The Russian Revolution: A New History

At the turn of the century, the Russian economy was growing by about 10% annually, and its population had reached 150 million. By 1920, the country was in desperate financial straits, and more than 20 million Russians had died. By 1950, a third of the globe had embraced communism.

The Triumph of Communism: A Profound Puzzle

• How did the Bolsheviks win power and then cling to it amid the chaos they had created?

Traditional histories remain captive to Marxist ideas about class struggle. However, McMeekin offers a fresh perspective, analysing never-before-used files from the Tsarist military archives.

Key Insights from McMeekin's Analysis:

• War is the answer: McMeekin argues that war played a pivotal role in the Bolsheviks' rise and survival.
• Foreign aid: Revolutionaries were aided at nearly every step by Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland, who sought to benefit politically and economically from the changes overtaking Russia.
• The essential question: To make sense of Russia's careening path, McMeekin challenges Lenin's "who, whom?" and instead asks: Who benefits?

This compelling analysis uncovers the international dimensions of Russia's revolution, offering a new lens through which to understand one of history's most transformative events.