Comparing Timelines
Exploring the overlapping histories of "Russian Revolution" and "World War I".
Russian Revolution
1905 - 1923
World War I
1914 - 1921
1905 CE
Bloody Sunday Massacre
Hundreds of unarmed protesters were shot by the Tsar's troops in St. Petersburg. This massacre triggered nationwide protests and soldier mutinies, becoming a major factor contributing to the 1917 revolutions. The event led to the creation of the St. Petersburg Soviet and laid groundwork for later revolutionary movements.
October Manifesto Issued
Following the Bloody Sunday massacre and subsequent general strike, Tsar Nicholas II issued the October Manifesto establishing a democratically elected parliament (the State Duma). This represented the first major constitutional concession by the Tsarist regime, though the Tsar later worked to limit these democratic reforms.
1914 CE
Battle of Tannenberg
Russia's first major battle of World War I ended in disaster with over 30,000 Russian troops killed or wounded and 90,000 captured, while Germany suffered only 12,000 casualties. This crushing defeat undermined confidence in Russian military leadership and contributed to growing war-weariness among the population.
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist. This event triggered the July Crisis and ultimately led to the outbreak of World War I. The assassination was carried out by members of the Young Bosnia movement, supplied with arms by the Serbian Black Hand organization.
Anti-Serb Riots in Sarajevo
Following the assassination, Austro-Hungarian authorities encouraged anti-Serb riots in Sarajevo and other cities. Approximately 5,500 prominent Serbs were imprisoned, with 700 to 2,200 dying in prison. A further 460 Serbs were sentenced to death, and a Bosniak militia called the Schutzkorps was established to persecute Serbs.
Austrian Ultimatum to Serbia
Austria-Hungary delivered an ultimatum to Serbia with ten demands made intentionally unacceptable to provide an excuse for starting hostilities. The ultimatum was designed to be rejected, giving Austria-Hungary justification for war against Serbia.
Serbian General Mobilization
Serbia ordered general mobilization but accepted all terms of the Austrian ultimatum except those empowering Austrian representatives to suppress 'subversive elements' inside Serbia. Austria claimed this amounted to rejection and broke off diplomatic relations.
Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia
Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia and began shelling Belgrade, marking the official beginning of World War I. This declaration triggered the alliance system that would draw the major European powers into the conflict.
Russian General Mobilization
Russia ordered general mobilization in support of Serbia, escalating the conflict beyond the Balkans. This mobilization triggered Germany's war plans and brought the major European powers closer to full-scale war.
Germany Declares War on Russia
After the Russian government refused to cease war measures against Germany and Austria-Hungary within 12 hours, Germany declared war on Russia. This marked Germany's entry into the conflict and activated the Schlieffen Plan.
Germany Occupies Luxembourg
Germany occupied Luxembourg and exchanged fire with French units when German patrols entered French territory. This marked the beginning of German military operations in Western Europe.
Germany Invades Belgium, Britain Declares War
Germany invaded Belgium, prompting King Albert I to call for assistance under the Treaty of London. Britain sent Germany an ultimatum demanding withdrawal from Belgium, and when it expired at midnight without response, Britain declared war on Germany.
Battle of the Cer Begins
Austrian and Serbian forces clashed at the Battle of the Cer, marking the first major battle of World War I. Over the next two weeks, Austrian attacks were repulsed with heavy losses, forcing Austria to keep sizeable forces on the Serbian front.
Russian Armies Enter East Prussia
Two Russian armies entered East Prussia without many of their support elements, ten days before the Germans had anticipated. This forced Germany to divert troops from the Western Front but led to Russian defeats at Tannenberg and the Masurian Lakes.
New Zealand Occupies German Samoa
New Zealand occupied German Samoa, marking one of the first Allied victories in the Pacific theater. This was part of the broader Allied effort to seize German colonies worldwide.
Australian Forces Land in German New Guinea
The Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force landed on the island of New Britain, then part of German New Guinea. This was part of the Allied strategy to eliminate German presence in the Pacific.
