In 1914, the Great War was raging all around the globe. It was by far the largest and bloodiest conflagration the world had ever seen. The balance of vast imperial powers the world over was shifting in tectonic, unpredictable ways.
During this maelstrom, in 1917, Russia underwent a revolution. Or rather, two.
The abdication of Czar Nicholas II of The Russian Empire, in March of 1917, brought to an abrupt and brutal end the 300-year rule of the Romanoff Dynasty. The seat of power became immediately occupied by the fragmented and weak Duma (parliament) and the hastily assembled Provisional Government. It was a moderate, temporary governing coalition.
Between that world altering day in March and the establishment of Lenin’s Bolshevik government in November did the story of the transition from Monarchy to Communism take place. One Revolution in March and another in October.
The Premier of the new nation from July until October of 1917 was Alexander Kenresky. He had first been Minister of Justice and then Minister of War; ultimately becoming Premier. He knew well all the principals of the Monarchy, the Duma, the Provisional Government, and those who ultimately established the Bolshevik/Communist regime. This is his detailed eyewitness account of the world changing upheaval of the political, military and economic structure of Europe and the world during those six months.
