Russian Communist Party (Bolsheviks) adopts new name

Sovnarkom recognized Finland’s independence after its declaration of separation from Russia. The decision gave practical expression to the proclaimed right of national self-determination, although the...

Sovnarkom created the All-Russian Extraordinary Commission (Cheka) to combat counterrevolution and sabotage (7 December Julian; 20 December Gregorian). The institution became a tool of political...

The Council of People’s Commissars decreed the organization of the Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army. The force drew on volunteers and, increasingly, conscription and former imperial officers. Its...

The elected Constituent Assembly met in Petrograd (18 January Julian; 31 January Gregorian) after the Bolsheviks performed poorly in the national vote, particularly outside major cities. When it...

The Bolshevik government signed a harsh peace treaty with the Central Powers, ceding or relinquishing extensive western territories and populations. The treaty fulfilled the promise to end Russia’s...

The Soviet government transferred the capital from Petrograd to Moscow, citing military vulnerability and logistical concerns. The move shifted the state’s political center inland and placed Moscow at...

The Fifth All-Russian Congress adopted the constitution of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. It formally described a federation and placed power in soviets, while excluding “exploiting...

Nicholas II, his family and attendants were killed by Bolshevik authorities in Yekaterinburg as anti-Bolshevik forces approached. The killing ended the Romanov family’s immediate political claim but...

British-led Allied forces landed at Arkhangelsk, followed by intervention elsewhere in northern Russia. The operation aimed to reopen an Eastern Front and secure military supplies; it also supported...

After assassination attempts and attacks on Soviet officials, the government announced the Red Terror, authorizing mass arrests, executions and hostage-taking against designated political opponents....