Lenin returns and April theses Flashcards
Where was Lenin in exile before returning to Russia in 1917?
Zurich, Switzerland.
How did Lenin return to Russia in April 1917?
He was smuggled into Russia by the Germans to destabilize the country.
Why did the Germans help Lenin return to Russia?
They wanted Russia to exit WWI, and Lenin and the Bolsheviks also wanted to end the war.
Where did Lenin arrive upon returning to Russia?
Finland Station in Petrograd.
What was the April Theses?
A speech by Lenin calling for an immediate end to the war, land for peasants, and power to the Soviets.
What slogan summarized Lenin’s April Theses?
“Peace, Bread, Land.”
What was the reaction to Lenin’s April Theses?
Most people, including Bolsheviks, thought he was mad; only Lenin supported them at first.
How did Lenin convince the Bolsheviks to adopt the April Theses?
Through the force of his personality and leadership.
How many members did the Bolshevik Party have when Lenin returned in April 1917?
26,000 members—the smallest socialist party at the time.
What paramilitary group did Lenin create?
The Red Guards.
What did Lenin begin doing to spread Bolshevik ideas?
He started printing Bolshevik newspapers.
How many members did the Bolsheviks have by October 1917?
200,000 members.
Why was the Bolshevik Party’s reputation untarnished by the war?
Because they were the only major party consistently against continuing WWI.
What scandal weakened the Bolsheviks during the July Days?
Kerensky released evidence that they were being funded by Germany.
What happened to Lenin and the Red Guards after the July Days?
Lenin fled to Finland and many Bolshevik leaders were arrested; the Red Guards were disbanded.
