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Print this page Lenin's Sealed Train: The Trip That Changed the World

In April 1917, in the middle of a Europe at war, a train left Switzerland carrying a small group of exiled revolutionaries. Among them was Vladimir Lenin. Within months he would lead the Bolsheviks to power in Russia, and the course of the 20th century would change forever. But why did Imperial Germany, a monarchy at war, agree to help a well-known revolutionary and anti-monarchist return home? How was the journey arranged across a continent in conflict? Why was the route important? And what really happened along the way? In this fascinating course, we'll follow the route of this remarkable journey, day by day, and meet the people who made it happen and the significant risks they took. We'll also look at the conflicting accounts of the trip, how myths grew around it, and where it could all have gone wrong. Finally, we'll ask the big 'what if?': how different might the world have been if Lenin had never reached Russia?

Join fellow history lovers for a lively, thought-provoking journey. In a friendly, relaxed setting, every question and opinion is welcome as we explore how a single train ride may have changed the world.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face
Online

COURSE RESOURCES

C. Merridale: Lenin on the Train

COURSE OUTLINE

This course explores a remarkable rail journey, without which the world might be a very different place.
In 1917, the German Imperial government facilitated the exiled leader of the Bolsheviks, Vladimir Lenin, returning to Russia by train.
As well as its impact on politics and history in Russia and elsewhere, the journey itself is fascinating story.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

Discuss the background to the journey.
Identify who arranged the trip and why.
Identify the route taken and the importance of the stops along the way.
Discuss conflicting accounts of the trip and how they have arisen.
Identify the risks involved and where it could have gone wrong.
Consider the significance of Lenin being returned to Russia in 1917 and the extent to which things would have been different if he had not been allowed to return.