Chapter 12-The establishment of Bolshevik government Flashcards
When and how to Lenin return to Russia?
On the 3rd April 1917 he travelled in a train from exile in Switzerland through Germany to Sweden, to Finland and then Russia. It was a sealed train where Lenin had his own compartment.
What happened when he reached Petrograd?
Lenin was greeted by crowds where he gave a speech, which was written down in the April Thesis. The April Thesis demanded that powers should be given to the soviets, the war should be ended and land should be reallocated to peasants. These have been summed up by peace, bread and land.
What were the reactions to Lenin’s return?
Some Bolsheviks feared Lenin had grown out of touch and that he would be too radical. The Mensheviks feared Lenin would stir up discontent. Lenin gradually built up support with his speeches and his personality increased support even more.
What were the July Days?
Grain prices had doubled and shortages of food led to protests where sailors, workers and soldiers shouted Bolshevik slogans. The Bolsheviks were believed to be behind the protest which lost them support.
Who were the Red Guards?
Volunteer soldiers who were recruited from factories in the cities. They were trained in secrey and organised bands of workers.
How successful were the Bolsheviks before October 1917?
The Bolsheviks were elected in increased numbers to soviets and in Duma elections. Bolshevik support increased by 164% between June and December and Bolshevik membership had reached 200000 and they were producing 41 newspapers. However, they weren’t tightly organised and when Lenin said on the 12th Spetember that they must claim power, the committee voted against a coup.
What happened in the lead up to the October Revolution?
On October 7th Lenin returned to petrograd to persuade the Central Committee to take power immediately. On the 10th October, Lenin persuaded the Bolsheviks to take power.
What did Trotsky do in the October Revolution?
He got soldiers and sailors to seize key positions in Petrograd, inclusing the telephones, post office, railway and banks. Trotsky admitted it was a ‘series of small operations, caluclated and prepared in advance’.
What happened in the October Revolution?
On the 25th October Red Guard soldiers and sailors surrounded the Winter Palace and a blank shot from the Auraro ship was heard at 9.40, singalling the start of the attack. Further shots followed, but only one hit the palace. Overall, it was small-scale and 25,000 people at most were involved which is only 5% of all workers in Petrograd. Most of Petrograd remained unaffected by the disturbances.
What happened in the Second All Russian Congress of Soviets?
On the 26th October 670 delegates met and some Bolsheviks such as Kamenev and Zinoviev spoke out against the coup. 500 voted in favour of a Socialist government but the majority of seats went to Bolsheviks or extreme SRs, leading to moderates walking out of the congress and giving more power to the Bolsheviks.
What was the Sovnarkom?
The committee established the Sovnarkom as the new govermnent containing Trotsky as the Minister of foreign affairs and Lenin as the chairman. Lenin issued decrees promising an end to the war, redistribution of land, a new legal system, a military decree removing ranks, nationalisinf churches and nationalising banks.
What opposition did the Bolsheviks face from Kerensky?
After Kerensky left his role as Prime Minister, he set up an army with 18 Cossack regiments. There was 10 days of fighting between the Bolsheviks and Kerensky’s army, particularly around Kremlin. Lenin agreed to inter party talks and some of Kerensky’s troops withdrew, saving the Bolsheviks.
How did the Bolsheviks control other opposition?
They had a propoganda campaign against political enemies, particulary the bourgeoisie, and they closed ant-Bolshevik newspapers. They imprisoned Kadets, SRs and Mensheviks and established the Cheka to supress counter revolution.
What happened in the Constituent Assembly elections?
41.7 million votes were cast but the Socialist revolutionaries won 53% of votes compared to only 24% won by the Bolsheviks. They only met once before Lenin dissolved it as Lenin was appalled by the results and decided they knew what the working class wanted.
