Dear Editor,
In 1917 – 100 years ago – two revolutions swept through Russia, ending centuries of imperial rule and setting in motion political and social changes that would lead to the formation of the Soviet Union. In March of that year, growing civil unrest, coupled with chronic food shortages, erupted into open revolt, forcing the abdication of Nicholas II, the last Russian Czar. Just months later, the newly installed provisional government was itself overthrown by the more radical Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin 
By 1917, most Russians had lost faith in the leadership ability of Czar Nicholas II. Government corruption was rampant, the Russian economy remained backward and Nicholas repeatedly dissolved the Duma, the Russian parliament established after the 1905 revolution, when it opposed his will. However, the immediate cause of the February Revolution – the first phase of the Russian Revolution of 1917 – was Russia’s disastrous involvement in World War I.
Militarily, imperial Russia was no match for industrialised Germany, and Russian casualties were greater than those sustained by any nation in any previous war. Meanwhile, the economy was hopelessly disrupted by the costly war effort and moderates joined Russian radical elements in calling for the overthrow of the Czar.
Guyana, under an erstwhile administration, was very much influenced by that revolution which was also influenced by communism and socialism ideas. Today we can justly state that both communism and socialism are relegated to the footnotes of Guyana’s history and the forces of capitalism are in vogue.
Yours faithfully,
Rooplall Dudhnath
