The Establishment of Bolshevik Government Flashcards
What were the failures of the Provisional Government? What did this cause?
Not an elected body. Carried on with war. Caused them to lose support - which turned towards Lenin.
What was Lenins April Thesis?
Speech - ‘Peace, Bread and Land’. All power to the Soviets. Down with Imperialism. End of War
How did the April Thesis help the Bolsheviks?
Built up support as it won over the Bolshevik Party and appealed to the Party.
What were the July Days?
Frustrations of workers, sailors and soldiers over the war boiled over. Rebelled and street riots. Chanted Bolshevik slogans
What were the consequences of the July Days?
Weakens the Bolsheviks. Blamed. Bolshevik leaders arrested and Lenin flees.
What was the Kornilov coup?
Kerensky’s minister Kornilov attempted to establish a military dictatorship. Kerensky was forced to arm the Bolsheviks. In the end no fighting.
What did the Kornilov coup mean for the Bolsheviks?
Meant they were more powerful as they had been released and had arms. Lenin returns for the opportunity of revolt.
How did the Bolsheviks seize power?
5000 Kronsdat soldiers and sailors and the Red Army took key positions around the city. Railways, phone exchanges, post offices and power stations. Then the Red Guard stormed the Winter Palace.
What happened during the First Congress after Bolshevik takeover?
Not everyone agreed. Bolsheviks and SRs took the majority of the seats. Mensheviks and right wing SRs walked out of congress. Played into Bolshevik hands
What was Sovnarkom?
A soviet. Bolsheviks only. Lenin as chairman.
What were some of the reforms brought in?
End of war. Abolish private ownership of land. Nationality decree. Workers rights. New legal system. Nationalization of banks.
How did the Bolsheviks/Lenin suppress opposition?
Propaganda campaign against political and class enemies. Closed anti-Bolshevik newspapers. Purge of civil service. Established Cheka.
What happened during the elections for a Constituent Assembly?
SRs got the majority vote. Lenin was appalled and dissolved the Assembly.
What institution did Lenin implement in 1921?
Sovnarkom
