by Mark Williams

Created on: April 26, 2008

Lenin and the Russian Revolution

How were the Bolsheviks able to seize power in October 1917?

In February 1917 the Bolsheviks were one of many socialist groups in Russia and they only had 20,000 members. They were able to take power in October with a Coup in the capital that was of complete contrast to the revolution in February of that year. Unlike the February attempt the Bolsheviks were organised and had managed to align themselves with the wishes of both the peasants and the workers increasing popularity.

What factors contributed to Bolshevik support?

The Provisional Government could not deliver what was desired by the people in 1917 and therefore people looked to the Soviets, trade unions and committees to make the reforms that were demanded.

The Limitations of the Workers' Committees gave way for the Bolsheviks, who took advantage of the chaotic situation, gaining support amongst the work force. Trade Unions and Factory Committees also struggled to keep up with the quick pace of things giving yet more space for the Bolsheviks to exploit.

The Bolsheviks began to gain support in the army, particularly amongst those closer to home that were stationed in garrisons and had a much more radical way of thinking.

The Bolsheviks targeted their radical ideas at, workers, soldiers and peasants, thus gradually building up support, although it was the arrival of Lenin in Petrograd that really helped to boost moral inside the organisation.

Lenin promised to take Russia out of the war and to supply the people with both land and food. The Bolsheviks usage of propaganda and targeting at the right people helped to build support during 1917.

By summer of 1917 the Bolsheviks, Red Guard' had strength of 10,000 men.

The Situation in September 1917

By September 1917 Lenin wanted to make an armed attempt to seize power in Russia although some of his co-leaders were not so certain. However, soon Kerensky had shut down the Bolshevik newspaper and was making moves to arrest some of the leaders. Lenin and Trotsky set about making plans to seize power. Key places in Petrograd were seized by the Red Guard' and the Provisional Government was forced to surrender the little power that it had. Despite being very clever in their plans to overthrow power in Russia, the Bolsheviks made the October revolution seem much more glorious than it actually was. The attack on The Winter Palace was not a great achievement with very little causality; however in this small amount of time both Lenin and Trotsky

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