Vladimir Lenin biography timeline

Helps organise the League of Struggle for the Emancipation of the Working Class.

Is exiled to Siberia after arrest for underground activity.

Learns of the new party while still in Siberian exile.

Publishes The Aims of Russian Social Democrats, arguing for organised Marxist politics.

Publishes The Development of Capitalism in Russia under the name Vladimir Ilyin.

Helps launch Iskra as a central paper for Russian Marxists.

Uses Zarya and Iskra to argue for centralised revolutionary organisation.

Sets out the argument for a disciplined revolutionary organisation.

Publishes What Is to Be Done?, setting out his vanguard party argument.

Attends the Second Congress where party disputes intensify.

Wins support for a tighter centralised party organisation.

The Russian party split between Bolsheviks and Mensheviks

Suffers from St Anthonys fire

The Russian party split between Bolsheviks and Mensheviks

The Russian party split between Bolsheviks and Mensheviks

The Russian party split between Bolsheviks and Mensheviks

Publishes a defence of Bolshevik organisation after the split.

Launches Vperyod as a Bolshevik rival to Menshevik-controlled Iskra.

Begins a Bolshevik newspaper after losing control of Iskra.

Interprets the massacre as the opening of revolution.

Leads Bolshevik delegates at the Third Congress in London.

Leads Bolshevik delegates at the Third Congress.

Publishes Two Tactics of Social Democracy during the 1905 Revolution.

Publishes his strategy for the democratic revolution.

Returns from exile during the 1905 Revolution.

Returns from exile during the revolutionary upheaval.

Studies the Soviet as a new form of revolutionary organisation.

Attends the Fourth Congress, known as the Unity Congress.

Attends the Fifth Congress as factional conflict continues.

Attacks Bogdanov's philosophy amid Bolshevik factional conflict.

Breaks with Bogdanov's faction inside Bolshevism.

Participates in a plenum attempting party reunification.

Lectures party workers at the Longjumeau school.

Organises the conference that creates a distinct Bolshevik party apparatus.

Arrested by the Austrian police as a spy & enemy alien

Arrested by the Austrian police as a spy & enemy alien

Released by the Austrians because he is an "enemy of tsarism"

Released by the Austrians because he is an "enemy of tsarism"

Leaves Vienna bound for Switzerland in an Austrian military mail train

Leaves Vienna bound for Switzerland in an Austrian military mail train

The final split between the Bolsheviks & Mensheviks. The Bolshevik Party formally separated from the Social Democratic Party

Spends 2 yrs in Cracow

Spends 2 yrs in Cracow

The final split between the Bolsheviks & Mensheviks

Condemns the First World War as an imperialist conflict.

On the eve of the conference Lenin organizes a group of socialist internationalists, the Zimmerwald Left

On the eve of the conference Lenin organizes a group of socialist internationalists, the Zimmerwald Left

On the eve of the conference Lenin organizes a group of socialist internationalists, the Zimmerwald Left

Lenin appeals to all soldiers to lay down their arms. Calls for the "self determination of peoples". Calls for "peace without indemnities & without annexations". Calls for open civil war & the organisation of a new revolutionary international

The Second International dissolves during World War I, in 1916, following the 1915 Zimmerwald Conference of anti-war socialists. The "internationalists" open their Conference in Switzerland. Opening day of a Conference of European anti-war Socialists.

The Zimmerwald Conference sees the beginning of the end of the coalition between left-wing socialists (communists) and right-wing socialists (social democrats) in the Second International.

Lenin appeals to all soldiers to lay down their arms. Calls for the "self determination of peoples". Calls for "peace without indemnities & without annexations". Calls for open civil war & the organisation of a new revolutionary international

The Second International dissolves during World War I, in 1916, following the 1915 Zimmerwald Conference of anti-war socialists. The "internationalists" open their Conference in Switzerland. Opening day of a Conference of European anti-war Socialists.

The Zimmerwald Conference sees the beginning of the end of the coalition between left-wing socialists (communists) and right-wing socialists (social democrats) in the Second International.

Calls for "peace without indemnities & without annexations"

The Zimmerwald Conference sees the beginning of the end of the coalition between left-wing socialists (communists) and right-wing socialists (social democrats) in the Second International. The Second International dissolves during World War I, in 1916, following the 1915 Zimmerwald Conference of anti-war socialists

Presses for revolutionary defeatism at the anti-war socialist conference.

The Central Workers Group is formed

The Central Workers Group is formed

Opening of the Kienthal Conference of anti-war socialists

Opening of the Kienthal Conference of anti-war socialists

The Second International dissolves during World War I, in 1916, following the 1915 Zimmerwald Conference of anti-war socialists

The Second International dissolves during World War I, in 1916, following the 1915 Zimmerwald Conference of anti-war socialists

The Second International dissolves during World War I, in 1916, following the 1915 Zimmerwald Conference of anti-war socialists

Founded after the dissolution of the Second International in 1916, following the 1915 Zimmerwald Conference in which Vladimir Lenin had led the "Zimmerwald Left" against those who supported the "national union" Governments in war with each other

Founded after the dissolution of the Second International in 1916, following the 1915 Zimmerwald Conference in which Vladimir Lenin had led the "Zimmerwald Left" against those who supported the "national union" Governments in war with each other

Writes Imperialism during wartime exile.

