Ruling Russia: Tsars, Revolutions, Civil War , and the Triumph of Lenin (1860-1924)
Please note: this course includes much of the material covered in previous Russian Revolution courses at the City Lit. Moreover this course is taught at an introductory level. Tutor: Zoe Quinn.
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 13 May 2025End Date: 24 Jun 2025Tue (Evening): 19:15 - 21:00OnlineFull fee £169.00 Senior fee £169.00 Concession £110.00
- Start Date: 08 Oct 2025End Date: 19 Nov 2025Wed (Daytime): 15:00 - 16:45In PersonFull fee £169.00 Senior fee £169.00 Concession £110.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Russian economic, social and political history 1860-1924.
What will we cover?
* 19th century Russia and the autocracy
* the Russian radical tradition
* the 1905 revolution
* the impact of World War 1
* the February Revolution
* the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet
* the October Revolution
* Civil War, War Communism and the death of Lenin.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
1) Explain how autocracy functioned in the Russian context
2) Explain why the Tsar abdicated in February 1917
3) Identify the challenges faced by the Provisional Government
4) Explain how the Bolsheviks were able to take power in October 1917.
5) Explain why the Red Army triumphed in the civil war.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No background knowledge is expected- this is an introductory course. You will need to be interested in modern
European history, be willing to read and discuss short texts in class and have an open and critical mind.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
A mixture of lecture, Q & A, source work, pair/group and class discussion. A comprehensive bibliography will be
given at the beginning of the course. Also (brief ) reading materials will be given at the end of each session. Please note, that supplementary reading is not a course requirement, but you will get more out of the course if you do
some extra reading .
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
None, but you may want to bring a pen and paper/notebook for any notes you would like to make during class sessions.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Courses in 20th Century Russian/USSR. Please see the City Lit website.
Zoe Quinn is the co-ordinator of London, British and European history at the City Lit., where she has worked for over 20 years. After graduating with a BA, BA hons and PGCE (secondary: English and History) she has taught history and academic writing in London both on Access to Higher Education courses and general humanities courses. She is particularly interested in political history and the revolutionary traditions of France and Russia.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.