Lead up to the October rev- Unit 2

Question 1

Political shift in Petrograd:

Answer 1

September, Bolsheviks gained majority in Petrograd and Moscow Soviets.

Question 2

Strength of Bolsheviks:

Answer 2

• First few months of Feb rev, meetings attended fully by Soviets, 3000 deputies at Tauride Palace.
• Enthusiasm waned, Autumn 1917, Bolsheviks mainly attending, could gain support.

Question 3

What did Lenin write from exile?

Answer 3

• 12th Sept, ‘history will not forgive us if we do not assume power’.

Question 4

What was Lenin concerned about?

Answer 4

Revolution needed to happen before:
- Meeting of All-Russian congress of Soviets in late October.
- Election of constituent assembly in November.

• If under Soviet power base they could take control, could present ‘fait accompli’ (an established situation that cannot be changed).

Question 5

Pre- parliament:

Answer 5

• Kerensky created body to fill in before constituent assembly to advise gov.
• Lenin condemned, told Bolsheviks to attend then walk out.

Question 6

Lenin’s return to Petrograd:

Answer 6

• Returns 7th October.
• Urges to overthrow PG.
• Yet members of Central Committee doubted striking at this time.
• 10th October, CC agreed on armed insurrection, but not date.