Founded after the dissolution of the Second International in 1916, following the 1915 Zimmerwald Conference in which Vladimir Lenin had led the "Zimmerwald Left" against those who supported the "national union" Governments in war with each other

Founded after the dissolution of the Second International in 1916, following the 1915 Zimmerwald Conference in which Vladimir Lenin had led the "Zimmerwald Left" against those who supported the "national union" Governments in war with each other

The Volynskii Regiment fires on the crowd killing 40

The first Joint Plenum of the Soviet of Workers and Soldiers Deputies issues Soviet Order No. 1: all soldiers units will elect Soldiers Committee's & the decree stipulates that soldiers will now accept orders from the Soldiers Soviet

Formation of the Moscow Soviet

The first Joint Plenum of the Soviet of Workers and Soldiers Deputies issues Soviet Order No. 1: all soldiers units will elect Soldiers Committee's & the decree stipulates that soldiers will now accept orders from the Soldiers Soviet

Duma & Soviet representitives reach agreement on the basis of an 8 point program

Lenins Letters from Afar, are published, though highly abridged

Lenin, Zinoviev, and other Bolsheviks arrive in Petrograd from exile in Switzerland, they are met at the train station by a large contigent of jubilent workers, soldiers, and party members

Kerensky wishes to convene the Constituent Assembly to institute more Liberal reforms

Lenin, Zinoviev, and other Bolsheviks arrive in Petrograd from exile in Switzerland, they are met at the train station by a large contigent of jubilent workers, soldiers, and party members

At Byelo-Ostrov Station, Finland Railway, Stalin, Ulyanova and a delegation of Petrograd and Sestroretsk working men and women meet Lenin on his return from exile and accompany him to Petrograd

Lenin arrives at Finland Station after returning from exile and immediately challenges support for the Provisional Government.

Presents a program rejecting support for the Provisional Government

Calls for all power to pass to the Soviets.

Asserts that Russia is "passing from the first stage of the revolutionwhich, owing to the insufficient class consciousness and organisation of the proletariat, placed power in the hands of the bourgeoisieto its second stage, which must place power in the hands of the proletariat and

Calls for a new "revolutionary International, an International against the social-chauvinists and against the Center" which later becomes the Comintern (Third International) formed in 1919.

Condemns the Provisional Government as bourgeois and urges "no support" for it, as "the utter falsity of all its promises should be made clear" & condemns World War I as a "predatory imperialist war" and the "revolutionary defensism" of foreign social democrat parties, calling for

In Russian the "Aprelskiye Tezisy", the April Theses formed a programme developed by Lenin during the 1917 Russian Revolution in which Lenin calls for Soviet control of the state & When published the theses contributed to the July Days rising and to the subsequent coup

Lenin delivers his April Thesis, states that Russia will become a republic of soviets.

Lenin succeeded in persuading the Bolsheviks of his arguments as laid out in the April Theses and they provided much of the ideological groundwork that later led to the October Revolution.

The April Theses are published in the Bolshevik newspaper Pravda and read by Lenin at two meetings of the All-Russia Conference of Soviets of Workers and Soldiers Deputies.

of October 1917, bringing the Bolsheviks to power.

revolutionary defeatism.

the poorest sections of the peasants"

In Russian the "Aprelskiye Tezisy", the April Theses formed a programme developed by Lenin during the 1917 Russian Revolution in which Lenin calls for Soviet control of the state & When published the theses contributed to the July Days rising and to the subsequent coup

Lenin succeeded in persuading the Bolsheviks of his arguments as laid out in the April Theses and they provided much of the ideological groundwork that later led to the October Revolution.

The April Theses are published in the Bolshevik newspaper Pravda and read by Lenin at two meetings of the All-Russia Conference of Soviets of Workers and Soldiers Deputies.

of October 1917, bringing the Bolsheviks to power

In the April Theses Lenin calls for a new "revolutionary International, an International against the social-chauvinists and against the Center" which later becomes the Comintern (Third International) formed in 1919. Calls for a new "revolutionary International, an International against the social-chauvinists and against the Center" which later becomes the Comintern (Third International) formed in 1919

In the April Theses Lenin calls for a new "revolutionary International, an International against the social-chauvinists and against the Center" which later becomes the Comintern (Third International) formed in 1919. Calls for a new "revolutionary International, an International against the social-chauvinists and against the Center" which later becomes the Comintern (Third International) formed in 1919

The April Theses are published in the Bolshevik newspaper Pravda and read by Lenin at two meetings of the All-Russia Conference of Soviets of Workers and Soldiers Deputies

Lenin presents the April Theses, rejecting support for the Provisional Government and demanding transfer of power to the Soviets.

Condemns the Provisional Government as bourgeois and urges "no support" for it, as "the utter falsity of all its promises should be made clear" & condemns World War I as a "predatory imperialist war" and the "revolutionary defensism" of foreign social democrat parties, calling for revolutionary defeatism

Publication of "The April Theses"

Uses the Bolshevik newspaper to press a new revolutionary program

His April Theses help shape slogans later used during the July Days.

In the Milyukov note, Milyukov tells allies that the war aims are unchanged

Presses Bolshevik opposition to the Provisional Government during the crisis

Opposition to the Foreign Minister Milyukov boils over due to his refusal to renounce annexations

1st Bolshevik demonstrations in Petrograd & Moscow

1st Bolshevik demonstrations in Petrograd & Moscow

The Bolsheviks organize the Red Guard

The Bolsheviks organize the Red Guard

Offers the "internationalist" Mensheviks a place on the editorial board of Pravda

Offers the "internationalist" Mensheviks a place on the editorial board of Pravda

Offers the "internationalist" Mensheviks a place on the editorial board of Pravda

Bolsheviks use Soviet meetings to press their slogan.

Milyukov resigns, members of the Mensheviks and the Socialist Revolutionaries join the Government

Milyukov resigns, members of the Mensheviks and the Socialist Revolutionaries join the Government

Milyukov resigns, members of the Mensheviks and the Socialist Revolutionaries join the Government

1st Alln Congress of Soviets opens

The First All Congress of Workers and Soldiers Soviets opens

Challenges moderate Soviet leaders by declaring that Bolsheviks are ready to take power

Claims Bolsheviks are ready to take power.

