1 January 1918Conference of Brest LitovskLeon Trotsky
Ukrainian nationalists have separate peace talks with the Germans
Historical records for Russia in 1918, rendered directly from the World History Database and ordered by month, day and event.
Ukrainian nationalists have separate peace talks with the Germans
Ukrainian nationalists have separate peace talks with the Germans
Ukrainian nationalists have separate peace talks with the Germans
A failed attempt is made on Lenins life
"under the editorship of Karl Radek for free distribution among our German brothers". Die Fackel is renamed der Volkerfriede
Assumes leading command in the anti-Bolshevik Volunteer Army.
The Bolsheviks denounce the terms offerred at the peace negotiations
The Bolsheviks denounce the terms offerred at the peace negotiations
The Ukrainian delegation arrives at the peace negotiations
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
Chernov is elected chairman when the Constituent Assembly finally meets with a Socialist Revolutionary majority.
Criticizes Bolshevik dictatorship and supports a non-Bolshevik socialist alternative
The Bolshevik government prevents the Constituent Assembly from reconvening after its single contentious session.
Dissolves the Constituent Assembly & "establishes the dictatorship of the proletariat"
The Bolsheviks resume negotiations under Trotsky
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 Bolsheviks resume negotiations under Trotsky
The Brest negotiations resume with Trotsky heading the Russian delegation. Plays for time but would capitulate if Germany gave an ultimatum
Issues the White Army Manifesto
Heads the Russian peace Treaty negotiations which are resumed
Issues the White Army Manifesto
Helps consolidate Bolshevik power at the Third Congress of Soviets
Sverdlov presides as the Third All-Russian Congress of Soviets consolidates Bolshevik authority after the Constituent Assembly's dissolution.
Argues for uncompromising military struggle against Bolshevism.
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.
Trotsky breaks off the peace negotiations
Trotsky obtains a 10 day adjournment to return to Petrograd for further instructions. Hoffman demands the German occupation of Poland, Lithuania, White Russia & Latvia
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
Trotsky suspends the peace negotiations
The Soviet government adopts the Gregorian calendar, bringing Russian civil dating into line with Western Europe.
Relations are severed with Romania
Trotsky denounces the German Peace Terms as unacceptable and walks out of the peace negotiations at Brest- Litovsk
Trotsky resumes peace talks
Negotiations are resumed with strikes & anti-war demonstrations spreading from Berlin. At this stage Trotskys policy of procrastination seems to be paying off
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
Leads the Petrograd Soviet during early Bolshevik rule.
Issues the "Declaration of the Rights of the Toiling & Exploited Masses"
The White Army begins the "Ice March"
The Soviet delegates leave Brest Litovsk. Declares the State of war with Germany, Austria, Turkey & Bulgaria at an end
Appointed Head of the Supply Commission, responsible for food for the cities. Appointed Head of the Extraordinary Commission for Supply
Appointed Head of the Extraordinary Commission for Supply
Kerensky continues political activity connected with coalition negotiations.
The Germans capture Dvinsk after Lenin turns down their armistice proposals
The Germans capture Lutsk after Lenin turns down their armistice proposals
The Germans invade Russia which is all but defenceless as virtually the entire army has deserted
Lenin confronts renewed German military advances after the Brest-Litovsk peace negotiations break down.
The Germans advance into the Ukraine
Germany resumes the war against Russia
Lenins motion to the Central Comm to accept peace & not wait for revolution is passed
Trotsky requests French military help. German & Austrian troops resume their offensive against Russia
Trotsky requests French military help during the invasion of Russia
A decree by Lenin authorizes summary execution of opponents
A decree by Lenin authorizes summary execution of opponents
Leads the Volunteer Army in the retreat known as the Ice March.
Withdraws as Red forces threaten the Volunteer Army base.
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
The Soviets accept the German peace terms
Estonias Independence Day, Estonia proclaims independence from Russia
A telegram accepting German proposals is sent to the Germans
Leaves for Brest Litovsk with instructions to sign German peace terms without argument
Leads the difficult march into the Kuban region.
Returns from the peace negotiations at Brest
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 future of Courland, Lithuania & part of White Russia will be decided locally. Signs the Treaty of Brest Litovsk. Russian naval bases are stripped. Renounces Riga. Livonia & Estonia are occupied by Germany. A Russo-German peace is signed
Chicherin signs the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk for Soviet Russia, formally ending Russia's participation in the First World War.
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
Bukharin leads Left Communist opposition to Lenin's policy of accepting the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk.
The Bolshevik Party is renamed the Russian Communist Party
Lenin defends the Brest-Litovsk settlement when the Seventh Party Congress opens.
