The Russian Revolution overthrew the Russian Czar Nicholas II in 1917 and established the Soviet Union led by the communists under Vladimir Lenin. Weakened by World War I and widespread poverty and hunger, the Russian people revolted against the Czar's rule seeking land, bread, and an end to the war. This led to a civil war as the communists defeated other parties to gain power and execute the royal family, establishing the USSR that lasted until 1991 under Marxist principles.

1. The Russian Revolution Notes