'1917: The Revolution that Marked the 20th Century' Lecture, by Julián Casanova

This event has already taken place.

20 October 2026 · 18:30

CaixaForum Barcelona, la Font de la Guatlla, Sants-Montjuïc

The Russian Revolution promised equality and social justice, but it soon turned into an authoritarian system based on single-party rule, repression and terror. At the same time, it generated a utopian hope that ran through the century and spread to other continents. This session examines the constitutive ambiguity of 1917: its emancipatory power and its oppressive nature, as well as the lasting impact of the revolutionary myth throughout the 20th century. By Julián Casanova, historian, professor of Contemporary History at the University of Zaragoza and visiting professor at the Central European University in Budapest. He has also been a visiting professor at prestigious international universities. He is a regular contributor to El País, RNE and other media. He is the author of numerous articles in specialist journals and received the Aragonese Letters Prize (2020). He is also actively involved in science communication through lectures and courses for students.

Part of the programme: 'Revolutions' Series. See the 4 activities in this programme in Barcelona, from October 6 to November 17.

Source: Ajuntament de Barcelona · checked on 22 October 2026

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