Russian Revolution

Space constraints meant that Benton County Historical Museum’s Circa 1920 exhibition could not include displays about everything that happened during that time.  One event which was excluded because it had less direct impact on Benton County residents was the Russian Revolution. 

At the start of the period, Russia was ruled by Emperor Nicholas II.  When World War I began, the country was poorer and less industrialized than either its main ally (France) or enemies (Germany and Austria-Hungary). The army made heavy use of poorly equipped peasants who died in large numbers.  Once Turkey joined with Germany, Russia's trade routes were blocked making supplies even scarcer, so many suffered from hunger and privation.  Further defeats, government disorganization, plus corruption at court turned many against the Tsar and forced him to abdicate in February (old calendar) of 1917.

The imperial parliament (Duma) formed a provisional government.  In April, the provisional government issued a new 1000 ruble banknote.  The picture on the bill is of Tauride Palace where the Russian parliament or Duma first met.  As a result these bills became known as “Duma money” or “dumki.”

1917 1000 ruble banknote

In order to finance the country's participation in World War I, the Provisional Government printed a lot of this paper money.  Between March 1, 1917 and October 23, 1917 the number of rubles in circulation increased from 9,950 million to 18,917 million.  This 90 percent increase in the money supply caused rapid inflation of prices, furthering discontent.

Meanwhile, the socialist parties formed an alternative body, the Petrograd Soviet, to represent urban workers, soldiers, and peasants.  Similar soviets were formed in other cities. Conflict between the provisional government and the Bolshevik-led soviets paralyzed the government.  Hunger and military defeats led to strikes, riots, and rebellion in the army and navy. Eventually the Bolshevik (Communist) led troops took over key facilities and deposed the Provisional Government which had issued this money. This revolt took place on October 25 by the old Julian calendar in use then; the equivalent date under the modern calendar is November 7. 

The Bolsheviks ended Russia's participation in World War I by treaty with Germany in March, 1918.  But by then they were engaged in a civil war with the opposition forces within the country (the White Russians) which lasted from 1918 until 1920.

 By Martha Fraundorf, Volunteer for Benton County Historical Society, Philomath, Oregon