Consequences of the Revolution
The change the Russian Revolution brought was revolutionary, bringing both positive and negative changes to the Russian population
Positive
- Influencing other countries: The success of overthrowing the Tsar and provisional government inspired others into believing in the “workers” rights. Socialist parties all around the world began to threaten the powerful elites, and more people began standing up for change and equality. This huge influence made Russia an extremely relevant and powerful country again, after its fall/defeat in WWI. After Lenin took over russia, many social, political and economic reforms were carried out to institute a new social system according to the communist ideology. - Universal Health Care: During 1914–1920 the country suffered from great population losses. Russia lost nearly 6 million people during WWI, and because of poor medical conditions, poverty and famine, the country suffered from, epidemics such as Spanish flew, tuberculosis, camp-fever etc. Russia had an extremely high mortality rates, of around 47 deaths per 1000 people. Lenin introduced free, universal healthcare (everyone could have access to medical care), which immediately improved the quality of life for everyone. The mortality rate started to decrease fast and life expectancy of the general population (workers, peasants) increased in 5 years. - Education: Lenin built many schools and universities to provide education and teach communist ideologies, which created an 85% literacy rate in the general population. The previously illiterate peasants and workers got a chance to education, and got the opportunity to break the poverty cycle and reach higher positions through intellect. - Civil rights (Gender equality): Lenin and his Soviet members believed the role of women was critical, and he took initiatives to give women equality. He made the right to divorce, maternity leave, voting, education, standing for office and abortion all legal practices for women, helping them gain equality and see significant improvement in their lives. This also acted as an inspiration for other women's rights campaigns all across the world, for example the China’s change in women’s status during 1949. - Economy: Land ownership was redistributed to the peasants, so they could grow crops, which helped them earn more money and reduce the crop shortages in Russia. - The country became industrialized, which made owning private industries illegal, and as a result workers were treated more fairly and payed more for their labor. - Russia’s position in the world: Under Lenin’s rule, the USSR turned into a world superpower. The success of the revolution inspired many other countries to rebel against their leaders for change and equality. This government style still influences communist governments today, such as China, North Korea, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos etc. - Over 80% of the population who were previously peasants or workers experienced a positive change, from their ownership in land, to the opportunities such as education and medical care they had access to the hours they had to work and how much they were payed. This revolution was to a huge extent and made a significant improvement in the average citizens life. |
Negative:
- Deaths/Causalities: The revolution itself was a huge bloodbath. Many rebellions and riots ended as huge massacres. A famous example was Bloody Sunday, where unarmed demonstrators marching to present a petition to the Tsar were fired upon by soldiers. Government sources claimed more than 4,000 dead. This is one of the many examples of massacres of innocent deaths which occurred because of the Russian Revolution. - The rebellions, revolts, revolutions and civil war destroyed many farm lands, homes and cities. Russia was very chaotic, and there was very little safety and low living standards, which resulted in many deaths. - Many of Russia's talented people and intellects were executed, because they were seen as a threat to the reputation of the USSR. - Cheka (Secret Police): Lenin set up a secret police force known as the Cheka, who spied on the citizens. Anyone suspected of being anti-Communist was arrested, tortured and executed without a trial. - Red Terror: When opponents tried to assassinate Lenin in 1918, he launched the Red Terror campaign against his enemies, where over 50,000 people were executed. - Wealth gap: During the revolution, because of corruption, crop failure and taxes, economic crisis hit Russia, forcing many people into extreme poverty and to work laborious jobs. Paired with famine and hypothermia, this caused many deaths. - Totalitarian rule: Russia became a totalitarian state, where the government controlled all aspects of life. Freedom was eradicated, and dissenters were punished severely. Citizens were not allowed to have a negative view on the government and all outside influences were banned. Millions of innocent citizens/intellects were executed for having their own ideas. - Censorship: The States took total control of the media, including newspapers, cinema, and literature. Those who attempted to listen or read anything which did not glorify the Soviet was severely punished. - All independent newspapers and media were closed down, because of the strict censorship. The population saw any ideas of independence as being pointless. - Religion: Religion was oppressed, because it had clashing ideologies against the communist government. Church leaders were arrested and murdered. The USSR destroyed nearly 70000 churches. This caused huge losses and instilled fear into everyone, oppressing their freedom of thought and speech. |
The Russian Revolution had huge consequences and impacts on the general population, some of which were positive and others were negative. Many people believe that the Russian Revolution brought more negative than positive change, while others firmly believe it was an extremely successful revolution. I personally think the Russian revolution was mainly a positive change, because it really did help bring the general population (peasants, working class) more equality, rights and higher living standards, which I think outweigh the limitations of the revolution.