HIS 4650 The Russian Revolution and Civil War, 1917-1922

3 Hours

Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or permission of instructor.

This course explores the causes and consequences of the Russian Revolution of 1917, which toppled Tsar Nicholas II, brought the Bolshevik party to power, and established the foundations for the communist control of the Soviet Union that lasted until 1991. A significant part of the course is dedicated to the Russian Civil War the followed the revolution, a massive and destructive civil conflict during which the Bolshevicks successfully defeated all opponents and established a police state. Students will work extensively with primary sources and write an original research paper relating to the topic.