The article considers two approaches presented in discussion in “Sociological Studies” journal of the role of 1917 Russian Revolution in the country’s modernization. Despite all the differences in these approaches – Marxist theory, reflecting the views on the 1917 October Revolution as a beginning of fundamental changes, and current liberal-conservative concept considering, on the contrary, that the revolution interrupted Russia’s modernization – they are united by the desire to rely on empirical material of historical sociology. And this is main positive result of the discussion. Author offers option – explaining 1917 Russian Revolution as a natural outcome of specific version of “elite” type modernization launched by the reform of 1861.