Women in the Russian Revolution

During World War I, Russia had to leave the conflict early in 1917 due to the revolution that was happening at home. This was the Russian Revolution that began in 1917 during the February Revolution and is seen as to have ended a few years later in 1922 with the defeat of the White Army and the victory of the Bolshevik Party. The Revolution saw Russia move away from the monarchy towards a more socialist form of government. With Russia fighting in World War I, there was a shortage of bread and grain products, leading to unrest throughout the country. Russia was also losing ground in the fighting which caused further unrest. This unrest allowed several key players to step forward and threaten mutiny unless Tsar Nicholas II abdicated the throne, which he did. This abdication did not ease the discontent as several forms of government tried to take power. The Bolshevik Party was the most popular with the people of Russia. After several rounds of revolution, as well as a civil war, the Bolsheviks came into power and held this power for the next 60 years.

Women's involvement in the Russian Revolution took several forms. Women helped to build barricades as well as offer nursing service. Women participated in a major protest on International Women's Day as they called for political rights, as well as helped to lead riots over food shortages. As a result of their participation in the Russian Revolution, women were granted the right to vote as well as the right to serve as an attorney. The new government also reorganized family and divorce law in the aftermath of the Revolution, leading women to have more rights in their family unit.