Blood on the Snow

This book offers a detailed examination of the Russian Revolution, exploring the conflict between the ruling elite and the desires of ordinary people. Blood on the Snow provides a fresh perspective.

In Blood on the Snow, Robert Service presents a compelling revisionist history of the Russian Revolution, a topic that has long been a focal point of his scholarly work. He delves into the complex narratives surrounding the events of 1917, exploring how the actions of Tsar Nicholas II and Alexander Kerensky's provisional government contributed to the upheaval. Service contrasts this with the perspective of the workers and peasants who aspired for democratic socialism, only to find themselves under the authoritarian rule of Lenin and the Bolsheviks.

Spanning from the outbreak of the First World War to Lenin's death in 1924, Blood on the Snow meticulously examines the socio-political landscape that led to the revolution. Service argues that the Tsar's decision to enter the war against Germany in 1914 sowed the seeds of discontent that would eventually erupt into revolution. Through vivid storytelling, he reveals the brutal realities of this tumultuous period, highlighting how these events culminated in the establishment of a totalitarian regime that would last for decades.

To enrich his narrative, Service draws on the personal accounts of ordinary individuals, such as the Vologda peasant Alexander Zamaraev and the Moscow accounts clerk Nikita Okunev. Their testimonies provide a unique glimpse into the lives affected by the war, revolution, and civil conflict, illustrating the broader human experience behind the historical events. Blood on the Snow is not just a recounting of history; it is a deep exploration of the forces that shaped modern Russia.