This book examines the dramatic and sometimes violent events which accompanied the fall of the Russian czars and the creation of the Soviet nation. In drawing upon the most recent research, especially on the nature of the popular movement during 1917, Beryl Williams examines how and why Bolsheviks came to power in October 1917. She considers the different interpretations of the nature of the revolution among the various revolutionary parties and among the Bolsheviks themselves, and explores how the Bolsheviks consolidated their control over the country. She concludes by asking to what extent their visions of a new society and a 'new soviet mana were fulfilled by 1921.