The historical significance of the Russian Revolution in 1917 lies in its role as a catalyst for revolutionary change, leading to the rise of the Bolsheviks and the establishment of a communist state. Triggered by social discontent, economic hardship, and dissatisfaction with the monarchy, the revolution ended centuries of imperial rule. The subsequent withdrawal of Russia from World War I and the establishment of the Soviet Union created a new geopolitical landscape, influencing global politics, ideologies, and conflicts throughout the 20th century.