The Bolsheviks hold back from a coup

The Bolsheviks hold back from a coup

Bolshevik slogans dominate the mass demonstration.

An offensive is launched by Russia against Austria Hungary

Criticises the Provisional Government as war weariness intensifies.

The July Days refer to events that take place in Petrograd, Russia, between 3 July and 7 July (Julian calendar) (16 July 20 July, Gregorian calendar), when soldiers and industrial workers engage in spontaneous demonstrations against the Russian Provisional Government

Tries to assess whether the movement is premature.

Faces accusations that Bolsheviks are serving German interests.

The failed demonstrations force Bolshevik leaders onto the defensive.

Avoids arrest as attacks on Bolshevik offices intensify.

Hides near Razliv after the government issues arrest orders.

Travels to Finland for a rest

Prepares to flee toward Finland while avoiding arrest.

Remains underground as the Bolshevik Party retreats tactically.

The machine gunners appeal met with a favorable response from the soldiers of the Moscow, Pavlovsky, Grenadiers, and 1st Reserve regiments who march to demonstrate under the slogan All Power to the Soviets

Machine-gunners and radical activists prepare demonstrations demanding Soviet power.

The Kadets walk out of the Russian Provisional Government, threatening the Mensheviks and the Socialist Revolutionaries (SRs) with the breakup of the Government coalition and a Government crisis results

The Kadets walk out of the Russian Provisional Government, threatening the Mensheviks and the Socialist Revolutionaries (SRs) with the breakup of the Government coalition and a Government crisis results

Demonstrations begin among soldiers of the First Machine-Gun Regiment.

The July Days begin as soldiers and workers protest against the Provisional Government.

Workers and soldiers demand Soviet power as disorder spreads through Petrograd.

The Bolsheviks decide to provide leadership to the movement in order to give it an organized and peaceful character so.

The demands which the workers and soldiers take to the streets with in the July Days are influenced by the Bolshevik Party All Power to the Soviets.

during the afternoon of 17 July a peaceful demonstration of 500,000 workers, soldiers, and sailors under the slogan All Power to the Soviets is held.

The demonstration is organized by the Bolshevik Military Organisation without initial authorization from the Central Committee after pressure from rank and file soldiers

The Bolsheviks decide to provide leadership to the movement in order to give it an organized and peaceful character so during the afternoon of 17 July a peaceful demonstration of 500,000 workers soldiers

The demands which the workers and soldiers take to the streets with in the July Days are influenced by the Bolshevik Party All Power to the Soviets.

The demonstration is organized by the Bolshevik Military Organisation without initial authorization from the Central Committee after pressure from rank and file soldiers.

and sailors under the slogan All Power to the Soviets is held

Anti-government demonstrations also spread beyond Petrograd to Moscow and other cities.

Bolsheviks try to give the mass movement a more organised and peaceful direction.

Government troops fire on demonstrators and the Soviet supports punitive measures.

The Bolshevik Military Organisation helps organise the armed demonstration.

The Central Committee tries to restrain the developing street movement.

Workers and soldiers march under the slogan All Power to the Soviets.

The military authorities send troops against the demonstration, leaving more than 700 people killed and wounded & the SRs and Mensheviks support punitive measures against the July Days insurgents. The Mensheviks oppose the demonstrations during the July Days

The offices and printing plant of Pravda and the headquarters of the Bolshevik Central Committee are destroyed

An arrest order forces Lenin underground after Bolshevik offices are attacked.

The offices and printing plant of Pravda and the headquarters of the Bolshevik Central Committee are destroyed

The Provisional Government issues an order for the arrest of Lenin, who is forced to go underground

Bolshevik recovery inside Soviets strengthens his position.

Writes to the Central Committee saying that the time is ripe for the seizure of power

Revives the slogan "all power to the Soviets"

Revives the slogan "all power to the Soviets"

Writes to the Central Committee a for a 2nd time urging it to seize power. Does not receive a reply from the Central Comm & threatens to resign

Urges Bolsheviks to prepare seizure of power through Soviet organs.

Lenin's party benefits as the Petrograd Soviet moves leftward.

The Bolsheviks win control of the Petrograd Soviet.

The Bolsheviks win majority influence within the Petrograd Soviet.

States that after capitalism "universal labour service" is the order of the day

Bolshevik influence grows after the July repression weakens moderate socialists.

Lenin's party gains influence as the Soviet moves toward Bolshevik control.

Lenin secretly returns to Petrograd to press the Bolshevik leadership toward an immediate armed seizure of power.

Lenin persuades the Bolshevik Central Committee to approve preparations for an armed insurrection.

The Central Committee votes 10 to 2 for armed insurrection

Lenin and Stalin attend a meeting of the Party Central Committee where Lenins resolution on armed insurrection is approved and a 7 man Political Bureau of the CC headed by Lenin and Stalin is setup to direct the uprising

The Bolshevik Congress summons a 2nd Congress of Soviets

The Bolshevik Congress of Soviets of the Northern region opens. The Bolshevik Congress forms a "Northern Regional Committee"

The Bolshevik Congress summons a 2nd Congress of Soviets

The Bolshevik Congress of Soviets of the Northern region opens

The Bolshevik Congress forms a "Northern Regional Committee"

Approves the creation of the Military Revolutionary Committee

Declares military staff to be "Counter revolutionary"

23-24 October, negotiates with the military staff

The Government occupies Petrograd & closes down Bolshevik newspapers

The Government occupies Petrograd & closes down Bolshevik newspapers

Lenin and Stalin direct the October armed uprising

Returns secretly as the Soviet-backed uprising begins.