Argues against accepting the Treaty of Litovsk at the 7th Congress but is defeated
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
Zinoviev soon returns to the fold and was once again elected to the Central Committee at the VII Party Congress
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.
Sverdlov works from Moscow as the Soviet government establishes the city as the new national capital.
The 3rd Congress of Soviets ratifies the Treaty of Brest Litovsk
Becomes People's Commissar for Military and Naval Affairs and takes a leading role in building the Red Army.
The 3rd Congress of Soviets ratifies the Treaty of Brest Litovsk
The Soviets ratify the Treaty of Brest Litovsk. The Soviet Congress 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 Allies refuse to recognize the Treaty of Brest Litovsk
The Bolshevik Government moves to Moscow
The Bolsheviks accept the dictated peace of Brest Litovsk
The Bolshevik Government moves to Moscow
The Bolsheviks accept the dictated peace of Brest Litovsk
Leads the Volunteer Army toward the Kuban during the civil war.
Spiridonova condemns the Brest-Litovsk settlement as Left Socialist Revolutionaries break with the Bolshevik government over peace with Germany.
Peoples Courts are introduced
Soviet institutions expand coercive power in Petrograd.
Resigns from the Vesenkha after failing to stop the Brest Litovsk Treaty
arrested and executed
Begins the assault on Ekaterinodar against Bolshevik forces.
Orders attacks against the Bolshevik-held city.
Denikin assumes command of the Volunteer Army after Kornilov is killed during the fighting around Ekaterinodar.
Appointed Commander of the Volunteer Army
Is killed by artillery fire during the siege of Ekaterinodar.
Kornilov is killed by artillery fire during the Volunteer Army's assault on Ekaterinodar.
His death leaves Denikin to assume command of the Volunteer Army.
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.
Declared the ruler of Russia by the Whites
Under arrest at Ekaterinburg, now Sverdlosk, in the Urals
Nicholas II and Alexandra arrive in Ekaterinburg and are confined in the Ipatiev House under tighter Bolshevik control.
Russia & Germany exchange diplomatic missions
Becomes a symbol of White resistance after his death.
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.
Has power to force peasants to deliver grain to collection points for fixed payments
Lenin's government faces a widening military crisis as clashes with the Czechoslovak Legion spread along the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Presides over the opening of the Alln Congress of Councils of National Economy
Chairs the Armenian National Council, which proclaimed the independence of Democratic Republic of Armenia
Chairs the Armenian National Council, which proclaimed the independence of Democratic Republic of Armenia
Signs the Treaty of Batum with the Ottoman Empire. Chairs the Armenian National Council, which proclaimed the independence of Democratic Republic of Armenia
The Soviet government introduces compulsory military service as the civil war expands and volunteer recruitment proves insufficient.
Grand Duchess Elizaveta Fedorovna is arrested by the Bolsheviks
Grand Duke Sergei Mikhailovich is arrested by the Bolsheviks
Vladimir Pavlovich Palei is arrested by the Bolsheviks
Grand Duchess Elizaveta Fedorovna is executed by the Bolsheviks. Grand Duchess Elizaveta Fedorovna is arrested by the Bolsheviks
Grand Duke Sergei Mikhailovich is arrested by the Bolsheviks
Vladimir Pavlovich Palei is executed by the Bolsheviks. Vladimir Pavlovich Palei is arrested by the Bolsheviks
Grand Duchess Elizaveta Fedorovna is executed by the Bolsheviks
Vladimir Pavlovich Palei is executed by the Bolsheviks
Helps found the Vesenkha to control the economy at the Alln Congress
Grand Duchess Elizaveta Fedorovna is executed by the Bolsheviks
Vladimir Pavlovich Palei is executed by the Bolsheviks
The sugar industry is nationalized. The oil industry is nationalized
Oversees Soviet authority as civil war threats grow.
Zinoviev organises Soviet authority during threats to Petrograd.
A rebellion in the River Don results in Krasnov establishing military rule
A rebellion in the River Don results in Krasnov establishing military rule
Savinkov organises an underground anti-Bolshevik network preparing armed resistance against Soviet rule.
Helps found the Vesenkha to control the economy at the Alln Congress
A Treaty signed between the Democratic Republic of Armenia and the Ottoman Empire signed in Batum
Volsky helps establish the Committee of Members of the Constituent Assembly after anti-Bolshevik forces take Samara.
The Soviet government creates Committees of Poor Peasants to support grain procurement and weaken wealthier village households.
Nationalization begins after Larin convinces Lenin to protect it from German control
The Soviet government nationalizes major industrial enterprises as state control of the wartime economy expands.
