Reasons for why the Bolsheviks were able to overthrow the PG

Question 1

Reasons for the PG’s overthrowal

Answer 1

• Lenin
• Kornilov Affair
• Trotsky’s use of the MRC
• Failings

Question 2

Why was Lenin a reason why the PG was overthrown?

Answer 2

• Return was a turning point- up until then many Bolsheviks had supported the PG.
• Claimed they needed to be overthrown and could not be worked with.
• Clear messages and propaganda appealed to the fears of the working classes.

Question 3

Why was the Kornilov affair a reason for why the PG failed?

Answer 3

• Important turning point, the Bolshevik’s appeared as the defenders.
• Were now armed with weapons.

Question 4

Why was Trotsky’s use of the MRC a reason why the PG was overthrown?

Answer 4

• Strategic takeover of networks and communication in October.
• Military units weaponised.
• Link with Soviets gave it more acceptability.

Question 5

Describe some of the failings of the PG.

Answer 5

• Failure to address the and question led to dissatisfaction and rural unrest.
• Failure to pull out of WW1.
• Underestimation of opposition- slow to realise the plotting of the Bolsheviks until it was too late in October.
• Relaxation of censorship and release of political prisoners created more opposition.
• Order No. 1