4. Lenin's influence on the Central Committee

Question 1

What did Lenin say in one of his impassioned letters sent to Bolshevik party’s Central Committee after Kornilov affair?

Answer 1

‘History will not forgive us if we do not assume power now’

Question 2

Bolshevik’s key decision-making body

Answer 2

• 22-strong Central Committee
• Elected by grassroots membership at irregularly held party Congresses
• Would have to approve Lenin’s plan for armed insurrection

More or less ignored his letters

Question 3

Lenin’s interactions w/ Central Committee

Answer 3

• Stormy meeting in Oct 1917 - plans opposed by 2 most senior lieutenants (Kamenev and Zinoviev)
• Argued that success of an insurrection not guaranteed
• Proposed more cautious idea - seeking to maximise Bolshevik vote in elections in Constituent Assembly