Completes the occupation of Moscow

Declares the triumph of the workers & peasants revolution in Petrograd

The 2nd alln Congress of Soviets proclaims transfer of power to the Soviets

The 2nd alln Congress of Soviets proclaims transfer of power to the Soviets

The 2nd alln Congress of Soviets proclaims transfer of power to the Soviets. Declares the Provisional Government deposed

Lenin and Stalin direct the Second Alln Congress of Soviets of Workers and Soldiers Deputies

Declares the Provisional Government deposed

Lenin announces that the Provisional Government has been overthrown as the Bolsheviks consolidate control of Petrograd.

The Bolsheviks open the 2nd Congress of Soviets

The Military Revolutionary Council troops seize the Kremlin

The military revolutionary Council troops seize the Winter Palace

Appointed Chairman of the Council of Peoples Commissars

The Bolsheviks open the 2nd Congress of Soviets

Congress approves the Council of Peoples Commissars

Becomes head of the new Soviet government.

Lenin becomes chairman of the Council of People's Commissars created by the Second Congress of Soviets.

Lenin presents the Decree on Land abolishing private landed estates and transferring land for local redistribution.

Presents early Soviet decrees after the Bolshevik victory.

Declares, "The workers movement will triumph and will pave the way to peace and socialism".

The Decree on Peace, written by Vladimir Lenin, is passed by the Second Congress of the Soviet of Workers, Soldiers, and Peasants Deputies following the success of the October Revolution.

The workers and peasants Government, created by the Revolution of October 24-25 based on the Soviet of Workers, Soldiers and Peasants Deputies, calls upon all belligerent peoples and their Government to start negotiations for a democratic peace.

Lenin presents the Decree on Peace calling for immediate negotiations toward a democratic peace without annexations or indemnities.

The Decree on Peace, written by Vladimir Lenin, is passed by the Second Congress of the Soviet of Workers, Soldiers, and Peasants Deputies following the success of the October Revolution

Presents decrees on peace and land to the Second Congress

The Death Penalty abolished

The Decree on Peace is published in the Izvestiya newspaper, proposes an immediate withdrawal of Russia from World War I

The Decree on Peace is published in the Izvestiya newspaper, proposes an immediate withdrawal of Russia from World War I

Lenin's government faces an armed challenge from Kerensky and Krasnov during the early consolidation of Bolshevik power.

The Bolsheviks overthrow the Provisional Government on the eve of the meeting of Second All Congress of Soviets

The Bolsheviks overthrow the Provisional Government on the eve of the meeting of Second All Congress of Soviets. Power is given to the 2nd Congress of Soviets but withdrawn after Lenins opposition

The Bolsheviks overthrow the Provisional Government on the eve of the meeting of Second All Congress of Soviets

The Bolsheviks overthrow the Provisional Government on the eve of the meeting of Second All Congress of Soviets

Bolshevik forces gain control of Moscow after prolonged street fighting against forces loyal to the former government.

Lenin wrote a proclamation calling Zinoviev and Kamenev "deserters", he never forgot their behavior, eventually making an ambiguous reference to their "October episode" in his Testament

The Soviets sieze power in Petrograd

Overthrows the Kerensky Government

The Bolshevik land decree abolishes private landed property and transfers land to peasant use

Proposes just & democratic peace without annexations, indemnities & self-determination

The Bolsheviks broadcast their conditions for peace

The Bolsheviks broadcast their conditions for peace

The Soviet government issues a decree establishing workers' control over production, accounting and enterprise administration.

The Bolsheviks call for an armistice on all fronts

The Bolsheviks call for an armistice on all fronts

The Bolsheviks win 175 seats out of 707. In the Constituent Assembly elections the Bolsheviks win 9.8 of 41.7 million votes

The Socialist Revolutionaries win 17.5 million votes. The Bolsheviks win 175 seats out of 707. In the Constituent Assembly elections the Bolsheviks win 9.8 of 41.7 million votes

Bolsheviks decree the creation of Workers Committee's at placres of work

In all enterprises of "state importance" all matters should be deferred to the state. Bolsheviks decree the creation of Workers Committee's at placres of work

The Allied Supreme Council rejects Lenins Decree on Peace

Outlaws the Cadet Party

The Soviet government creates the Cheka to combat counter-revolution and sabotage.

The Soviet Commissars declare war on the Cossack chiefs

Drafts the peace proposals for the Brest Litovsk negotiations

The Red Guard occupies private banks & a decree is passed to nationalize them

The Soviet government nationalizes private banks and strengthens state control over the financial system.

An armistice halts fighting between Soviet Russia and the Central Powers while formal peace negotiations continue.

The Vesenkha gains control over Government finance of industry & wages state wages

The Vesenkha gains control over Government finance of industry & wages state wages

The Vesenkha gains control over Government finance of industry & state wages

A Bolshevik decree establishes the Supreme Economic Council over all economic bodies

A Bolshevik decree establishes the Supreme Economic Council over all economic bodies

A Bolshevik decree establishes the Supreme Economic Council over all economic bodies

The Ukrainian Council proclaims Ukrainian independence

The Ukrainian Council proclaims Ukrainian independence

The Vesenkha decrees each region establish a Council of National Economy (Sovnarkhoz)

A Bolshevik decree establishes the Supreme Economic Council over all economic bodies

The Vesenkha decrees each region establish a Council of National Economy (Sovnarkhoz)

A Bolshevik decree establishes the Supreme Economic Council over all economic bodies. The Bolsheviks overthrow the Provisional Government on the eve of the meeting of Second All Congress of Soviets. Publication of "Will The Bolsheviks Retain State Power?"

