Women of the Russian Revolution with Vadim Malinovsky

During the 1860s and 70s, a number of women joined the populist revolutionary movement. Many of them were from noble or bureaucratic families and had studied abroad, where they had formed and participated in women’s study circles. Calling for social justice and political change, these women took advantage of the revolutionary mood and the Bolshevik Revolution happened in 1917. 

The first years of Bolshevik rule brought substantial changes to the lives of many women. Immediately upon assuming power the Bolsheviks passed legislation that made Soviet Russia one of the most progressive nations in the world on issues of gender. Alexandra Kollontai, as People’s Commissar for Social Welfare and the first woman in the Bolshevik Government, was instrumental in improving women’s rights.

During our conversation, we will talk about a Marxist and politician Nadezhda Krupskaya and a feminist Inessa Armand. Krupskaya is known as Lenin’s wife but she was primarily a revolutionary and a creator of young communist organizations. Armand fought for female equality in the Communist party. 

Led by historian Vadim Malinovsky, this seminar will give a deep dive into the history of the most famous revolutionary women in Russia. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with extra knowledge about the life of such women as Larisa Reisner's “Valkyrie of the Russian Revolution” or Rosalia Zemlyachka's “Fury of the Red Terror."