The Russian Revolution occurred in two stages. The March Revolution in 1917 overthrew the tsar and established a provisional government led by Kerensky. However, Kerensky's government struggled with political instability and a failing war effort. In November 1917, the Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, seized power in the November Revolution and established the world's first communist state. Lenin consolidated control and withdrew Russia from World War 1, leading to civil war between the Bolsheviks and opposing forces from 1917-1920.