The Russian Revolution (summary) can possibly be considered one of the most important events during the 20th century. Political and military struggles overran the Russian government between 1917 and 1920. It was much more than a contest for power in one country. According to one of the great revolutionary leaders, Leon Trotsky (picture), it was an "overturning of the world." A complete redesign of state, society, and economy was occurring during this time in an attempt to create a new human being.
The Russian Revolution was lead by a group known as the Bolsheviks. This Branch of the Socialist Revolutionaries (summary) believed in the ideas of a leader known as Vladimir llyitch Lenin (biography). Lenin's ideas followed basic Marxist (overview) principles. Lenin believed that the prolatariet (description) class in a society should rule as a whole of society for the good of society. The Bolsheviks agreed with Lenin's ideas and became loyal followers. This following did not go without resistance, however.
The Russian Revolution led to many tragic deaths and fighting between Russians. The civil wars that erupted from the Bolshevik seizure of power were very damaging, emotionally as well as physically.

Give patience, Lord, to us Thy children
In these dark, stormy days to bear
The persecution of our people,
The tortures falling to our share.

Give strength, Just God, to us who need it,
The persecutors to forgive,
Our heavy, painful cross to carry
And Thy great meekness to achieve...

Russian Chronology
Russian Revolutions of 1917 (description)

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