Mistakes Leading to the Bolshevik Rise

The Provisional Government's mistakes played a significant role in paving the way for the Bolsheviks' rise to power. One of the most critical errors was the decision to continue the war, which blocked any radical social and economic changes until the conflict's end. This choice led to a widespread feeling that the government was detached from the real concerns of the people.

Highlight: The war continuation policy ultimately resulted in the launch of the June Offensive, which failed catastrophically, resulting in massive casualties and loss of territory.

The government's handling of civil unrest, particularly during the July Days $3-5th July$, proved to be another crucial mistake. When workers, soldiers, and sailors took to the streets to condemn the "capitalist ministers," the government's response was inadequate. While the July Days initially discredited the Bolsheviks, with leaders like Kamenev and Trotsky arrested, Kerensky failed to take this opportunity to crush the Bolsheviks completely.

Example: Kerensky's decision to shut down Bolshevik newspapers and arrest their leaders allowed the Bolsheviks to present themselves as defenders of Petrograd against government oppression.

The delay in calling elections meant that critical issues, such as land reform, remained unresolved. This inaction fueled peasant unrest and led to increased land seizures. The government's inability to address these pressing concerns further eroded its support base.

The Kornilov Affair proved to be a turning point that inadvertently strengthened the Bolsheviks. When General Kornilov, as Commander-in-Chief, planned to march on Petrograd to suppress the Bolsheviks, Kerensky suspected a coup attempt. In response, he released imprisoned Bolsheviks and armed them to defend the city. This decision dramatically boosted Bolshevik membership and credibility.

Vocabulary: The Kornilov Affair refers to an attempted military coup by General Lavr Kornilov against the Provisional Government in August 1917.

These mistakes collectively weakened the Provisional Government and created opportunities for the Bolsheviks to gain support and ultimately seize power.

Lenin's Role in the October Revolution

Vladimir Lenin played a pivotal role in the events leading to the October Revolution and the fall of the Provisional Government in 1917. Upon his return to Russia in April 1917, Lenin believed that the revolution was transitioning from a bourgeois revolution to a proletarian one. He presented his April Theses, which offered two key promises: "Peace, Bread, and Land" to the soldiers, workers, and peasants.

Quote: "All power to the soviets" became a central slogan of Lenin's campaign.

Lenin's strategic vision and persuasive abilities were crucial in convincing doubters within the Bolshevik party of the need for immediate action. He famously declared, "History will not forgive us if we do not act now," emphasizing the urgency of seizing the revolutionary moment.

Highlight: On October 10th, Lenin won a crucial vote within the party leadership to strike against the Provisional Government, with a vote of 10-2.

As a master propagandist, Lenin had a remarkable ability to combine theory with practice. He strategically timed the revolution to coincide with the elections for the All-Russian Congress of Soviets, just before the elections for the Constituent Assembly. This timing was crucial, as Lenin knew the Bolsheviks might not perform well in the latter.

Example: Lenin promised higher wages, better working conditions, and a reliable supply of food and fuel to the cities, addressing the immediate concerns of urban workers.

Lenin's leadership was complemented by his support for Leon Trotsky, a former Menshevik who joined the Bolsheviks in July 1917. Trotsky's organizational skills and oratory abilities proved invaluable to the revolutionary cause.

Quote: Trotsky called Lenin the "Greatest engine driver of the Revolution," highlighting his crucial role in guiding the Bolshevik movement to power.

Trotsky's Contribution to the October Revolution

Leon Trotsky emerged as a key figure in the Bolshevik rise to power during the tumultuous events of 1917. After joining the Bolsheviks in July 1917, Trotsky quickly became an instrumental leader in the revolutionary movement. His appointment as Chairman of the Petrograd Soviet in September 1917 was a crucial development, allowing him to claim he was acting on behalf of the Soviet.

Highlight: Trotsky's role as Chairman of the Petrograd Soviet gave the Bolsheviks a significant advantage in legitimizing their actions.

Trotsky's organizational skills were evident in his management of the Red Guard, where he was responsible for recruitment and discipline. His excellent oratory skills allowed him to sway crowds effectively, making him a powerful asset to the Bolshevik cause.

