Here are some key points for class notes on the Russian Revolution:

- **Background and Pre-revolutionary Conditions**: The Russian Revolution was

triggered by a combination of factors including economic crisis, social discontent,
and political turmoil. The war effort during World War I had drained Russia's
resources, and the Russian economy was in ruins. Corruption within the imperial
government and the lack of representation in the government led to widespread
dissatisfaction among peasants, workers, and soldiers [1].

- **The February Revolution**: The February Revolution of 1917 began with mass
strikes in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg). It led to the abdication of Tsar
Nicholas II and the establishment of a provisional government. This revolution
marked the end of the Romanov dynasty and signaled the shift from autocracy to a
parliamentary form of government [1].

- **The Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet**: The Provisional

Government was formed to provide a temporary solution until a constitution could be
drafted. However, it struggled to gain the trust of the populace due to its
association with the old regime and the continued involvement of former officials.
Meanwhile, the Petrograd Soviet, a council of workers and soldiers, gained
influence and became a powerful force in the city [1].

- **The July Days and Kerensky's Rule**: The July Days were a series of
demonstrations and uprisings against the Provisional Government. Kerensky, a
moderate socialist, seized power and promised a peaceful transition to democracy.
His rule, however, was marked by political instability and increasing hostility
towards the government [1].

- **The October Revolution and the Bolsheviks**: Following the failure of the
Provisional Government to resolve the country's problems, the Bolsheviks, led by
Vladimir Lenin, launched a coup d'état. They took control of major cities and
eventually seized power in October 1917. The Bolsheviks promised land reform,
worker control over industry, and an end to the war [1].

- **The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk and the End of World War I**: One of the immediate
consequences of the Bolshevik takeover was the signing of the Treaty of Brest-
Litovsk, which ended Russia's participation in World War I. This move isolated the
Bolsheviks and set the stage for the civil war that followed [1].

- **The Civil War and the Death of the Tsar**: The Russian Civil War broke out
shortly after the Bolshevik seizure of power. The White Army, composed mainly of
anti-Bolshevik forces, fought against the Red Army. The Tsar and his family were
captured and executed by the Bolsheviks in July 1918, effectively ending the
Romanov dynasty [1].

- **Legacy of the Russian Revolution**: The Russian Revolution had profound global
effects, influencing the course of the 20th century. It introduced communism as a
political ideology and set a precedent for future revolutions. Its outcome also
sparked debates about democracy, capitalism, and the role of the state in society
[1].

Remember to structure your notes around these points, providing context, detailing
key events, and highlighting the impact of the Russian Revolution on both Russia
and the world.