The Russian Revolution
By October 1917, the Bolsheviks had seized power from the government in Russia, paving the way for the formation of the USSR. The October Revolution, which was led by Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky (pictured on the left), marked the start of a rise in communism and thus shaped international history during the 20th century.

The revolution brought to an end tsarist rule in Russia. Tsar Nicholas II abdicated in March 1917 after failing to command the Russian army successfully during World War I and manage the country, which was suffering severe food shortages and political upheaval. Thought to have been the 3rd richest person on history (after Rockefeller and Carnegie), he was executed along with his family and servants in July 1918.