October Revolution

Question 1

When and where did the Bolsheviks seize power during the Oct Rev 1917

Answer 1

The Bolsheviks took over the Winter Palace at 2am on the 26th of October 1917

Question 2

Who opposed the Bolsheviks in an attempt to defend the Winter Palace

Answer 2

The ‘Amazons’ (a group of female soldiers), kadets and the Women’s death batallion were the only people left guarding the place and the gates had been left open, allowing Lenin and the Bolsheviks to walk into the palce relatively unopposed.

Question 3

Weaknesses of non-Bolshevik parties (5 points)

Answer 3

1. Lenin was a strong leader
2. Other parties weakned by their support for the War, as they regarded it as Russia’s duty to defeat the enemy. (Proletariat wanted an end to the war, as did the Peasnatry.
3. They had all accepted the Feb Rev as a genuine revolution, the Bols did not.
4. Other parties cooporated with the failing PG, which claimed to represent the progressive force in Russia.
5. Revolutionary parties like SR willing to form coalitions with Kadets which Lenin used as a propoganda weapon against them as he charged the socialists of having sold out to the Bourgeisie.

Question 4

Alexander Kerensky in 1917, what was his role in the PG and PS.

Answer 4

Prime minister in the PG (after Tsar’s abdication in March 1917)
Minister of War in the PS.
Provided a link between the PS and the PG.

Question 5

Result of the July Offensive

Answer 5

Was a big failure for the Bols and was humiliating after the Feb Rev.
More than 60,000 died and even more diserted.