Feminism During the Russian Revolution: A Failure on Multiple Fronts

Although not always acknowledged for their contributions, women were not only a significant force in the Russian Revolution, they were the impetus behind it. Following the revolution however, feminist ideals were neglected by the new Soviet government and whatever feminist policies or ideals existed were reduced to mere illusion. Female liberation was a central goal for most female revolutionaries; yet, they were unable to accomplish it in a lasting and universal way. Nevertheless, an understanding of the Russian revolution without an acknowledgment of the influence of both aristocratic and working-class women who joined the Revolution would be incomplete. Women such as Nadezhda Krupskaya, Inessa Armand Catherine Breshkovsky, Alexandra Kollontai and Maria Spiridonova were essential leaders and spokespeople for a revolution that could not have been accomplished without them.