World History Moment: The Russian Revolution

Two men hold portraits of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, left, and Soviet Founder Vladimir Lenin during a demonstration marking the 99th anniversary of the 1917 Bolshevik revolution in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Nov. 7, 2016. Unlike the past, Nov. 7 is no longer a public holiday in Russia.
Two men hold portraits of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, left, and Soviet Founder Vladimir Lenin during a demonstration marking the 99th anniversary of the 1917 Bolshevik revolution in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Nov. 7, 2016. Unlike the past, Nov. 7 is no longer a public holiday in Russia. Alexander Zemlianichenko / AP Photo
Two men hold portraits of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, left, and Soviet Founder Vladimir Lenin during a demonstration marking the 99th anniversary of the 1917 Bolshevik revolution in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Nov. 7, 2016. Unlike the past, Nov. 7 is no longer a public holiday in Russia.
Two men hold portraits of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, left, and Soviet Founder Vladimir Lenin during a demonstration marking the 99th anniversary of the 1917 Bolshevik revolution in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Nov. 7, 2016. Unlike the past, Nov. 7 is no longer a public holiday in Russia. Alexander Zemlianichenko / AP Photo

World History Moment: The Russian Revolution

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Most historians consider March 8, 1917, the day the Russian Revolution began. Workers went on strike demanding “peace and bread,” and before the year was over, the government was overthrown by the Bolsheviks. Historian John Schmidt recalls what led to this important moment in Russia’s history.