Why is the October Revolution known as the ‘November Revolution’? The Calendar Conundrum

 

There is a curious phenomenon in history where the same event is sometimes known by two different dates. This is precisely what happened with the Russian Revolution.

The ‘October Revolution’—but why November 7th?

At first glance, the name might suggest a historical error. In reality, there is no mistake. The story behind this involves two different calendars: the Julian calendar and the Gregorian calendar.

It is this 13-day discrepancy that has linked the ‘October Revolution’ to the ‘November Revolution’ in the eyes of the world.

Old Russia Used a Different Calendar

In 1917, the calendar in use in Russia was the Julian calendar. Many European countries had already adopted the Gregorian calendar by then.

At that time, there was a 13-day difference between the two calendars. Consequently, the date that was October 25th in Russia corresponded to November 7th in the calendar used in Western Europe.

In other words—

October 25, 1917 (Julian calendar)

= November 7, 1917 (Gregorian calendar)

This is why the names of both months—‘October’ and ‘November’—are associated with the revolution.

So, when did the revolution actually take place?

Towards the end of October 1917, the Bolsheviks took decisive steps to seize power in Petrograd. According to the Julian calendar then in use in Russia, these events were recorded as occurring on October 24–25.

However, according to the Gregorian calendar used by many other countries, those days fell on November 6–7.

Thus, when we speak of the ‘October Revolution’ today, we are essentially referring to the date based on Russia's calendar at the time; whereas, in the modern, internationally used calendar, the same event falls in November.

Where did this 13-day difference come from?

This is where the real mystery of the calendar lies.

The Julian calendar was created during the era of the Roman ruler Julius Caesar. Over time, a slight discrepancy between the calendar and the Earth's solar year accumulated, resulting in a gap in dates.

The Gregorian calendar was introduced in the 16th century under the initiative of Pope Gregory XIII. While most European countries adopted this new system over time, Russia continued to use the old Julian calendar for much longer.

Consequently, by the 20th century, the gap between the two calendars had widened to 13 days.

Why did Lenin change the calendar upon coming to power?

There is another fascinating detail here.

After the revolution, the new Bolshevik government changed the existing calendar system. In January 1918, the government decided to adopt the Gregorian system, which was prevalent in Western Europe.

This led to a peculiar event in January 1918: the day following January 31st became February 14th. In other words, the 13 intervening dates were dropped from the calendar.

However, viewing this merely as "Lenin's personal decision" would be an oversimplification. It was an official calendar reform by the new government, aimed at aligning Russia's timekeeping with the system prevalent in Europe.

So, why did the name "October Revolution" persist?

That is the most interesting question.

Even if the calendar changes, historical names do not change overnight.

The seizure of power in 1917 became known as the "October Revolution" based on Russia's old calendar. Although Russia later adopted the Gregorian calendar, that historical name remained.

As a result, we still see the name "October Revolution" in history books today, even though the event's significant date corresponds to November 7th under the Gregorian calendar.

"October" or "November"—which one is correct?

Both are correct; one simply needs to specify which calendar is being used.

Calendar | Historical Date

Julian Calendar | October 24–25, 1917

Gregorian Calendar | November 6–7, 1917

Thus, the name "October Revolution" originated from the Julian calendar used in Russia at the time. And in the modern Gregorian calendar, that event took place in November.

How a single date in history can reshape our understanding

This event reminds us that history is not merely a chronicle of wars, revolutions, kings, or leaders; it is also inextricably linked to time, calendars, and the systems of dating devised by humanity.

The very same day can be October 25 in one country and November 7 in another calendar system. The event itself remains unchanged; only the name of the date differs.

It is precisely because of this thirteen-day discrepancy that a revolution in world history bears a peculiar dual identity to this day—

The October Revolution, which, according to the modern calendar, actually occurred in November.

Without an awareness of this subtle calendar difference, we might overlook a fascinating chapter in the history of the Russian Revolution.