The Bolsheviks seize power (Edexcel GCSE History): Revision Notes
The Bolsheviks seize power
In October 1917, Vladimir Lenin made the crucial decision that it was time for the Bolsheviks to take control of Russia. This marked the beginning of what would become known as the October Revolution, a carefully planned takeover that would change Russian history forever.
Background to the seizure
The events of August 1917 had created the perfect opportunity for the Bolsheviks. The Kornilov Revolt had significantly boosted Bolshevik popularity in Petrograd while simultaneously weakening the Provisional Government's authority. By October 1917, the Bolsheviks commanded impressive support with around 340,000 members in Petrograd, including 40,000 armed Red Guards.
Despite the failure of their earlier July Days uprising, Lenin was convinced that conditions were now ideal for a successful revolution. The timing seemed perfect to overthrow the increasingly unpopular Provisional Government.
Lenin's return and decision
On 10 October 1917, Lenin made a dramatic secret return to Petrograd. During an intense and lengthy meeting with senior Bolshevik leaders, he worked tirelessly to persuade his colleagues that they must act immediately. Lenin argued passionately that this was their moment to seize power from the Provisional Government.
Lenin's single-minded determination and clear strategic vision proved persuasive. Lenin ensured that the Bolsheviks would take charge of any revolutionary action, rather than allowing other revolutionary groups to lead the movement.
The Military Revolutionary Committee
As rumours began circulating about a potential Bolshevik armed takeover, Alexander Kerensky attempted to remove Bolshevik-influenced military units from Petrograd. However, this move backfired significantly.
Leon Trotsky, serving as leader of the Petrograd Soviet, seized this opportunity to establish the Military Revolutionary Committee (MRC). This committee was ostensibly created to coordinate all Soviet-supporting soldiers in Petrograd, but it was actually controlled by the Bolsheviks.
The MRC proved remarkably effective. By 21 October 1917, most of Petrograd's military regiments had pledged their loyalty to the committee, giving the Bolsheviks substantial military backing for their planned revolution.
Kerensky's failed counter-measures
Recognising the growing Bolshevik threat, Kerensky ordered a crackdown on 24 October 1917. His measures included:
- Shutting down Bolshevik newspapers
- Blocking river crossings between the city centre and working-class districts
- Calling for the arrest of MRC leaders
Additionally, Trotsky used the MRC to take control of crucial infrastructure including road and canal bridges, army headquarters, and telegraph offices. Meanwhile, Kerensky desperately travelled around Petrograd in his car, searching for soldiers willing to defend the Provisional Government against the Bolsheviks.
Kerensky's Fatal Mistake
Kerensky's countermeasures actually helped trigger the very revolution he was trying to prevent. By attempting to remove Bolshevik-influenced units, he provided Trotsky with the perfect justification to establish the MRC.
The seizure of power
The Bolshevik takeover began in earnest on the night of 24-25 October 1917. Red Guards systematically seized control of key areas throughout the city, meeting almost no resistance from government forces.
The climax came on the night of 25-26 October when Bolshevik soldiers climbed through the windows of the Winter Palace and arrested the remaining members of the Provisional Government. Many socialist politicians left the Soviet in protest at these Bolshevik actions.
On 26 October, Lenin established a new Bolshevik government called the Council of People's Commissars, marking the completion of their seizure of power.
The Reality Behind the Revolution
"The official Soviet view was that the October Revolution was a popular uprising led by Lenin. In fact, very few people in Petrograd were even aware that the Bolsheviks had seized power."
This quote reveals the reality that the October Revolution was more of a carefully orchestrated coup than a mass popular uprising.
Why the October Revolution succeeded
Several crucial factors explain the Bolsheviks' remarkable success:
Lenin's leadership: Lenin demonstrated single-minded determination with a clear plan of attack. He ensured the Bolsheviks maintained control rather than allowing other revolutionary groups to take the lead.
Kerensky's mistakes: The Provisional Government leader failed to take the Bolshevik threat seriously after the July Days. More critically, he chose not to disband the Red Guards following the Kornilov affair, leaving a powerful armed force available to the Bolsheviks.
Trotsky's military organization: Trotsky proved to be an exceptional planner who effectively transformed the Red Guards into an efficient fighting force through the Military Revolutionary Committee.
Government weakness: The Provisional Government had become extremely unpopular and lacked strong support. When the crisis came, virtually no one was willing to defend it.
Timeline of key events
- August 1917: Kornilov Revolt increases Bolshevik support
- 10 October 1917: Lenin secretly returns to Petrograd
- 21 October 1917: Most Petrograd regiments pledge loyalty to MRC
- 24 October 1917: Kerensky orders crackdown on Bolsheviks
- 24-25 October 1917: Red Guards seize key areas of Petrograd
- 25-26 October 1917: Bolsheviks storm Winter Palace and arrest Provisional Government
- 26 October 1917: Lenin forms Council of People's Commissars
Key Points to Remember:
- Lenin's secret return on 10 October 1917 was crucial for convincing the Bolsheviks to act
- The Military Revolutionary Committee gave the Bolsheviks military control before they seized political power
- Kerensky's crackdown on 24 October actually helped trigger the Bolshevik takeover
- The October Revolution succeeded due to excellent Bolshevik planning, leadership, and the Provisional Government's weakness
- Despite Soviet claims, very few people in Petrograd were even aware the revolution was happening