Reasons for the Bolshevik rise to power

Question 1

Give a selection of reasons why the Bolsheviks able to seize power

Answer 1

• Organised and disciplined
• Realistic and practical with clear planned strategies
• Provisional Government was weak and ineffective
• Lenin was a strong inspiring leader with vision and clarity
• They were the only party that opposed the continuation of the war
• They had the greatest number of supporters

Question 2

How much of a part did luck play?

Answer 2

• The Bolsheviks had become the greatest opposition to the provisional government
• The Situation they found themselves in played a big part
• Although Lenin played a big part in forcing the October insurrection

Question 3

Why did the Bolsheviks triumph?

Answer 3

• Organisational strength
• Effective leadership
• Exploitation of their opponents weaknesses
• They appealed widely to the population
• Peace, Land and Bread policy was popular
• They could adapt quickly and act opportunistically

Question 4

The Bolsheviks impact on Russia

Answer 4

• A minority party had captured control of Russia in an almost Bloodless coup
• Bolsheviks remained unrepresentative of the whole of Russia
• Communism had to be imposed on the USSR