4.4 Reasons For The Success Of The Bolshevik Takeover Flashcards
Overview
Trotsky and Lenin both had important roles in the success of the revolution along with the weaknesses of the PG and the lack of alternatives to it
The role of Trotsky in the Bolshevik takeover
He was chairman of the Petrograd Soviet
A member of the military revolutionary committee - this controlled thousands of red guards, sailers and soldiers
Trotsky made the plans for the revolution
Good orator + organiser
Role of Lenin in the Bolsheviks takeover
Lenin persuaded the Bolsheviks to oppose the war - key reason why their support rose
Gave simple slogans which were easy to understand and designed to gain support
Created the red guard
Although Trotsky organised the takeover without Lenin they wouldn’t have taken action — he persuaded them to take over in October
How did the weaknesses of the PG help the Bolsheviks succeed
The PG was only a temporary body — not elected by the people — they couldn’t win the support of the ordinary people
Kerensky could never really remove the Bolsheviks — he actually armed the red guards— he allowed other parties to publish propaganda
How did the Bolsheviks control of the armed forces help them to succeed
Trotsky said they were only successful because the soldiers did not side with the PG
The creation of the MRC meant the Bolsheviks could control some of the armed forces
What role did lack of alternatives play in the success of the revolution
Other political parties didn’t offer leadership
Other parties were discredited for supporting the war
Elections for constituent assembly were delayed
Peasants demand for land not addressed