The Comintern is founded at the Congress of the 3rd International. Founded after dissolving the Second International in 1916. At the Zimmerwald Conference Lenin had led the "Zimmerwald Left" against those who supported "national union" Governments

At the Zimmerwald Conference Lenin had led the "Zimmerwald Left" against those who supported "national union" Governments

Addresses the Alln Peasant Congress

A Bolshevik decree establishes the Supreme Economic Council over all economic bodies. In the April Theses states that Russia will become a republic of soviets

Attacks the War as an "Imperialist struggle"

Publication of "Will The Bolsheviks Retain State Power?". Publication of "The State & Revolution", officials will receive workers wages. Publication of "The State & Revolution". Publication of "Imperialism the Highest Stage of Capitalism"

Founded after dissolving the Second International in 1916

The Comintern is founded at the Congress of the 3rd International

States that after capitalism "universal labour service" is the order of the day. At the Alln Peasants Congress speaks for "labour service". At the Alln Peasants Congress asks for workers agricultural units

The Council of Peoples Commissars is founded, the Russian Government

Publication of "Will The Bolsheviks Retain State Power?". Publication of "The State & Revolution", officials will receive workers wages. Publication of "The State & Revolution". Publication of "Imperialism the Highest Stage of Capitalism"

Publication of "Will The Bolsheviks Retain State Power?". Publication of "The State & Revolution", officials will receive workers wages. Publication of "The State & Revolution". Publication of "Imperialism the Highest Stage of Capitalism"

Publication of "Will The Bolsheviks Retain State Power?". Publication of "The State & Revolution", officials will receive workers wages. Publication of "The State & Revolution". Publication of "Imperialism the Highest Stage of Capitalism"

At the Zimmerwald Conference Lenin had led the "Zimmerwald Left" against those who supported "national union" Governments

A failed attempt is made on Lenins life

The Constituent Assembly in which the Bolsheviks are a minority meets for one day before being suppressed

The Constituent Assembly in which the Bolsheviks are a minority meets for one day before being suppressed

The Bolshevik government prevents the Constituent Assembly from reconvening after its single contentious session.

Dissolves the Constituent Assembly & "establishes the dictatorship of the proletariat"

Proclaims the Soviet Russian Republic. Passes the "declaration of the rights of the toiling & exploited masses"

Sets up battalions for civil defense duties for digging trenches & surveillance

The Congress adopts the Declaration of Rights of the Working and Exploited People as a statement of Soviet political principles.

The Soviet government decrees creation of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army on a voluntary basis.

Issues a decree abolishing the Constituent Assembly

Issues a decree abolishing the Constituent Assembly

The Soviet government issues a decree separating church and state and removing the church's privileged legal position.

Church property is confiscated & all religious instruction in the schools abolished

Church property is confiscated & all religious instruction in the schools abolished

Church property is confiscated & all religious instruction in the schools abolished

Repudiates foreign & domestic debts

The Soviet government adopts the Gregorian calendar, bringing Russian civil dating into line with Western Europe.

Relations are severed with Romania

Declaration of the USSR

The Bolsheviks resolve that the Trades Unions become "organs of the socialist state"

Congress of Soviets makes the Declaration of Rights of the Toiling & Exploited People

Workers control is shifted from Factory Committee's to Trades Unions. The Bolsheviks resolve that the Trades Unions become "organs of the socialist state". Factory Committee's should be subject to the Alln Council of Workers control

Introduces "universal labor obligation"

Congress of Soviets makes the Declaration of Rights of the Toiling & Exploited People

The 3rd All-Russian Congress proclaims factories, mines & transport state property. The Merchant Fleet is taken over by decree

Issues the "Declaration of the Rights of the Toiling & Exploited Masses"

The Germans capture Dvinsk after Lenin turns down their armistice proposals

The Germans capture Lutsk after Lenin turns down their armistice proposals

Lenin confronts renewed German military advances after the Brest-Litovsk peace negotiations break down.

The Germans advance into the Ukraine

Lenins motion to the Central Comm to accept peace & not wait for revolution is passed

A decree by Lenin authorizes summary execution of opponents

A decree by Lenin authorizes summary execution of opponents

Germany claims the Baltic states, Finland and Ukraine from Russia

Germany claims the Baltic states, Finland and Ukraine from Russia

Lenins decree, "the Socialist fatherland in danger!" is issued

Lenin secures Bolshevik acceptance of harsh German peace terms as enemy forces advance rapidly into former imperial territory.

Threatens to resign if German peace terms are not accepted. Argues that "the policy of revolutionary phrase making" is over

Estonias Independence Day, Estonia proclaims independence from Russia

A telegram accepting German proposals is sent to the Germans

Germany and Austria force Russia to sign the Peace of Brest

Germany and Austria force Soviet Russia to sign the Peace of Brest, which calls for the establishment of 5 independent countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine

Germany and Austria force Soviet Russia to sign the Peace of Brest, which calls for the establishment of 5 independent countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine

Germany and Austria force Soviet Russia to sign the Peace of Brest, which calls for the establishment of 5 independent countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine

Germany and Austria force Soviet Russia to sign the Peace of Brest, which calls for the establishment of 5 independent countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland

Germany and Austria force Russia to sign the Peace of Brest

The Bolshevik Party is renamed the Russian Communist Party. Opening of the 7th Congress of the Bolshevik Party

Opening of the 7th Congress of the Bolshevik Party

The Bolshevik Party is renamed the Russian Communist Party

Lenin defends the Brest-Litovsk settlement when the Seventh Party Congress opens.

The 7th Congress ratifies the Treaty of Brest Litovsk. Lenin proclaims the "triumphal procession" of the revolution is over

Peoples Courts are introduced

Peoples Courts are introduced

Cuts links with the discredited Social Democratic Party. 7th Congress resolution changes the name of the Bolshevik Party to the Communist Party

7th Congress resolution changes the name of the Bolshevik Party to the Communist Party

Cuts links with the discredited Social Democratic Party

Lenin and the Soviet government leave Petrograd for Moscow because the former capital is vulnerable to German attack.

