The Bolsheviks and various opposition groups played crucial roles in challenging Russia's Provisional Government during 1917, ultimately leading to the October Revolution. This period saw the rise of multiple opposing forces, including the Petrograd Soviet, workers, peasants, army, and national minorities, each with distinct goals and varying levels of effectiveness in their opposition.
• The Bolshevik Party, led by Lenin, transformed from a relatively ineffective opposition force before July 1917 to the dominant revolutionary force by October.
• The Petrograd Soviet emerged as a parallel power structure, implementing significant measures like Soviet Order Number One.
• Workers, despite initial setbacks, maintained consistent pressure through strikes and demonstrations.
• Peasants primarily focused on land seizures, while the army's loyalty shifted throughout the period.
• National minorities contributed to weakening central authority by pursuing autonomy.
