Build up to Oct Revolution Flashcards
Which two Bolsheviks were first to return to Russia after the Feb revolution and what did they agree?
Kamenev and Stalin and agreed with left-wing socialists to accept the Provisional Government and the continuation of war
How did Lenin return from exile?
He enlisted the help of the Germans- who thought this would stir up trouble in Russia- and he travelled in a sealed train to Petrograd.
What was Lenin’s initial ideology about the revolution?
The middle class were too weak to carry the revolution and allowing them to retain power prevented a socialism revolution
What were the April Theses demands?
War should be brought to an immediate end
Power should be transferred to the Soviets
All land should be taken over by the State and re-allocated to the peasants
Key slogan for April Theses?
Peace, bread and land p- end war b- end harsh conditions of war l- re-allocate land to peasants All power to the soviets
Why were people weary of Lenin at first?
Believed his was under the control of Germans
Believed his radical policies would do more harm than good
Goals not realistic to undermine government
How did Lenin gained support and converts?
Went into factories wearing working caps in a call to abandon the government
Claimed credit for what was already happening in Russia
Created an anti-war movement
Won over the majority of CC
What were the July days?
20,000 Sailors of Kronstadt organised their own demonstration in the streets of Petrograd due to their anger regarding fuel crisis, loss of 100,000 jobs and price rises, using Bolshevik slogans in which Lenin could neither condemn or support as he did not want to risk a premature revolution. The Bolsheviks tried to turn protests into peaceful procession until shots were fired.
Who was blamed for the July Days?
The Bolsheviks even when they helped disarm and force out the sailors
What was the impact of the July Days for the Bolsheviks?
The newspaper Pravda was closed
Lenin and Stalin fled
Trotsky and Kamenev were imprisoned
Lenin’s reputation was tarnished
When was the July Days?
3-5 July 1917
What was the Kornilov coup?
Kerensky appointed Lavr Kornilov as Commander in chief of the army to enforce discipline after a heavy loss after a major offensive in Galicia led to desertions
What was also introduced during Kornilov coup to enforce discipline?
The death penalty
Who supported Kornilov?
Landowners and businessmen who felt that the PG had not done enough to protect their land
Kadets believed military takeover better than socialist regime
Why did Kornilov Coup fail?
In August 1917 Kornilov ordered 6 regiments of troops to march to Petrograd to crush the Soviet but Kerensky panicked and refused Kornilov this however he ignored and Kerensky released imprisoned Bolsheviks to halt the coup. Kornilov was dismissed
