The revolutions of 1917 : 4.3 Different Interpretations of the Bolshevik Revolution

Question 1

What do Russian historians claim the Bolshevik Revolution to have been like?

Answer 1

They claim the takeover was a popular uprising which was led and carried out by the working class, supported by the poor peasants - stressing the key roles of Trotsky and Lenin.

Question 2

What is an alternative interpretation?

Answer 2

Another interpretation suggested that it was a takeover by a small minority, as in the November Constituent Assembly, the Bolsheviks got less than a quarter of the votes (it was in fact just a small party that overthrew the PG).

Question 3

How did the Bolsheviks portray the Storming of the Winter Palace?

Answer 3

They heavily glorified the revolution and celebrated it through art, film and pictures.

Question 4

Features of the actual takeover?

Answer 4

Anything but heroic:

1) Bolshevik inefficiency (delay in takeover)
2) No resistance
3) Many ministers and soldiers fled/surrendered
4) Bolsheviks arrested those left
5) Women’s battalion left unharmed