Related Link ‘Revolution? What Revolution?’ Russia Asks 100 Years Later (NYT)

Russia this year is marking 100 years since the Russian Revolution ended the country's monarchy, an event that led to the creation of the Soviet Union, a communist regime that for much of the 20th century ruled an empire.

Despite the significant anniversary, Russian authorities have been cautious about how to observe it, apparently fearful of inciting divisions, especially in the wake of a revolution in neighboring Ukraine.

The Russian Revolution changed the course of history as the monarchy was replaced by a communist government — the world's first.

"These are the greatest events — both February and October [revolutions]," said Boris Rivkin, with the historical cultural museum complex in Razliv. "One should not idealize them. But it was a turning point, a change of the state system, a change in the state of minds and social relations."