Introduction / Context:
The Bolshevik Revolution is one of the most significant political events of the twentieth century. It marked the seizure of power by the Bolshevik party led by Vladimir Lenin and the establishment of a Communist government in Russia. This revolution led to the creation of the Soviet Union and had a long lasting impact on world politics and ideology. The question asks in which year this major revolution occurred.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The event in question is the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia.
- The question requires the year of this revolution.
- The options include several early twentieth century years associated with different Russian events.
- The learner is expected to distinguish between earlier unrest and the decisive Bolshevik takeover.
Concept / Approach:
The Bolshevik Revolution, also called the October Revolution, took place in 1917. In that year, Russia experienced two major revolutions: the February Revolution, which overthrew the tsar, and the October Revolution, in which the Bolsheviks overthrew the provisional government. The year 1905 saw an earlier unsuccessful revolution, and 1914 marks the start of the First World War. Therefore, the correct year for the Bolshevik Revolution is 1917.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall that the Russian Empire was shaken by a failed revolution in 1905, but the tsar remained in power afterwards.
2. Remember that 1914 is the year when the First World War began and is not the year of the Bolshevik Revolution.
3. Note that in 1917 Russia underwent two revolutions, with the Bolsheviks seizing power in the October Revolution.
4. Examine the options and find 1917 among the years offered.
5. Reject 1918 and 1920 because these years relate to the civil war and consolidation of power, not the initial revolutionary seizure of power.
6. Select 1917 as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, learners can recall that many history books refer to 1917 as the revolutionary year in Russia. Timelines commonly list February Revolution 1917 and October Revolution 1917, leading to the establishment of Bolshevik rule. The years after 1917 are described as a period of civil war and foreign intervention, not as the time when the initial revolution occurred. In contrast, 1905 is explicitly labelled as a failed or earlier revolution. Because exam oriented references consistently associate the phrase Bolshevik Revolution with 1917, that year is confirmed as correct.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1905 refers to the earlier Russian Revolution of 1905, which did not bring the Bolsheviks to power.
1914 is the year when the First World War began and is not directly the year of the Bolshevik Revolution.
1918 follows the revolution and includes events such as the execution of the royal family and the early civil war, but the main revolution had already occurred.
1920 falls during the later stages of the Russian Civil War and the consolidation of Soviet power, not the initial revolution year.
Common Pitfalls:
Some students confuse the 1905 revolution with the later one and may choose 1905 if they only remember that Russia had a revolution in the early twentieth century. Others may think of 1918 or 1920 because they associate those years with the Russian Civil War and the consolidation of the Soviet state. To avoid such mistakes, it is helpful to memorise clearly that the Bolshevik or October Revolution is in 1917, and that 1905 was an unsuccessful earlier uprising. This simple memory distinction ensures accurate answers in general knowledge questions.
Final Answer:
The correct answer is
1917.
Discussion & Comments