How did the Bolsheviks seize power? Flashcards
German support
-In hope the Tsar’s fall would lead to the collapse of the Russian armies, German government arranged for Lenin to return to Russia in a sealed train across occupied Europe.
-Since 1914 outbreak of war, German foreign office had given financial support to lLenin and the Bolsheviks in hopes that if they achieved their revolutionary aims then they would pull out of war.
-Bolsheviks and Germans both wanted revolution and change
-Bolsheviks wanted to bring more rights to workers who were furious at the financial state of the country.
April Thesis
3rd April Lenin returned and was greeted by a large crowd. Reported in Pravda and called the April Thesis. He knew he had to win the support of Bolsheviks in Russia.
Slogans: ‘Peace, Land, and bread’ and ‘All power to the Soviets’ making PG look bad in the eyes of the peasants for lack of representation and the continuation of war.
4th April Lenin delivered his April Thesis, insisting the Bolsheviks were the only true revolutionary proletarian party and they must:
-abandon all other political parties
-Overthrow PG
-Transfer power and authority to Soviets
-War brought to an immediate end
-All land taken over by state and reallocated to the peasants by Soviets .
The June Offensive
Unsuccessful military operation during WW1 June-July 1917. Russia’s last great war effort as 400,000 soldiers died + 170,000 deserters encourgaed by BolsheviksDemands for peace grew, especially in the army. The offensive failed, Galicia was lost and enemies advanced into Ukraine.
Army discipline deteriorated and soldier returned home, refusing to fight. People listened to the Bolsheviks and PG lost support. Kornilov appointed c-IN-c , main goal to restore army discipline and Military dictatorship.
Undermined PG power and showed them to be weak.
June 18th 1917, Russian army commanded by Brusilov to attack Austro-German forces by along a bread front in Galicia.
June 20th-21st offensive had collapsed
June 23rd- Austrians and Germans had launched a counter offensive, met little resistance and advanced into Ukraine.
The July days
Due to South-western offensive failure, grain Prices doubled, shortages of raw materials + fuel closed 586 factories causing loss of 100,000 jobs. 20,000 W,S,S took to the streets.
Helps the PG- Violence badly organised by the bolsheviks. Lenin branded a traitor, Bolsheviks arrested and Lenin escaped to Finland.
Significant as spread Bolshevik support as whilst rioting they chanted bolsheviks chants. Some invaded the winter palace demanding the soviet take power.
However hinders the Bolsheviks as the PG uses loyal troops to take over + ability to restore order over Russia.
This strengthened the bolsheviks and undermined the PG as riots threatened Lenin’s credibility. Shots were fired and Bolsheviks supported the rioter- gaining them support.
Key events:
3-6th July
Grain prices Doubled
Shortages of fuel and raw materials led to closure of 586 factories - loss of 100,000 jobs. 20,000 armed soldiers took to the street, joined by workers and soldiers
Shots were fired and peaceful concessions turned to chaos.
The Kornilov Affair
July 18th 1917 became CinC. Believed i in continuing war and wanted a military dictatorship. German forces had started to advance deeper in Russia.
Helps the Bolsheviks- Kornilov orders troops to march on the capital and overthrow the PG. (involved approximately 25,000 to 30,000 troops)
PG called upon loyal citizens to defend the city. Armed by released Bolsheviks who supported the PG. Bolsheviks benefitted mostly from the attempted Coup. People having to help the PG proved political weakness.
Main consequences of these events
Bolsheviks gain influence
PG support fluctuates - ultimately decreasing
Dissatisfied Population