1915 CE
Tsar Nicholas II Takes Personal Command of Army
Tsar Nicholas II assumed direct command of the Imperial Russian Army, leaving his German-born wife Alexandra in charge of the government. This decision proved disastrous as the Tsar became personally responsible for Russia's continuing military defeats, while Alexandra's rule was marked by corruption and the influence of Rasputin.
Bulgaria Declares War on Serbia
Bulgaria declared war on Serbia and joined the attack by the Austro-Hungarian army. This marked a significant expansion of the Central Powers and put additional pressure on Serbia from multiple fronts.
1916 CE
Assassination of Rasputin
A small group of nobles assassinated Grigori Rasputin, the controversial mystic who had gained significant influence over the Imperial family. His death removed a major source of scandal and corruption but came too late to save the monarchy's reputation among the Russian people.
Battle of Verdun Begins
Germany launched a massive offensive against French defensive positions at Verdun, beginning one of the longest and bloodiest battles of World War I. The battle would last until December 1916, with casualties between 700,000 to 975,000 for both sides combined.
Arab Revolt Begins
The Arab Revolt began with the Battle of Mecca, led by Sharif Hussein and instigated by the British Foreign Office. The Sharif declared the independence of the Kingdom of Hejaz and, with British assistance, conquered much of Ottoman-held Arabia.
Battle of the Somme Begins
The Battle of the Somme began as an Anglo-French offensive. The opening day on July 1st was the bloodiest single day in British Army history, with 57,500 casualties including 19,200 dead. The battle would continue until November with massive casualties on all sides.
Romania Enters the War
Romania joined the Entente and attacked Transylvania under the Treaty of Bucharest. Despite initial success, Romanian forces were eventually driven back by the German 9th Army led by Erich von Falkenhayn, and Bucharest fell to the Central Powers in December.
1917 CE
Putilov Factory Strike Begins
Workers at the Putilov factory, Petrograd's largest industrial plant, went on strike. This strike marked the beginning of the February Revolution as it sparked a series of demonstrations and strikes that would ultimately lead to the collapse of the Tsarist regime.
International Women's Day Demonstrations
A series of meetings and rallies held for International Women's Day gradually turned into economic and political gatherings demanding bread. These demonstrations, supported by industrial workers, brought over 50,000 workers on strike and marked a crucial escalation in the revolutionary movement.
General Strike in Petrograd
Virtually every industrial enterprise in Petrograd was shut down, along with many commercial and service enterprises. Students, white-collar workers, and teachers joined the workers in the streets, creating a massive popular uprising that paralyzed the capital.
Military Mutiny Begins
When Tsar Nicholas II ordered the army to suppress the rioting by force, troops began to revolt instead of obeying orders. Many officers were shot or went into hiding, and the garrison's ability to maintain order collapsed, marking the point of no return for the Tsarist regime.
Formation of Petrograd Soviet
Socialist parties established the Petrograd Soviet to represent workers and soldiers, creating a rival power center to the emerging Provisional Government. This marked the beginning of the 'dual power' situation that would characterize Russian politics throughout 1917.
Abdication of Tsar Nicholas II
Tsar Nicholas II abdicated the throne on behalf of himself and his son, nominating his brother Grand Duke Michael to succeed him. However, Michael declined the crown the next day, effectively ending over 300 years of Romanov rule and the Russian monarchy.
Provisional Government Announced
A provisional government was announced and initially chaired by liberal aristocrat Prince Georgy Lvov. The center-left government competed with the Petrograd Soviet for power over Russia, establishing the complex political situation known as 'dual power' that would define the revolutionary period.
Lenin Returns to Russia
Vladimir Lenin arrived in Petrograd after traveling through Germany in a sealed train. German officials had arranged his passage hoping his activities would weaken Russia or lead to its withdrawal from the war. His return marked a crucial turning point for the Bolshevik movement.
