From Russia, With Love

Today is the 90th anniversary of the start of the Russian Revolution. Ironically, it began as a result of popular dissatisfaction with the government over participating in an poorly-waged war, and resulted in the execution of an unpopular Head of State.

I'm just sayin'.


It's telling that the Russians were fairly uncomplaining about their harsh lives in general, but balked at the hardships and ineptitude that resulted from the poor administration of WWI. Food was scarce, young men were being sent into battle ill-equipped and poorly trained...in some cases with ammunition that was incompatible with their guns.

The uprising against the nation's out-of-touch leadership began in St. Petersburg with bread riots, but swelled when soldiers sent to quell the uprising instead deserted and joined forces with the rioters.

Four days later, Tsar Nicholas abdicated the throne.

I'm not implying, by the way, that the Revolution and subsequent abdication ushered in a golden era of prosperity and self-determination; everyone knows the brutal history of Soviet Russia. I'm just saying that sometimes...you have to break some eggs to make an omelet.

Ev