The October / November Revolution

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‘State and Revolution’

When he was in Finland, Lenin wrote ‘State and Revolution’ which spoke about the plans for revolution.

Rise of the Bolsheviks

After the Kornilov revolt, the Bolsheviks once again increased in popularity, particularly among workers and soldiers.
The German army was advancing, and the people had no confidence in Kerensky’s ability to defend the city of Petrograd.
By 31 August, the Bolsheviks had the majority of delegates in the Petrograd Soviet and in the Moscow Soviet by the 5th September.

‘State and Revolution’

Whilst hiding in Finland, Lenin wrote a pamphlet called ‘State and Revolution’. This pamphlet outlined how a successful revolution would work.
After taking power, there would be a period of rule known as the ‘dictatorship of the proletariat’, to create stability in the nation before the transition to full communism.
- This would create an opportunity for old social structures to be abolished.

Lenin's return

As Lenin called for action, there was disagreement among Bolsheviks about how ready Russia was for revolution.
- Lenin believed he could spark a chain of revolutions across Europe if his party were to act decisively.
On the 10th October, Lenin returned.
- 12 senior Bolsheviks met, and Lenin convinced a majority that action was needed.

The Bolshevik Seizure of Power, October 1917

Because Lenin was not permanently in Petrograd, he left Leon Trotsky to plan the seizure of power by the Red Guards. Trotsky believed they should act before the All-Russian Congress of Soviets in October. They could then make sure this body gave their actions its seal of approval.

Military Revolutionary Committee (MRC)

Trotsky was elected to chair the Petrograd Soviet. He was able to use its Military Revolutionary Committee (MRC) as a vehicle (way) to achieve the Bolsheviks’ goals.
- The MRC controlled soldiers in Petrograd and existed to organise the defence of the city should the Germans attack.

Trotsky and Lenin

Lenin returned on the night of the 24-25 October. The revolution had already begun.
- Although Trotsky led the operation on the ground, Lenin was crucial in driving the power seizure.

SRs and Mensheviks

SRs and Mensheviks (correctly) claimed that the Bolsheviks had not sought the consent of the other revolutionary parties.
The SRs and Mensheviks then walked out of the All-Russian Congress.

The Storming of the Winter Palace - 25th October

Red Guards and Kronstadt sailors stormed the Winter Palace on the 25th October
The tsars had reigned in the Winter Palace for centuries, and the Provisional Government now had its seat.
Aurora (a cruiser harboured nearby) fired blank shots to signal the start of the attack.
Kerensky had only a small number of cadets to defend him - all other troops had deserted.

Aftermath

When the palace was stormed, some members of the Provisional Government were arrested, although Kerensky escaped and fled.
As planned, the Bolsheviks claimed at the Congress that they were now in power, even though this was not settled in Moscow.