Nationalization begins after Larin convinces Lenin to protect it from German control
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
Sverdlov presides when the Fifth All-Russian Congress of Soviets opens amid growing conflict with the Left Socialist Revolutionaries.
Organizes a revolt of officers in Yaroslavl 150 miles outside Moscow
Spiridonova supports the Left Socialist Revolutionary challenge launched after the assassination of the German ambassador.
Savinkov's anti-Bolshevik organisation helps launch an armed uprising in Yaroslavl against Soviet authority.
Spiridonova is detained after Bolshevik forces suppress the Left Socialist Revolutionary uprising in Moscow.
Sverdlov presides as the Fifth Congress adopts the first constitution of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic.
Carries Nicholas IIs death warrant from Moscow
Carries Nicholas IIs death warrant from Moscow
Seeks a place to bury the executed Romanovs in the woods north of Ekaterinburg
Seeks a place to bury the executed Romanovs in the woods north of Ekaterinburg
Shot after the possibility of rescue by white Counter-revolutionaries. It is reported that his wife, 3 daughters & son are also shot
Shot after the possibility of rescue by white Counter-revolutionaries. It is reported that his wife, 3 daughters & son are also shot
Grand Duke Sergei Mikhailovich is executed by the Bolsheviks
Grand Duke Sergei Mikhailovich is executed by the Bolsheviks
Nicholas, his family & servants are shot in Ekaterinburg
Nicholas, his family & servants are shot in the grounds of Ipatevs house
An Ekaterinburg officiak cables Moscow with a message of the execution of Nicholas II
Nicholas, his family & servants are shot in the grounds of Ipatevs house
Grand Duke Sergei Mikhailovich is executed by the Bolsheviks
Nicholas, his family & servants are shot in Ekaterinburg
Nicholas II is executed with his family and attendants by Bolshevik guards in the Ipatiev House.
Writes articles in Pravda & Izvestiia saying Nicholas II was shot trying to escape
Writes articles in Pravda & Izvestiia saying Nicholas II was shot trying to escape
The anti-Bolshevik uprising associated with Savinkov collapses after sustained fighting and bombardment.
Declares a de facto state of war against the Allies
Requests, via Chicherin, Germany to help against the counter-revolutionaries
Chaikovsky heads an anti-Bolshevik regional government formed at Archangel after Soviet authority collapses in the city.
Defeats the White Russian forces of Denekin
A train is constructed for Trotsky to command the Red Army
The White Army has captured Kazan & Trotsky mobilizes his command train to relieve it
Leaves Moscows in his command train, "a flying apparatus of administration"
"The fate of the revolution hangs in the balance". Arrives at Svyazk to go to the relief of Kazan
Orders anti German troops to the Volga
Declares the Siege of Tsaritswyn
Supplementary Russo-German Treaty is signed with secret clauses
Lenin is seriously wounded by gunfire after addressing workers at the Michelson factory in Moscow.
The head of the Petrograd cheka is assassinated
The head of the Petrograd cheka is assassinated
The head of the Petrograd cheka is assassinated
Attempts to assassinate Lenin for being a traitor to the Revolution
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
Helps suppress the rebellion of the Socialist Revolutionaries
Helps suppress the rebellion of the Socialist Revolutionaries
The Petrograd Cheka Chief is assassinated
Incites the soldiers. Announces, "bourgoisie kill separate individuals but we kill whole classes"
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
Death of Fanya Kaplan, executed
Commandant of Kremlin, Malkov, executes Kaplan for attempting to assassinate Lenin
Malkov executes Kaplan for attempting to assassinate Lenin
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.
Commands the re-capture of Kazan from the White Army
Commands the re-capture of Simbirsk from the White Army
Avksentiev becomes chairman of the five-member Directory created at Ufa to unite major anti-Bolshevik governments.
Alexeiev dies while serving as a senior leader of the anti-Bolshevik Volunteer Army in southern Russia.
Leads Petrograd politics during the harsh civil war climate.
Lenin writes to Sverdlov & Trotsky saying that international revolution is imminent & urges preparations for a 3 million man Army
Death of Mikhail Vasilevich Alexeiev, heart attack
All domestic trade is nationalized
Shops are closed & their inventory used for barter with the peasants. All domestic trade is nationalized
Appointed as the first Head of the Registration Directorate, later to be known as the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU)
The predecessr of the GRU is created under the sponsorship of Leon Trotsky, who was then the civilian leader of the Red Army; it was originally known as the Registration Directorate. Given the task of handling all military intelligence, particularly the collection of intelligence of military or political significance from sources outside the Soviet Union
Kolchak enters the anti-Bolshevik government at Omsk as minister of war and navy.