The capital moves to Moscow while Petrograd remains symbolically important.

The 3rd Congress of Soviets ratifies the Treaty of Brest Litovsk

The 3rd Congress of Soviets ratifies the Treaty of Brest Litovsk

Lenin secures ratification of the Brest-Litovsk treaty by the Fourth All-Russian Congress of Soviets.

The Treaty of Brest Litovsk is ratified by the 4th Alln Congress of Soviets

The Bolshevik Government moves to Moscow

The Bolshevik Government moves to Moscow

Peoples Courts are introduced

A Decree outlaws the purchase & leasing of industrial & commercial business. A Decree compels all securities & bonds to be registered with the Government

The Soviet government introduces compulsory military training for workers as it builds a more disciplined Red Army.

Russia & Germany exchange diplomatic missions

Inheritance is abolished

Bolshevik troops open fire on workers protesting at food shortages in the town of Kolpino

Bolshevik troops open fire on workers protesting at food shortages in the town of Kolpino

The Soviet government strengthens emergency grain procurement powers as urban food shortages worsen.

Lenin's government faces a widening military crisis as clashes with the Czechoslovak Legion spread along the Trans-Siberian Railway.

The Soviet government introduces compulsory military service as the civil war expands and volunteer recruitment proves insufficient.

Helps found the Vesenkha to control the economy at the Alln Congress

The sugar industry is nationalized. The oil industry is nationalized

Helps found the Vesenkha to control the economy at the Alln Congress

The Soviet government creates Committees of Poor Peasants to support grain procurement and weaken wealthier village households.

The Soviet government nationalizes major industrial enterprises as state control of the wartime economy expands.

Issues a decree nationalizing all major areas of industry

Issues the decree nationalising large-scale industry during War Communism

A Congress Opens in Moscow & approves the Soviet Constitution

Declares a de facto state of war against the Allies

Requests, via Chicherin, Germany to help against the counter-revolutionaries

Orders anti German troops to the Volga

Lenin is seriously wounded by gunfire after addressing workers at the Michelson factory in Moscow.

One bullet hits his neck & another hits his collarbone. An attempt on Lenins life as 3 shots are fired during an address at a labour rally

The Petrograd Cheka Chief is assassinated

The Red Army search for suspects & Kronstadt sailors shoot 500 hostages. The Petrograd Cheka Chief is assassinated

The Red Army search for suspects & Kronstadt sailors shoot 500 hostages

Launch of the red terror to massacre prisoners & hostages throughout Bolshevik Russia

Launch of the red terror to massacre prisoners & hostages throughout Bolshevik Russia

The Soviet government formally announces the Red Terror amid civil-war violence and attacks on Bolshevik leaders.

Lenin writes to Sverdlov & Trotsky saying that international revolution is imminent & urges preparations for a 3 million man Army

All domestic trade is nationalized

Shops are closed & their inventory used for barter with the peasants. All domestic trade is nationalized

The Soviet government annuls the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk after Germany's defeat in the First World War.

Issues a decree establishing Workers Committee's in enterprises with 5 or more workers

Lenin chairs the Council of Workers' and Peasants' Defence created to coordinate the Soviet war effort.

The Soviet government ends the separate Committees of Poor Peasants and merges their functions into local soviets.

Negotiates an armistice with the Germans but refuses their terms

A Labour Code providing for males & females between 16 & 50 to render "labor service"

The Soviet government adopts a labour code regulating compulsory labour obligations and employment under the new state system.

The Congress of Soviets cede their primacy of power to the Government

Workers must register with Labour Exchanges if unemployed. Labour exchanges are set up by decree. Employers can only employ labour through Labour Exchanges

The Mensheviks are legalised and allowed to publish Vsegda Vpered in Moscow

The Mensheviks are legalised and allowed to publish Vsegda Vpered in Moscow

The amnesty is withdrawn in 1922. Announces an amnesty to all members of the Socialist Revolutionary Party

The Cheka closes down Vsegda Vpered, marks a return to despotic rule by Bolsheviks

The Cheka closes down Vsegda Vpered, marks a return to despotic rule by Bolsheviks

The Cheka closes down Vsegda Vpered, marks a return to despotic rule by Bolsheviks

Sponsors the founding congress of the Communist International

The 3rd International is founded to propogate the idea of world revolution

"by all available means, including armed force, for the overthrow of the international bourgeoisie and for the creation of an international Soviet republic as a transition stage to the complete abolition of the State"

The Comintern holds seven World Congresses, the first in March 1919 and the last in 1935, until it was officially dissolved in May 1943. The Comintern becomes known as the "General Staff of the World Revolution".

The central policy of the Comintern under Lenins leadership was that Communist parties should be established across the world to aid the international proletarian revolution. Founds an international Communist organisation in the midst of the "war communism" period (1918-1921).

"by all available means, including armed force, for the overthrow of the international bourgeoisie and for the creation of an international Soviet republic as a transition stage to the complete abolition of the State"

The beginning of a Russo-Finnish war over Karelia

During this early period, known as the "First Period" in Comintern history, with the Bolshevik revolution under attack in the Russian Civil War and a wave of revolutions across Europe, the Cominterns priority is to export the October Revolution

An official "Terror Group of the Revolutionary Council of the Government" is formed, unofficially known as "Lenin Boys"

During this early period, known as the "First Period" in Comintern history, with the Bolshevik revolution under attack in the Russian Civil War and a wave of revolutions across Europe, the Cominterns priority is to export the October Revolution.

The Comintern was involved in the revolutions across Europe in this period, starting with the Hungarian Soviet Republic in 1919. The Comintern is involved in the revolutions across Europe, starting with the Hungarian Soviet Republic.

