The 1905 Revolution in Russia leads to the Monarchy easing up on the controls. Russia experiences a period of prosperity during this time. But then, it decides to enter WWI, which proves disastrous with respect to casualties and economic impact. In February 1917, the populace revolts, leading to Tsar Nicholas II abdicating and a provisional government taking over. But democracy is short lived as the Bolsheviks led by Lenin and Trotsky stage a coup to topple the government in October 1917.