Causes Of October 1917

Question 1

Causes of October revolution (basically any reason for the PGs failure)

Answer 1

1)Popular dissatisfaction with the PG
2)continued commitment of ww1/peoples Desire to end war
3)weak leadership
4)Economic hardships

5)Lenin catalysing on these above

Question 2

Why the Bolsheviks decided the time was right to lead a revolution(October rev)

Answer 2

1)Bolsheviks dominated the Petrograd soviet and other soviets in Russia

Capitalising on Kerensky mistakes:
2)Kerensky credibly was at an all time low after Kornilov coup
3)Bolsheviks had the red guard, who were now armed because of Kerensky

Question 3

What gave the Bolsheviks the “excuse to act” in late October

Answer 3

Kerensky attempted to reduce the power of the MRC(as he feared the influence they were growing):
1)He sent troops to cut the Bolshevik Area
2)Closed down Bolshevik newspapers

Question 4

The course of the Oct revolution(what happened)

Answer 4

1)The red guard/Kronstacht sailors captured key positions in Petrograd
For example:the winter palace/railways/telephone offices

2)PG members all arrested

3)Congress agrees on Lenin’s decree of Land

4)soverkom is set up to run government

Question 5

To what extent did Lenin play a huge part in the successful revoulition

Answer 5

Not a big part in the success:

Some critics, priories the failures of the PG over Lenin’s leadership
In bringing Bolsheviks to power

Question 6

Chain of reasoning of popular dissatisfaction(causes of the oct rev/factors for the Bolsheviks successful revoulotion)

Answer 6

popular dissatisfaction against the Provisional Government (this would intro/summary for point)

provided fertile ground for the Bolsheviks to exploit and ultimately succeed in the October Rev.

By:capitalizing on the people’s grievances/offering solutions

the Bolsheviks were able to seize power

Question 7

Why there was popular dissatisfaction against the PG

Answer 7

1)Failure to Address Land Reform:
did not fulfill the peasants’ desire for land redistribution,
a key demand that fueled dissatisfaction among the rural population.

2)Failure to End Autocracy:
Despite the overthrow of Tsar Nicholas II, the Provisional Government’s failure to break with the autocratic past/establish a new political order
disappointed those who had fought for democratic reforms and a break from the old regime.

3) Perceived Lack of Vision and Direction:
Many Russians perceived the Provisional Government as lacking a clear vision/direction for the future,
leading to:uncertainty among the population

Question 8

Why continued commitment of the WW1 was a reason for the Oct rev(causes of the Oct rev)

Answer 8

1Loss of popular support:
deeply unpopular among the Russian population-who were already weary from years of conflict/suffering
This loss of popular support weakened the government’s legitimacy and undermined its ability to govern effectively.

2’Military Failures and Losses:
further military failures and losses on the Eastern Front, exacerbating the already dire situation for the Russian army. Soldiers, disillusioned and demoralized, began to desert en masse, leading to a breakdown in military discipline and effectiveness.

3. Economic Strain:
   The war placed immense strain on Russia’s economy,
   leading to food shortages/inflation/economic instability.
   The government’s inability to address these economic hardships further eroded its credibility and support among the civilian population.

Question 9

Weak leadership that contributed to there failure(causes of Oct rev)

Answer 9

1)Lack of Authority and Credibility: Kerensky’s indecisiveness and perceived lack of authority
undermined his credibility as a leader.
His failure to take decisive action to address the country’s problems
eroded public confidence in the government’s ability to govern effectively.

2)Dependence on Military Support:
Kerensky’s reliance on the military for support,
particularly after the failed July Offensive,
weakened his position within the government and made him susceptible to pressure from military commanders. This further undermined his authority and contributed to the government’s instability.

3)Inability to Prevent the October Revolution:
Kerensky’s weak leadership and inability to maintain order and stability paved the way . His failure to take decisive action to counter the Bolsheviks’ advance allowed them to overthrow the Provisional Government and establish Soviet rule.