Russian Revolution – Recent Interpretation
1917 marked the turning point of systematic changes in the Russian Monarchy and society. The Revolution overturned the rulership of Nicholas II, toppling the Russian Monarchy and ushering a new world of socialism under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin. The events of 1917 have become a fundamental aspect of Russian history that people are required to associate with. The historical events of the Russian Revolution continue to resonate today’s societal struggles and the hopes people have for a better future. The Bolsheviks led Revolution has assumed a political significance in Russia and abroad. The Revolution has numerous interpretations from politicians, scholars, activists, and regular citizens, who seek to utilize these interpretations to advance their political, social, and economic agendas. Since the Russian Revolution of 1917, there has been ideological conflict in Russia. Different functions such as the capitalist, communists, Marxists, activists, and imperialist seek to solidify their interpretation of the Revolution as the critical aspect of Russian history and the basis for the future. Different regimes have strived to control the narrative of the Revolution, with each nurturing an element of the Revolution that favours their cause and political agenda.
Today, the current interpretation of the Russian Revolution forms the central theme of different political, social, and economic ideologies. Gennady Zyuganov, former secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) following the disintegration of the Soviet Union, believes the Bolshevik revolution had a positive impact in the modernization and transformation of Russia. On the other hand, Grigory Yavlinsky, interpret the Revolution as the start of fascism. He believes Bolsheviks had no illegitimacy after overthrowing the legitimate government; thus, the Lenin led government and its subsequent leaders to employ lies and terrors, which become the fundamental governing principles of successive governments to date. According to Yavlinsky, the Russian Revolution of 1917 did not solve the problem of democratic illegitimacy of power, which continues to affect the Russian to date. Also, other pro-western rebels who resonate like Yavlinsky believe that the current government, 100 years later are a constitution of the autocratic- Bolshevik authorities. Additionally, the pro-western liberals think that the government is reluctant to accept the accurate interpretation of the 1917 Russian revolution and to take accountability of the crimes in subsequent soviet eras because it will mark the beginning of their end.
Conversely, the current Russian President Vladimir Putin, tries to remain neutral in the interpretation of the 1917 Russian Revolution. Putin has not come out to criticize the Revolution altogether, but his government has shown little interest in the matter. The president even cancelled the holiday that marked the Revolution. Dmitri Peskov, Putin’s Spokesman, states there is an appropriate reason to commemorate the Revolution. The government interprets the Revolution as a source to motivate people to revolt against the established governing system; thus, the commemoration of the Revolution cannot be taken with seriousness. However, Putin encourages the citizens to embrace the history of the Russian Revolution as a shared aspect of Russian history but does not emphasize its glorification and constant remembrance. Hence, the Russian government appreciates the Russian Revolution as the foundational basis for the social class establishment in Russian society. But the government interprets the Revolution as a powerful weapon for government toppling; hence the administration does not want to dwell so much on the issue because it can lead to civil disobedience and spark another revolution. Conversely, Viacheslav Volodin, speaker of the Duma, argues that Putin is the only person who can prevent a repeat of the 1917 revolution and its horrors. Viacheslav statement serves to reveal the government position on the issue of Revolution and the reason behind its interpretation.
The Russian Revolution of 1917 remains a debatable matter in Russia and the world. The significance of the Lenin led revolt has had numerous impacts on Russian history and the legitimacy of the ruling class. Recent interpretation from different functions in society, including the government, have tried to maintain an interpretation that can meet their goals and objectives. The country is certainly divided on the ideological interpretation of the Russian Revolution. Opinion Polls indicate that about 48% of Russian hold a positive interpretation of the Bolshevik revolution’s role in their current lives. In comparison, 31% believe that the Russian Revolution ushered in an era of illegitimacy and lawlessness. However, the fact remains that the Russian Revolution is a substantial aspect of the Russian culture and history and the Russian should start to embrace it as the formidable force that shapes their society for better or for worse, depending on the divergent current interpretation.