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.

1The End of Tsardom

1.1Russia's Economy & Society

1.1.1Industrialisation

1.1.2Living & Working Conditions

1.2Nicholas II's Autocracy & the Court

1.2.1Growth of Revolutionary Opposition

1.2.2The 1905 Revolution & the October Manifesto

1.2.3Reforming Russia Before 1914 - Stolypin

1.2.4The Duma & Political Stalemate

1.3The First World War

1.3.1The Impact of Military Defeats

1.3.2Social & Economic Effects of WW1

1.3.3Romanov Unpopularity

1.3.4The Tsar's Abdication

1.3.5Top Grade AO2/3 - The End of Tsardom

2Lenin's New Society

2.1The Provisional Government

2.1.1The Failure of the Government

2.1.2Social & Economic Problems

2.1.3Lenin & Trotsky

2.1.4The Growth of the Bolsheviks

2.1.5The October / November Revolution

2.1.6Top Grade AO2/3 - The Provisional Government

2.2The Impact of Lenin's Dictatorship

2.2.1The End of the First World War

2.2.2The Cheka

2.2.3Red Terror & Centralisation

2.2.4The Civil War & The Red Army

2.2.5Propaganda

2.2.6Top Grade AO2/3 - Early Bolshevism & the Civil War

2.3Social & Economic Developments

2.3.1War Communism

2.3.2The Kronstadt Rising

2.3.3The New Economic Policy (NEP)

2.3.4The Achievements of Lenin & Trotsky

2.3.5Top Grade AO2/3 - Social & Economic Developments

3Stalin's USSR

3.1Stalin the Dictator

3.1.1The Power Struggle to Succeed Lenin

3.1.2The Communist Party & Government

3.1.3The Terror & the Purges

3.1.4The Secret Police

3.1.5Cult of Personality

3.1.6Propaganda & Censorship under Stalin

3.1.7Top Grade AO2/3 - Stalin's Dictatorship

3.2Stalin's Modernisation of the USSR

3.2.1Collectivisation

3.2.2Five Year Plans

3.2.3Social & Economic Consequences

3.2.4Social & Economic Consequences 2

3.2.5The Extent of Modernisation

3.3Impact of the Second World War

3.3.1Stalin's Wartime Leadership

3.3.2Political, Economic & Social Consequences of War

3.3.3Top Grade AO2/3 - Modernisation of the USSR

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