The October Revolution (10-27 October 1917) Flashcards
What was Lenin’s position at the Bolshevik Central Committee (10/10) on whether or when a Bolshevik uprising should occur?
There should be an immediate Bolshevik-led seizure of power
What was Trotsky’s position at the Bolshevik Central Committee (10/10) on whether or when a Bolshevik uprising should occur?
The 2nd All-Russian Congress of Soviets would provide the best time for an uprising to succeed.
What was Kamenev and Zinoviev’s position at the Bolshevik Central Committee (10/10) on whether or when a Bolshevik uprising should occur?
The Bolsheviks should not seize power, but wait for the Constituent Assembly.
When was the Milrevcom formed?
16 Oct 1917
What was the purpose of the Milrevcom?
It was formed to take direct control of Petrograd’s garrison
Who triggered the events of the Oct Revolution; Lenin or Kerensky.? Briefly explain how.
Kerensky
This is because of his actions in attempting to minimize the power of the Bolsheviks and halt the possibility of a revolution that gave Lenin and Trotsky the excuse to jump-start the coup.
Kerensky stationed for the bridges linking Petrograd’s militant working-class districts and the rest of the city to be raised, and troops loyal to the Prov. Gov. shut down printing presses used by the Bolsheviks.
These actions led Trotsky to deduce that Kerensky was planning a counter-revolutionary action against the Bolsheviks, announcing: ‘Kerensky is on the offensive… we need everyone at Smolny!’
What decision was made by the Bolshevik central Commitee when Lenin arrived at the Smolny Institute?
The formal approval to an armed seizure of power was given.
List 3 or more challenges faced by the Bolsheviks during the Oct Revolution.
- The Milrecom were forced to delay their assault on the Winter Palace after the reinforcements from the Kronstadt naval base were late
- A key part of the plan was to use cannons from the fortress that faced the WP across the Neva river. However, they discovered that the cannons were rusty museum pieces. They found replacement cannons, but no suitable shells
- The signal to begin the assault was a red lantern. However they were unable to find a red lantern and a purple flare was the best they could do
List 3 or more challenges faced by the Prov. gov. during its final days.
- Many soldiers were tired of waiting for the Bolshevik assault and went out to eat dinner. The defense of the building left up to 140 volunteers of the Women’s Death Battalion, 40 disabled soldiers led by an officer with an artificial leg, a bicycle unit, a handful of trainee soldiers, and a small detachment of Cossacks.
-The Women’s Death Battalion became increasingly hysterical at the sound of gunfire and government ministers hid under tables - The Prov. Gov. forces were hemorrhaged by an ever-increasing flow of pro-bolshevik forces. One entrance was left completely unguarded and Bolshevik forces broke in through a basement window.
Briefly explain the actions of Martov at the 2nd All Russian Congress of Soviets.
Martov followed by a procession of Mensheviks, denounced the actions of the Bolsheviks. At 1:00 am, most Mensheviks and SRs had joined a walkout, which effectively only offered disapproval instead of a challenge.
Martov tried to form a coalition government with the Bolsheviks, asking whether a compromise could be made.
Briefly explain the influence of Trotsky’s speech at the 2nd All Russia Congress of Soviets.
He dismissed any notion of the Bolsheviks having to compromise with other political parties
Who was the Commissar of Social Welfare in the new Soviet government?
Alexandra Kollontai
Who was the Commissar of Foreign Affairs in the new Soviet government?
Trotsky
Who was the Commissar of Enlightenment in the new Soviet government?
Anatoli Lunacharsky
Who was the Chairman of in the new Soviet government?
Lenin