Lenin Presents April Theses
Lenin outlined central Bolshevik policies in his April Theses, including the demand that Soviets take power and denouncing cooperation with the Provisional Government. These radical positions initially shocked even many Bolsheviks but gradually gained support as conditions deteriorated.
Failed June Offensive
The Provisional Government launched an attack against Germany that failed miserably. This military disaster further undermined the government's credibility and fueled anti-war sentiment among soldiers and workers, strengthening support for the Bolsheviks' peace platform.
July Days Uprising
Sailors, soldiers, and Petrograd workers took to the streets in violent protest calling for 'all power to the Soviets.' The revolt was disowned by Lenin and Bolshevik leaders and dissipated within days, leading to Lenin fleeing to Finland and Trotsky's arrest, temporarily weakening Bolshevik influence.
Kornilov Affair
General Lavr Kornilov ordered troops to Petrograd believing the government had been captured by radicals. Kerensky had to ask for Bolshevik assistance to stop the coup attempt. The Bolsheviks' role in defeating Kornilov significantly strengthened their position and credibility among workers and soldiers.
Trotsky Becomes Chairman of Petrograd Soviet
Leon Trotsky became chairman of the Petrograd Soviet after the Bolsheviks gained a majority. This gave the Bolsheviks control of the most important revolutionary institution in the capital and positioned them to organize the October Revolution.
Bolshevik Central Committee Votes for Revolution
The Bolshevik Central Committee passed a resolution calling for the dissolution of the Provisional Government in favor of the Petrograd Soviet. The resolution passed 10-2, with Kamenev and Zinoviev dissenting, officially promoting what would become the October Revolution.
October Revolution Begins
The Bolshevik party organized an insurrection that began with the assault on Petrograd. Led by Trotsky's Revolutionary Military Committee, the initial stage occurred largely without casualties. This marked the beginning of Bolshevik seizure of power from the Provisional Government.
Russian Constituent Assembly Elections
Elections to the Russian Constituent Assembly took place with the Bolsheviks gaining 25% of the vote while the Socialist-Revolutionaries won 58%. When it became clear the Bolsheviks had little support outside industrialized areas, they began restricting non-Bolshevik participation in the Soviets.
Russian Revolution - Tsar Nicholas II Abdicates
Tsar Nicholas II was forced to abdicate after troops refused to fire on striking crowds in Petrograd. The Russian Provisional Government was established, confirming Russia's willingness to continue the war despite growing internal chaos.
United States Declares War on Germany
Congress declared war on Germany as an 'Associated Power' of the Allies, following Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare. President Wilson went to war to ensure the US played a leading role in shaping the peace.
Nivelle Offensive Begins
The French launched the Nivelle Offensive in Champagne as part of a joint Franco-British operation. Despite initial gains, the offensive was halted by strong German defenses, resulting in nearly 135,000 French casualties and triggering widespread mutinies in the French Army.
Lenin Returns to Russia
Vladimir Lenin was ushered from Switzerland into Russia with German help. His return strengthened the Bolshevik Party, which demanded an immediate end to the war and would eventually seize power in the October Revolution.
October Revolution in Russia
The Bolsheviks seized power in Russia in the October Revolution, leading to Russia's eventual withdrawal from the war. This revolution fundamentally changed the nature of the Eastern Front and freed up German troops for the Western Front.
Armistice Between Russia and Central Powers
Soviet Russia signed an armistice with the Central Powers in December, effectively ending Russian participation in World War I. This would be followed by the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in March 1918.
1918 CE
Russian Civil War Begins
Liberal and monarchist forces organized into the White Army went to war against the Bolsheviks' Red Army. The civil war began with domestic anti-Bolshevik forces confronting the nascent Red Army, eventually involving foreign intervention and lasting until 1922.
Dissolution of Constituent Assembly
The Bolsheviks dissolved the democratically elected Constituent Assembly after it became clear they lacked majority support. This action marked the end of Russia's brief experiment with parliamentary democracy and the beginning of one-party Bolshevik rule.
