Think about the assignment as a textbook subchapter or a lecture you might give if you were teaching the topic to others. Focus on what the big issues were that caused or led to the Revolution, who/what the key players, philosophies, and grievances were and then detail the process and events that made up the Revolution. Finally, highlight the legacy/consequences of the Revolution both for Russia and for the wider world.
An introductory paragraph should present your general evaluation of the importance of the Russian Revolution, its origins, and its consequences. Roughly 1.5 pages each should be devoted to a survey of the historical background and circumstances of the revolution, its main events, and its consequences. A conclusion should restate your general evaluation but in different terms and from a different perspective (perhaps relating the Revolution to the contemporary world).
Paper Rubric (20 points in all)
Content (16 total points)
• Introduction: general evaluation of the importance of the Russian Revolution, its origins, and its consequences (2 points)
• Section One: historical background and circumstances of the revolution (1.5 pages; 4 points)
• Section Two: the main events of the revolution, 1917–1922 (1.5 pages; 4 points)
• Section Three: the historical consequences of the revolution (1.5 pages; 4 points)
• Conclusion: The conclusion should answer the “so what?” question. The “so what” can relate to a larger point in history or to an issue today. (2 points)
Style (4 total points)
• Grammar: For full points, you should have no grammatical errors. (2 points)
• Citations: Sources should be cited in-line using last name(s) and page number. See Essay Mechanics. (2 points)