An official "Terror Group of the Revolutionary Council of the Government" is formed, unofficially known as "Lenin Boys"

The new manifesto is adopted

The Politburo, Orgburo & secretariat of the Russian Communist Party are created

The Politburo, Orgburo & secretariat of the Russian Communist Party are created

The Politburo is set up to control the Central Committee of the Communist Party. The Politburo is formally set up at the VIIIth Communist Party Congress. The Politburo is first composed of Lenin, Trotsky, Kamanev, Bukharin & Stalin

The Politburo is first composed of Lenin, Trotsky, Kamanev, Bukharin & Stalin

The Politburo, Orgburo & secretariat of the Russian Communist Party are created. The Party is renamed the Russian Communist Party

An official "Terror Group of the Revolutionary Council of the Government" is formed, unofficially known as "Lenin Boys"

The Politburo, Orgburo & secretariat of the Russian Communist Party are created

The State Commission for the Electrification of Russia is founded

The State Commission for the Electrification of Russia is founded

Poland invades Russia

Last White army under Wrangel evacuates the Crimea

Start of peasant insurrection in Tambov

Last White army under Wrangel evacuates the Crimea

Ahead of the Second Congress of the Communist International Lenin sends out a number of documents, including his Twenty-one Conditions to all socialist parties which the Congress adopts as prerequisites for any group wanting to become affiliated to the International

The 21 Conditions call for the demarcation between Communist parties and other socialist groups and instruct the Comintern sections not to trust the legality of the bourgeois states & call for the build-up of party organisations along democratic centralist lines

in which the party press and Parliamentary factions would be under the direct control of the party leadership.

Ahead of the Second Congress of the Communist International Lenin sends out a number of documents, including his Twenty-one Conditions to all socialist parties which the Congress adopts as prerequisites for any group wanting to become affiliated to the International

The 21 Conditions call for the demarcation between Communist parties and other socialist groups and instruct the Comintern sections not to trust the legality of the bourgeois states & call for the build-up of party organisations along democratic centralist lines

in which the party press and Parliamentary factions would be under the direct control of the party leadership.

Russia recognizes the independence of Lithuania under the Treaty of Moscow

Russia recognizes the independence of Lithuania under the Treaty of Moscow

Russia recognizes the independence of Lithuania under the Treaty of Moscow

Promotes conditions for parties joining the Communist International

Ends the Russo-Finnish war over Karelia, Finland makes a small territorial gain

The Government issues a supplementary decree nationalizing most small scale industries

Ahead of the Second Congress of the Communist International Lenin sends out a number of documents, including his Twenty-one Conditions to all socialist parties which the Congress adopts as prerequisites for any group wanting to become affiliated to the International.

Ahead of the Second Congress of the Communist International, held in July-August 1920, Lenin sent out a number of documents, including his "21 Conditions" to all socialist parties

The 21 Conditions call for the demarcation between Communist parties and other socialist groups and instruct the Comintern sections not to trust the legality of the bourgeois states & call for the build-up of party organisations along democratic centralist lines, in which the party press and Parliamentary factions would be

The 21 Conditions called for the demarcation between Communist parties and other socialist groups, and instructed the Comintern sections not to trust the legality of the bourgeois states.

under the direct control of the party leadership.

The defunct Second International is reorganized

Ahead of the Second Congress of the Communist International Lenin sends out a number of documents, including his Twenty-one Conditions to all socialist parties which the Congress adopts as prerequisites for any group wanting to become affiliated to the International.

The 21 Conditions call for the demarcation between Communist parties and other socialist groups and instruct the Comintern sections not to trust the legality of the bourgeois states & call for the build-up of party organisations along democratic centralist lines, in which the party press

The 21 Conditions called for the demarcation between Communist parties and other socialist groups, and instructed the Comintern sections not to trust the legality of the bourgeois states. Ahead of the Second Congress of the Communist International, held in July-August 1920, Lenin sent out a number of documents, including his "21 Conditions" to all socialist parties

The second congress lays down the "Twenty-one Conditions" for membership, firmly establishing a differentiation between the socialist parties and the Communist parties. The Comintern sponsors the Red International of Labour Unions.

and Parliamentary factions would be under the direct control of the party leadership.

27 countries attend the 2nd meeting of the Comintern in Moscow

The second congress lays down the "Twenty-one Conditions" for membership, firmly establishing a differentiation between the socialist parties and the Communist parties

27 countries attend the 2nd meeting of the Comintern in Moscow

The Supreme Economic Council runs 37,000 businesses with a workforce of 2 million

The defunct Second International is reorganized

The Government issues a supplementary decree nationalizing most small scale industries. The Supreme Economic Council runs 37,000 businesses with a workforce of 2 million

The Comintern sponsors the Red International of Labour Unions

Forwards the 21 Points requiring national parties to impose disciplined guidlines

The Supreme Economic Council runs 37,000 businesses with a workforce of 2 million

The Supreme Economic Council runs 37,000 businesses with a workforce of 2 million

With the ongoing turn to a market-based system of production as part of the New Economic Policy (NEP), very real constraints exist on the possible extent of central planning during the initial phase of Gosplan

Gosplan is formally established by a Sovnarkom decree.

Initially Gosplan has an advisery function, with its entire staff consisting of just 34 people selected on the basis of academic expertise in specialized aspects of industry. just 7 are members of the Russian Communist Party (Bolsheviks).

With the ongoing turn to a market-based system of production as part of the New Economic Policy (NEP), very real constraints exist on the possible extent of central planning during the initial phase of Gosplan.

