The Women Who Jump-Started the Russian Revolution in 1917
In 1917, a Russian Revolution was ignited not by heroes, but by spirited women celebrating Women's Day. Amidst World War I chaos and a comically dysfunctional monarchy, the Bolsheviks seized power in a rather unheroic uprising, culminating in the fall of the Provisional Government.
In the land of vodka, bears, and endless winters, something extraordinary unfolded on the crisp morning of March 8, 1917 (or February 23 in the old calendar used back then). It wasn't the kind of spectacle you'd expect from a revolution; no dramatic battles, no grand speeches, just a group of fed-up women causing quite a ruckus. Yes, you read that right, dear history buffs, the Russian Revolution was kindled not by some swashbuckling hero but by a troop of fiery, resolute women celebrating Women's Day. Move over, Lenin, it's time to meet the real heroes – the ladies who kick-started the revelry!
Picture it: Russia, the early 20th century. The country was in turmoil, caught up in the throes of World War I. Millions had perished on the front lines, Austro-German forces were making themselves comfy from Warsaw to the outskirts of Riga. The train tracks and trade routes were about as sturdy as a house of cards in a hurricane. The Russian Empire was on the brink of collapse, and the good people of Petrograd weren't thrilled about it.