Example: The Military Revolutionary Committee $MRC$, set up by the Soviet to resist the transfer of revolutionary troops out of Petrograd, acted under Trotsky's leadership in the name of the Soviet.

In support of Lenin's decision to stage an uprising, Trotsky played a crucial role in planning the actual seizure of power in October. He advised on the timing of the revolution, coordinating it with the meeting of the All-Russian Congress of Soviets. This strategic timing was crucial for the success of the Bolshevik takeover.

Quote: "He planned the actual seizure of power in October - seizure of key buildings etc."

Trotsky's meticulous planning and coordination of the MRC's activities were instrumental in the success of the October Revolution. On the night of October 24-25th, Bolshevik soldiers, under Trotsky's direction, entered the Winter Palace and arrested what remained of the Provisional Government, effectively marking the end of its rule.

Vocabulary: The Military Revolutionary Committee $MRC$ was a body formed by the Petrograd Soviet to organize the armed workers and soldiers in preparation for the revolution.

The Fall of the Provisional Government

The collapse of the Provisional Government in Russia in 1917 was the culmination of its inherent weaknesses and the strategic actions of the Bolsheviks. The Mensheviks and Socialist Revolutionaries $SRs$, who had been part of the government, had been damaged by their collaboration with Kerensky's administration. This weakening of moderate socialist parties created a political vacuum that the Bolsheviks were poised to fill.

Highlight: The Bolsheviks experienced a dramatic increase in membership, growing from about 11,000 members in March 1917 to claiming over 300,000 by October 1917.

The rapid growth of the Bolshevik party was a clear indicator of their increasing popularity and the declining support for the Provisional Government. This surge in membership provided the Bolsheviks with a broader base of support and more resources to carry out their revolutionary plans.

Example: The Bolshevik party's membership growth from 11,000 to over 300,000 in just seven months demonstrates the rapid shift in popular support away from the Provisional Government.

The Provisional Government's inability to address key issues such as land reform, ending Russia's participation in World War I, and solving economic problems led to widespread disillusionment among the population. This dissatisfaction created fertile ground for the Bolsheviks' promises of "Peace, Bread, and Land" to gain traction.

Definition: The Provisional Government was the temporary administration formed after the February Revolution and the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in March 1917.

The final blow to the Provisional Government came with the Bolshevik-led October Revolution. The government's lack of popular support and its weakened state made it unable to effectively resist the Bolshevik takeover. The arrest of the remaining members of the Provisional Government at the Winter Palace marked the definitive end of its rule and the beginning of Bolshevik power in Russia.

Quote: "On the night of the 24-25th October, Bolshevik soldiers entered the Winter Palace and arrested what remained of the Provisional Government."

This event marked a pivotal moment in Russian history, ending the brief experiment with democratic governance and ushering in the era of Soviet rule that would shape Russia and global politics for decades to come.

The Provisional Government's Weaknesses

The Provisional Government of Russia in 1917 faced numerous challenges that undermined its authority and effectiveness. Its lack of legitimate power was a fundamental issue, as it was not an elected body and therefore had no constitutional claim on the loyalty of the Russian people. This weakness was compounded by its unofficial partnership with the Petrograd Soviet, which limited the government's autonomy.

Highlight: The Provisional Government could not move or send messages without the Soviet's knowledge, illustrating the extent of its limited authority.

The collapse of vital infrastructure further hampered the government's ability to function effectively. The breakdown of transport systems led to critical shortages of food and fuel, while communication failures made it difficult to gather information and ensure the execution of orders throughout the country.

Example: The collapse of communication systems made it challenging for the government to understand what was happening in different regions and to implement its decisions effectively.

Internally, the Provisional Government was plagued by political divisions. It comprised disparate groups with differing political objectives, making it difficult to achieve consensus on important issues. This lack of unity was exacerbated by the Soviet's Order No. 1, which stated that soldiers and workers should only obey the Provisional Government when the Soviet agreed with its decisions.

Quote: "They did not want to take any responsibility for major decisions such as land distribution."

The government's perceived temporary nature as a "caretaker" administration further undermined its authority. Its preference to wait for the elections to the Constituent Assembly to address crucial issues like land reform contributed to a growing disconnect between the government and the people's immediate concerns.