An anti-bolshevik rebellion breaks out among Kronstadt sailors

An anti-bolshevik rebellion breaks out among Kronstadt sailors

The State Planning Commission, GOSPLAN, is founded. Early in February 1921 the Politburo unanimously voted for Vladimir Lenins proposal of ending the forced requisitioning of grain

The State Planning Commission, GOSPLAN, is founded which publishes economic statistics

Sees the revolt as a grave threat during the civil war crisis.

Argues at the party congress that the revolt must be defeated.

Links the revolt to the wider crisis facing Soviet power.

Under a pact between Russia & Turkey the Kars region becomes part of Turkey

Under a pact between Russia & Turkey the Kars region becomes part of Turkey

An agreement is made to resume Anglo-Soviet trade relations

Under a pact between Russia & Turkey the Kars region becomes part of Turkey

Uses the crisis to justify tighter party discipline.

The "First Period" in Comintern history, with the Bolshevik revolution under attack in the Russian Civil War and a wave of revolutions across Europe, the Cominterns priority was exporting the October Revolution

Third Congress, held in June-July 1921, talked about how the struggle could be transformed into "civil war" when the circumstances were favorable and "openly revolutionary uprisings". The "First Period" in Comintern history, with the Bolshevik revolution under attack in the Russian Civil War and a wave of revolutions across Europe, the Cominterns priority was exporting the October Revolution

The League of Nations rejects Russia's membership

Crimea is granted its independence

Crimea is granted its independence

The "First Period" in Comintern history, with the Bolshevik revolution under attack in the Russian Civil War and a wave of revolutions across Europe, the Cominterns priority was exporting the October Revolution. At the 10th Congress of the Russian Communist Party (Bolsheviks), the economic policy known as the New Economic Policy, often abbreviated to NEP, was approved

The Central Control Comm is to rid the party of "careerists" & "bourgeois elements"

The "First Period" in Comintern history, with the Bolshevik revolution under attack in the Russian Civil War and a wave of revolutions across Europe, the Cominterns priority was exporting the October Revolution.

The Comintern is behind the "March Action" in Germany, including an attempt to dynamite the express train from Halle to Leipzig.

Third Congress, held in June-July 1921, talked about how the struggle could be transformed into "civil war" when the circumstances were favorable and "openly revolutionary uprisings."

Power is ceded from the Government to the Politburo

The State Planning Commission, GOSPLAN, is founded. Early in February 1921 the Politburo unanimously voted for Vladimir Lenins proposal of ending the forced requisitioning of grain. At the 10th Congress of the Russian Communist Party (Bolsheviks), the economic policy known as the New Economic Policy, often abbreviated to NEP, was approved

The State Planning Committee, commonly known as Gosplan becomes the agency responsible for central economic planning and remaining in existence until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the main task of Gosplan is the creation and administration of a series of five-year plans governing the economy of the USSR

The Comintern is behind the "March Action" in Germany, including an attempt to dynamite the express train from Halle to Leipzig

At the 10th Congress of the Russian Communist Party (Bolsheviks), the economic policy known as the New Economic Policy, often abbreviated to NEP, was approved

Trade is legalized & by the mid 1920s GDP is restored to the levels of 1913. The NEP is introduced after the failure of War Communism. The economy is controlled by the state. Light industry & agriculture reverts to private ownership

Peasant unrest sweeps Russia, the risings are suppressed but the New Economic Policy is proclaimed that gives the peasants the right to sell their grain surpluses

Under the Treaty of Riga Russia gains the eastern third of Poland

Relaxes the NEP at the 10th Party Congress after peasant disturbances

The Secret Police, Cheka, becomes the OGPU

World revolution is dismissed after the failures of the Spartacist uprising in Germany and of the Hungarian Soviet Republic, and the reflux of all revolutionary movements in Europe, such as in Italy, where the fascist squadristi gains control

A new decree expands Gosplan's purview, with the agency directed to compose both "long-term" and "immediate" plans of production, Gosplan is to be consulted regarding proposed economic and financial decrees submitted to the Council of Peoples Commissars by the various economic People's Commissariat

Gosplan has no power of compulsion in this early stage, but is forced to work through Sovnarkom, STO, or the People's Commissariats to have its suggestions implemented by decree.

Tension grows between Narkomfin and Gosplan throughout the NEP period, with Narkomfin advocating increased grain exports as a means of bolstering the currency by balancing imports and exports while simultaneously bolstering peasant prosperity, while Gosplan emerges as the chief advocate of cheap food and the

planned development of industry.

A new decree expands Gosoplan's role for both "long-term" and "immediate" plans for production

Gosplan is to be consulted regarding proposed economic and financial decrees submitted to the Council of Peoples Commissars by the Peoples Commissariat

Tension grows between Narkomfin and Gosplan throughout the NEP period, with Narkomfin advocating increased grain exports as a means of bolstering the currency by balancing imports and exports while simultaneously bolstering peasant prosperity, while Gosplan emerges as the chief advocate of cheap food and the planned development of industry

The Secret Police, Cheka, becomes the OGPU

World revolution is dismissed after the failures of the Spartacist uprising in Germany and of the Hungarian Soviet Republic, and the reflux of all revolutionary movements in Europe, such as in Italy, where the fascist squadristi gains control

Retires from the leadership of the Bolshevik Party after a stroke

Retires from the leadership of the Bolshevik Party after a stroke

The Comintern sponsors the Red Peasant International. The Comintern is active during the Ruhr Crisis in Germany

The Comintern sponsors the Red Peasant International

The Comintern is active during the Ruhr Crisis in Germany

A mausoleum is constructed in Red Square where Lenins embalmed body lies in public

The Mongolian Peoples Revolutionary Party joined Comintern. The Comintern is behind a failed coup in Estonia by the Estonian Communist Party

After Lenins death in 1924, a power struggle between the pro-NEP and anti-NEP escalated eventually into the creation of the first planned economy under Stalin