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In this episode, we discuss the Russian Revolutions of February and October 1917. Why did they occur in Russia? What is the link between Communism and industrialisation? We look at the impact of World War I on socialist movements in Europe. What can be considered the greater force: nationalism or socialism? We provide a definition for Communism. What were the events leading up to the abdication of tsar Nicholas II? We describe how the Germans facilitated Lenin's return to Russia in April 1917. Why was Lenin's slogan of "Peace, Land and Bread" such a drawing card in Russia at the time? We investigate how the Bolsheviks managed to seize power in Russia in October 1917 (an event known as Red October). What exactly is Leninism and what type of government did Lenin set up in Russia following the revolution? Finally, we briefly touch on the Russian Civil War and try to uncover some of the contradictions pertaining to Communism. For this episode we've drawn on the work of historians Mark Steinberg and Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius @TheGreatCourses.