Lenin's return to Russia

On 9 April 1917, Vladimir I. Lenin returns to Russia from Switzerland with 30 other revolutionaries. The trip by train has logistical and financial support from Germany. Germany’s leaders hope that, with Lenin’s support, revolutionary events in Russia will be spurred on, and a Russian military defeat can be expedited.

Source: vulture-bookz.de Lenin in the Bolshevist headquarters in October 1917 (Painting by Wladimir Serow)

These expectations are not disappointed. A few months later the „October Revolution“ begins in Russia. The country, shaken by civil war, is forced to take up peace negotiations with Berlin, and in March of 1918 the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk is concluded.