Russia Reconciles Its Histories

Russia takes anniversaries seriously. Each year, the country commemorates its momentous dates in grand style, holding spectacular celebrations to honor events such as the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II or the beginning of Russia's post-Soviet reforms. But as the tumultuous events of 1917 reach their centennial anniversaries, Russian leaders are nonplussed. March 15 will mark 100 years since Czar Nicholas II abdicated his throne, ending the Romanov Dynasty's more than 300-year reign in Russia and, with it, the Russian Empire. As the year wears on, Russia will also face the 100th anniversaries of devastating bread shortages and factory strikes, the October Revolution, the ensuing five-year civil war and the dawn of the Soviet era. The events recall an uncertain period in Russia's history when the country and its people were at their most divided. Deciding how best to commemorate them 100 years later has proved challenging...