The prominent figure behind the Russian Revolution of 1917 was Vladimir Lenin. He was the leader of the Bolshevik Party, which advocated for a radical overthrow of the provisional government established after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II. Lenin’s return from exile in April 1917, along with his vision of "Peace, Land, and Bread," mobilized workers and soldiers against the government. His charisma and persuasive leadership helped to unify various factions under Bolshevik ideology, ultimately leading to the October Revolution. This event marked the beginning of communist rule in Russia, significantly impacting global politics throughout the 20th century.