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk Signed
Bolshevik leaders signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with Germany, fulfilling their promise to end Russia's participation in World War I. The treaty came at a heavy cost, with Russia losing significant territory, but allowed the Bolsheviks to focus on consolidating power domestically.
Murder of the Imperial Family
The Bolsheviks murdered Tsar Nicholas II and his entire family in Yekaterinburg. Nicholas, Alexandra, their children, their physician, and several servants were taken into the basement and shot, ending the Romanov dynasty and eliminating any possibility of monarchist restoration.
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
Soviet Russia signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk with the Central Powers, ceding vast territories including Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and parts of Poland and Ukraine. This formally ended Russian participation in World War I.
German Spring Offensive Begins
Germany launched Operation Michael, its spring offensive on the Western Front, achieving an unprecedented advance of 60 kilometers. Despite initial success, the offensive ultimately left the German Army exhausted and demoralized.
Allied Hundred Days Offensive Begins
The Allied Hundred Days Offensive began, marking the final phase of World War I. This coordinated Allied attack caused a collapse of the German front line and led directly to Germany's request for an armistice.
Vardar Offensive Begins
Allied forces started the Vardar offensive at Dobro Pole and near Dojran Lake. The Serbian and French armies achieved a breakthrough after a three-day battle, leading to Bulgaria's collapse and armistice.
Bulgaria Signs Armistice
Bulgaria signed the Armistice of Salonica, becoming the first Central Power to surrender. Kaiser Wilhelm II described the situation as 'Disgraceful! 62,000 Serbs decided the war!' The German Supreme Army Command informed Wilhelm that Germany's military situation was hopeless.
Battle of Vittorio Veneto Begins
Italy launched the Battle of Vittorio Veneto, which rapidly recovered territory lost after Caporetto and marked the end of the Austro-Hungarian Army as an effective fighting force. The offensive triggered the disintegration of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Ottoman Empire Signs Armistice
The Ottoman Empire capitulated and signed the Armistice of Mudros, effectively ending Ottoman participation in World War I. This marked the beginning of the end for the Ottoman Empire.
Austria-Hungary Signs Armistice
Austria-Hungary signed the Armistice of Villa Giusti, ending hostilities with Italy. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was disintegrating, with declarations of independence made in Budapest, Prague, and Zagreb during the last week of October.
Kaiser Wilhelm II Abdicates
Facing revolution at home and military collapse, Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated. The German Revolution had begun with naval mutinies and spread across the country, leading to the proclamation of a republic.
Armistice of Compiègne - End of World War I
The Armistice of Compiègne was signed, ending World War I at 11 AM on November 11, 1918. The war had lasted over four years and resulted in unprecedented casualties and destruction across Europe and beyond.
1919 CE
Treaty of Versailles Signed
The Treaty of Versailles was signed with Germany, formally ending the state of war. The treaty imposed harsh terms on Germany, including territorial losses, disarmament, and massive reparations. It also established the League of Nations.
1921 CE
Kronstadt Rebellion
Soviet Baltic sailors, former Red Army soldiers, and people of Kronstadt initiated a naval mutiny against Bolshevik economic policies. The rebellion raised 15 demands for Russian freedom but was brutally suppressed by the government, resulting in ten thousand casualties before the city fell.
Knox-Porter Resolution
The United States formally ended its involvement in World War I when President Warren G. Harding signed the Knox-Porter Resolution. The US Senate had not ratified the Treaty of Versailles despite public support for it.
1922 CE
End of Russian Civil War
The Russian Civil War concluded with the defeat of the White Army and separatist factions, leading to mass emigration from Russia. The victorious Bolshevik Party reconstituted itself into the All-Union Communist Party and established firm control over the former Russian Empire.
1923 CE
Final White Army Surrender
General Anatoly Pepelyayev capitulated in the Ayano-Maysky District, the last area controlled by the White Army. This surrender marked the end of all significant military campaigns against Bolshevik rule and completed the revolutionary period that had begun in 1917.