Bolshevik Coup in Russia: Vladimir Lenin seized power by overthrowing the Tsar in a dramatic coup. Widespread hunger and the catastrophic military failure of World War I had provided fertile ground for revolt. On March 15, 1917, Tsar Nicholas II was forced to abdicate in favor of a provincial government of convenience. Dissatisfied with the results achieved thus far, Lenin returned from exile in Switzerland to ignite the Bolshevik Revolution, which culminated in the coup on November 7. Lenin remained head of the Soviet Union until his death in 1924, and was succeeded by Joseph Stalin.
