Revenge of the Powerless: On the Origins of the Soldiers’ Rampage in 1917

This article explores the roots of soldiers’ discontent during the Russian Revolution, focusing on their transformation into politically active citizens. It analyses the origins of the soldiers’ unrest in 1917. Poor living conditions, unfair treatment by officers, isolation, and declining morale in reserve regiments fuelled resentment among soldiers, especially against those who avoided front-line service. Soldiers sought dignity and equality, reacting against the social discrimination entrenched in the military hierarchy. The February Revolution marked a turning point where lower ranks symbolically and practically fought against officers’ privileges. Measures like Order No. 1 empowered soldiers, abolishing traditional deference and improving rights. However, the revolution also introduced a complex struggle for equality that sometimes led to overcompensation for previous oppression. The soldiers’ rebellion was not merely anti-officer but a broader challenge to the paternalistic social order that oppressed them. This social revenge reflected their quest for dignity and citizenship, making them key players in the revolutionary process.