Why did the Bolsheviks gain support for their coup?

Question 1

What did Lenin’s Theses advocate for?

Answer 1

Overthrow of the Provisional Govt, offering a program to support the workers, peasants and soldiers.

Question 2

What did the April Theses promise?

Answer 2

End of the war, expropriate landlords and capitalists, and to establish a working class government.

Question 3

How was the April Theses used?

Answer 3

A Party conference in early May 1917 adopted it as official party policy.

Question 4

Why was the April Theses uniquely effective?

Answer 4

Bolsheviks promised peace, land, and bread, combined with Soviet power. They were the only ones that could promise these things.

Question 5

Who were most attracted to Bolshevik policies?

Answer 5

Mostly peasants and workers, but also the army, who would become very important in the seizure of power.

Question 6

How big was the Bolshevik party in February?

Answer 6

Only 25,000 members, less than all other major socialist parties (Mensheviks and SRs)

Question 7

When did Trotsky join the Bolsheviks and why was it significant?

Answer 7

In July 1917, it brought together two revolutionary leaders most committed to overthrowing the govt.

Question 8

Why did dual power divide society?

Answer 8

Provisional govt represented upper class while Soviet represented working class. Unable to create policies that appease all classes, alienating them.

Question 9

Why did the provisional govt lose control of the countryside?

Answer 9

No Tsarist police system and provincial governors.

Question 10

What was Order No.1.?

Answer 10

Soviets ordered soldiers to be loyal to them rather than the provisional govt.

Question 11

How did the army disintegrate?

Answer 11

Anti-war ideas, propaganda, no death penalty for desertion, lack of authority.

Question 12

What failed military offensive did the provisional govt undertake?

Answer 12

On the Galician Front June 1917, unpopular decision furthering anti-war sentiment

Question 13

Why did the provisional govt lose upper class support?

Answer 13

Lack of order, property protection and failure in war.

Question 14

What was the significance of General Kornilov’s coup attempt?

Answer 14

August 1917, coup failed and govt now saw revolutionary threat coming from the right.

Question 15

When did the Soviets begin supporting a Bolshevik coup?

Answer 15

September 1917

Question 16

What were the MRCs?

Answer 16

Military Revolutionary Councils of the Soviet. Trotsky appointed commissars around the capital convincing troops to seize power.

Question 17

What were the effects of the Emancipation Act?

Answer 17

Left many peasants worse off, with less land.

Question 18

What were living standards like?

Answer 18

Widespread and extreme poverty, low life expectancy, high taxes, few consumer goods, alcoholism, low living standards.

Question 19

What were some outcomes of urbanisation?

Answer 19

working class discontent, famine, strikes, trade unionism, low wages, poor working conditions.

Question 20

What groups were also unpleased with govt?

Answer 20

Nationalists and Liberals.

Question 21

How does the April Theses link up with the failures of the provisional govt and other social/economic issues?

Answer 21

The failures and discontent let to the ability of Lenin to create a very attractive alternate solution that would ultimately gather enough military/popular support to overthrow.