The Soviet government annuls the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk after Germany's defeat in the First World War.
Kolchak takes supreme power after a coup removes the Ufa Directory's authority in Siberia.
Kolchak accepts the title Supreme Ruler and assumes leadership of the principal eastern White government.
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.
Esacapes to Finland
The Soviet government ends the separate Committees of Poor Peasants and merges their functions into local soviets.
The Red Army occupies Valuiki
The Red Army occupies Valuiki
Negotiates an armistice with the Germans but refuses their terms
The Red Army occupies Dvinsk
The Red Army occupies Dvinsk
The Red Army occupies Minsk
A Labour Code providing for males & females between 16 & 50 to render "labor service"
The Red Army occupies Minsk
The Soviet government adopts a labour code regulating compulsory labour obligations and employment under the new state system.
Birth of Alexander Solzhenitsyn
Argues that intervention should support Russian democracy.
Krasnov cooperates with other anti-Bolshevik forces during the struggle against Soviet rule.
Signed by the Soviet Union, Poland, Romania, Latvia and Estonia, in which those countries promise not to use force to settle their disputes (this was seen as an Eastern Kellogg-Briand Pact)
The Chairman of the Alln Soviet of Peasant Deputies is arrested. Bolsheviks arrest SR Party members elected to the Constituent Assembly
Bolsheviks arrest SR Party members elected to the Constituent Assembly
Tried by a Bolshevik Revolutionary Tribunal & executed for being an Okhrana informer
Appointed Head of the Central Statistical Administration
Appointed Chairman of the Supreme Council of the National Economy
Appointed Chairman of the Supreme Council of the National Economy
Appointed Member of Communist Party
Appointed Member of Communist Party
The Congress of Soviets cede their primacy of power to the Government
Krasnov expands military organisation among Cossack communities resisting Soviet control.
Tried by a Bolshevik Revolutionary Tribunal & executed for being an Okhrana informer
Orders the death penalty for "bagmen" of foodstuffs
Krasnov commands anti-Bolshevik Cossack forces during the opening stages of the civil conflict.
Krasnov establishes a Cossack administration in the Don region opposed to the Bolshevik government.
Krasnov becomes a leading figure among Don Cossacks opposing Bolshevik authority after returning to the region.
Krasnov organises military forces among the Don Cossacks during the early Russian Civil War.
Krasnov maintains military authority over the Don Cossack region during the civil war.
Escapes Bolshevik-controlled Russia during the civil war.
Leaves Russia after the Bolshevik victory and begins a long period of exile opposing communist rule.
Tried by a Bolshevik Revolutionary Tribunal & executed for being an Okhrana informer
Advocates Allied support for democratic forces in Russia.
Advocates Allied intervention in Russia on the side of the democrats
Writes History of the Russian Revolution to Brest-Litovsk, presenting his account of the revolution and early Soviet government.
Appointed President of the 3rd International
Appointed President of the 3rd International
Joins the Bolshevik Party during the Russian Civil War.
His name becomes associated with elite White formations.
Workers must register with Labour Exchanges if unemployed. Labour exchanges are set up by decree. Employers can only employ labour through Labour Exchanges
Writes May Day and the International, linking the Russian Revolution with the wider international socialist movement.
Appointed Architect of Socialist construction & nationalization
Plans the nationalization of stores & the confiscation of their merchandise
Becomes chairman of the Petrograd Soviet after Bolshevik consolidation.
Zinoviev leads the Petrograd Soviet during early Bolshevik rule.
Leads the Petrograd Soviet during early Soviet rule.
Appointed Member of Politburo
Appointed Member of Politburo
Appointed President of the Alln Constituent Assembly
Appointed President of the Central Council of Soviet Trade Unions
Appointed President of the 3rd International
Appointed President of the 3rd International
Leads the struggle for Ukrainian independence
Tried by a Bolshevik Revolutionary Tribunal & executed for being an Okhrana informer
Appointed Architect of Socialist construction & nationalization
Publishes an account defending his role against Bolshevik criticism.
Writes The Principles of Democracy and Proletarian Dictatorship during debates over the political character of Soviet power.
Trades Unions under socialism will "support saboteurs". Says Trade Union rights mean nothing under a workers Government. Attacks the independence of Trades Unions at the Alln Congress
Denikin's forces develop links with anti-Bolshevik groups including Cossack formations led by Krasnov.
Issues Work, Discipline, and Order to Save the Socialist Soviet Republic during efforts to organize the new Red Army.
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