History – AO1 | e-Consult

Answer: The Russian Revolution of 1917 undeniably represented a profound and fundamental break with the past in Russian society, encompassing political, economic, and social transformations. While some elements of the old order persisted, the revolution fundamentally reshaped the country's institutions, values, and power structures.

Political Break:

• End of Tsarist Autocracy: The overthrow of the Tsarist regime ended centuries of autocratic rule and replaced it with a communist state.
• Rise of a New Ideology: The Bolsheviks introduced Marxism-Leninism, a radical ideology that challenged the existing political and social order.
• Establishment of a One-Party State: The Bolsheviks established a single-party state, eliminating political pluralism and suppressing opposition.

Economic Break:

• Nationalization of Industry: The Bolsheviks nationalized key industries, including railways, factories, and banks, ending private ownership.
• Land Redistribution: Land was redistributed to the peasantry, fulfilling a key Bolshevik promise and undermining the power of the landed aristocracy.
• Planned Economy: The Bolsheviks implemented a planned economy, replacing free markets with state control over production and distribution.

Social Break:

• Changes in Social Hierarchy: The revolution challenged traditional social hierarchies based on class and wealth.
• Promotion of Equality: The Bolsheviks promoted the idea of equality and social justice, although this was often not reflected in practice.
• Changes in Family Law: Family law was reformed, including the legalization of divorce and abortion.

Persistence of the Past: Despite these fundamental changes, some elements of the past persisted. The Bolsheviks maintained a centralized state apparatus, and the revolution was followed by a period of civil war and repression.

Conclusion: While the revolution did not erase the past entirely, it fundamentally altered the course of Russian history. The political, economic, and social changes brought about by the revolution represent a clear break with the Tsarist era and a radical transformation of Russian society.