Why did the Bolsheviks succeed in October 1917?

Question 1

What did the Bolsheviks do which allowed them to succeed in Oct 17?

Answer 1

• unlike other parties Lenin seized the opportunity to take power
• gave organising plan of take-over to Trotsky - did it efficiently and with minimum force

Question 2

What were the weaknesses of the Kadets that allowed the Bolsheviks to take power in Oct 17?

Answer 2

• Kadets dominated PG - when PG became unpopular their support diminished
• failed to attract support of majority of Russians
• limited support amongst workers
• peasants and workers often viewed Kadets as serving interests of propertied classes

Question 3

What were the weaknesses of the Mensheviks that allowed the Bolsheviks to take power in Oct 17?

Answer 3

• Linked to PG - supporters became disillusioned
• made crucial mistake of not supporting the creation of a Soviet Government after the July Days - severely damaged support

Question 4

What were the weaknesses of the SR’s that allowed the Bolsheviks to take power in Oct 17?

Answer 4

• Linked to PG - supporters became disillusioned