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History617Updated 19 Oct 20262 pages

The Bolsheviks and the April Theses: A Level Russian History 1914-1941

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Emilee Hanna@emileehanna_
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The April Theses primary source documents reveal Lenin's strategic rise to power and the Bolshevik revolution of 1917. Lenin was the leader of the Bolshevik party who, upon returning from exile, implemented a clear plan to seize control through the Petrograd Soviet, utilizing effective propaganda and promising "Peace, Land, and Bread" to the masses. The revolution succeeded through careful planning, growing party membership, and Trotsky's organizational expertise.
The October revolution – page 1

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Trotsky's Role and Bolshevik Success

The second page emphasizes Trotsky's crucial role and the growing strength of the Bolshevik movement. As chairman of the Petrograd Soviet and head of the Military Revolutionary Committee, Trotsky's organizational skills were instrumental in the revolution's success.

Highlight: Why were the Bolsheviks successful in October 1917 can be attributed to their rapid growth from 11,000 members in March to over 300,000 by October.

Quote: Lenin's decisive words: "History will not forgive us if we do not take power now."

Example: Trotsky's revolutionary operation included taking control of:

  • Public transport
  • Electricity
  • Gas services
  • Other essential infrastructure

Vocabulary: The Military Revolutionary Committee was effectively an armed wing of the Bolsheviks that allowed socialists to infiltrate the army.

The October revolution – page 2

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Lenin's Return and Revolutionary Strategy

The document details how Lenin returned to Russia in April 1917 with German assistance, immediately taking control of the Bolsheviks. His strategic plan focused on gaining control of the Petrograd Soviet before expanding to other cities.

Highlight: What did the Bolsheviks want to achieve was clearly outlined in Lenin's famous promise of "Peace, Land, and Bread."

Definition: The April Theses demands were Lenin's declaration that no support should be given to the Provisional Government, effectively calling for all power to be transferred to the Soviets.

Example: The Bolsheviks' propaganda campaign successfully undermined the Provisional Government by:

  • Promising peace to end the war
  • Offering land to secure peasant neutrality
  • Claiming they could solve food shortages

Quote: Lenin's famous declaration: "No support must be given to the provisional Government"

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