Bolsheviks consolidate power

Question 1

Bolsheviks vs. Romanovs and Provisional Government

Answer 1

Bolshevik government differed from Romanovs and Provisional government in terms of ideology, structure, and policies.
Bolsheviks aimed for a socialist society, while Romanovs were autocratic and Provisional government was transitional.
Bolsheviks focused on workers and peasants, while Romanovs favored nobles and elites.
Bolsheviks implemented radical reforms, while Romanovs and Provisional government were more conservative.

Question 2

Lessons for Bolsheviks from Previous Rulers

Answer 2

Bolsheviks could learn from Romanovs about maintaining control through centralized power and propaganda.
Provisional government’s failures could teach Bolsheviks the importance of swift and decisive actions.
Understanding the mistakes of previous rulers could help Bolsheviks avoid similar pitfalls in governance.

Question 3

Methods of Bolshevik Consolidation of Power

Answer 3

Control of the economy: Bolsheviks nationalized industries and implemented centralized planning.
Cult of Lenin: Bolsheviks promoted Lenin as a revolutionary figure and used his image for legitimacy.
Repression and Terror: Bolsheviks used force to suppress opposition and dissent.
Political control: Bolsheviks established a one-party state and controlled key government institutions.
Control of society and nationalities: Bolsheviks implemented policies to homogenize society and suppress dissenting nationalities.

Question 4

Bolsheviks’ Effectiveness in Consolidating Control

Answer 4

Bolsheviks were successful in consolidating power through a combination of methods.
The use of repression and terror helped quell dissent and opposition.
Control of the economy allowed Bolsheviks to centralize power and resources.
The cult of Lenin created a strong ideological foundation for the regime.
Political control ensured that the Bolsheviks maintained a tight grip on governance.

Question 5

1918 Constituent Assembly Vote

Answer 5

The Bolsheviks dissolved the Constituent Assembly after losing the majority of votes.
This move showcased the Bolsheviks’ willingness to use force to maintain power.
The dissolution of the Assembly marked a turning point in Bolshevik consolidation of power.

Question 6

Lenin’s Strengths and Weaknesses in 1917

Answer 6

Strengths: Strong leadership, support from key factions, strategic vision.
Weaknesses: Opposition from various groups, economic challenges, potential for counter-revolution.
Lenin’s ability to navigate these strengths and weaknesses shaped the early Bolshevik regime.