"The Vanished Empire" by B.L. Putnam Weale, published in 1926, is a historical account that analyzes the downfall of the Russian Empire and the rise of Soviet Russia. Here’s a brief overview of the book:Overview: Author: B.L. Putnam Weale Publication Year: 1926 Key Themes: Decline of the Russian Empire: The book examines the various factors that led to the weakening of the Russian Empire, including social, political, and economic issues that contributed to its eventual collapse.Revolutionary Movements: Weale provides a detailed account of the key revolutionary events, including the 1905 Revolution and the February and October Revolutions of 1917. These events played critical roles in dismantling the imperial regime.Impact of World War I: The book discusses the profound impact of World War I on Russia, which exacerbated existing problems and accelerated the decline of the empire.The Fall of the Romanovs: The abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the end of the Romanov dynasty are covered in depth, highlighting the political and social upheavals during this period.Rise of the Bolsheviks: The book details the Bolshevik Revolution, the overthrow of the Provisional Government, and the establishment of Soviet power under Lenin.Civil War and Consolidation: Weale explores the Russian Civil War between the Red and White armies, as well as the consolidation of Soviet power and the establishment of the new Communist regime.Summary: "The Vanished Empire" provides a comprehensive analysis of the dramatic transition from Tsarist Russia to Soviet Russia. Weale combines historical narrative with political analysis to explain how the Russian Empire, once a major world power, was replaced by a radically different Soviet state. His account reflects on the causes behind the empire's collapse, the revolutionary events that precipitated change, and the subsequent rise of Bolshevik rule.This book is valuable for understanding the complex dynamics that led to the end of the Russian Empire and the birth of the Soviet Union, offering insights into both the historical context and the transformative events of the early 20th century.

Table of Contents for the 1926 Edition: PrefaceIntroduction to the author’s perspective and the purpose of the book. Chapter 1: The Decline of Imperial RussiaOverview of the factors contributing to the weakening of the Russian Empire. Social, political, and economic issues facing the empire. Chapter 2: The Revolution of 1905Analysis of the first Russian Revolution and its impact on the Empire. Key events and outcomes of the 1905 Revolution. Chapter 3: The Role of the WarExamination of World War I’s effect on Russia and its role in the empire's downfall. Impact of the war on Russian society and politics. Chapter 4: The February RevolutionDetailed account of the February Revolution of 1917. The abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the establishment of the Provisional Government. Chapter 5: The October RevolutionDescription of the Bolshevik Revolution and the overthrow of the Provisional Government. Key figures and events of the October Revolution. Chapter 6: The Aftermath of RevolutionAnalysis of the immediate aftermath of the Bolshevik takeover. The establishment of Soviet power and early challenges faced by the new government. Chapter 7: The Civil WarOverview of the Russian Civil War between the Red and White armies. Major battles, strategies, and outcomes. Chapter 8: The New OrderExamination of the consolidation of Soviet power and the establishment of the Communist regime. The socio-political changes under Lenin and the early Soviet state. Chapter 9: The Collapse of the Old OrderSummary of the final stages of the Russian Empire’s collapse. The transition from imperial rule to Soviet governance.