executing the October/November coup (revolution) in 1917 to take control of Russia (Morris 198). The Bolsheviks in power were now able to carry out their major objective of creating a communist regime in Russia. Russia, under the leadership of Lenin and Stalin 1917-1953, went under number of political, economical, and social changes. Despite some of the positive advancements and progresses made by the changes that occurred under the leadership of Lenin and Stalin, two Bolsheviks, these changes resulted into heavy humanitarian sacrifice and costs. In other words, the humanitarian costs outweigh in magnitude the success of the Bolsheviks. Thus, the Bolsheviks in power were negative force for change in Russia.

Vladimir Lenin, the head of the first Soviet government until his death, brought more negative changes in Russia (Morris 194). Regardless of Lenin’s attempt of bringing positive changes in Russia through the introduction of a New Constitution in 1918 to keep his promise of giving “Bread, Peace, and Land” to the Russian people, his attempts failed. The decrees on work, peace, and land, “the process of transferring to the poor the lands of the monarchy, the Church, and estate owners,” that sought to bring positive changes in Russia were never effectively implemented: “there was little government machinery, however, with which to carry out grand plans” (Watson 1981, 209-300). People were discontent with the contradictions of the government, and as a result, the government had to face with numerous revolts and risings such as the Kronstadt rising in March 1921.

In addition, when Lenin became the leader, his country had to deal and face with two wars: the World War 1 and the Russian Civil War. In order to mitigate the problems in Russia, Lenin signed the Treaty of Brest Litovsk in March 1918. Lenin pulled Russia out of a war that caused “maybe two million Russians died or maybe it was four or even six millions” (Brooman 1987, 38). Even though Lenin prevented further humanitarian costs and gained peace by signing the Treaty of Brest Litovsk, Russia lost twenty-six percent of its population. Also, Russia’s thirty-three percent of manufacturing industry, thirty-two percent of arable land, and seventy-five percent of coal and iron resources were deteriorated, decimated and destructed; these losses left Russia in destitute (Morris 200). Moreover, Russians were discontent and incensed about Lenin’s decision of pulling Russia out of war because they felt that Russia left the war in humiliation. Also, the allies were infuriated by Russia’s signing of the treaty; the allies felt betrayed. The Treaty of Brest Litovsk allowed Germany to focus and concentrate its war efforts only on the western front since the eastern front no longer existed. The peace that Lenin brought to Russia by signing the Treaty of Brest Litovsk was short lived as the country experienced another war.

Similarly, the Russian Civil War (between the Reds – the Bolsheviks and the Whites that lasted from 1918 to 1921) had disastrous effects on Russia. Approximately eight million people died, and it exacerbated the widespread famine (Brooman 1988, Stalin). In addition, thousands of young homeless orphans called “bezprizornye…formed into gangs which terrorized the towns and committed thefts, murders and crimes” (Brooman, Stalin).

Join now!

Under the leadership of Lenin, the wars were not the only factor that contributed to the humanitarian costs. The formation of Cheka by Lenin resulted into further humanitarian sacrifices. Cheka, secret police, was established to reinforce Lenin’s consolidation of power. The main objective of the Cheka was to eliminate the remnants of aristocratic bourgeoisie power. Cheka used a brutal method to counter the counter-revolution by means of terror. This period is well-known as the “Red Terror” in which the Cheka executed over 140,000 people between December 1917 and February 1922 (Lee 1987, 34). It is clear that Lenin used ...

This is a preview of the whole essay