AS FP2 : Establishing a one-party state. Flashcards
(14 cards)
What do the first decrees passed by Lenin reflect about the Bolshevik state?
Lenin’s first decrees, such as the decree on land and decree on Worker’s control of the factories, reflected his belief on the dictatorship of the proletariat. However, some historians feel that Lenin passed these simply to legalise that which he could not prevent.
What was Lenin’s belief about the dictatorship of the proletariat?
Lenin stressed the need for a strong and repressive party state to crush the remnants of Bourgeoisie power. Democracy was an “alien concept” (R+W) to Lenin, who believed that the dictatorship of the Proletariat required active repression of counter-revolutionary elements and that the Bolsheviks were acting in the interests of the working class and that was all the authority he needed.
Removal of the constituent assembly
When were the elections for the constituent assembly and when was the constituent assembly held?
In a response to mounting pressure from striking railway workers - who were threatening to paralyse food supplies to Petrograd - the constituent assembly election was held in November 1917. Its first and only meeting was January 5th 1918.
Removal of the constituent assembly
What were the results of the constituent assembly?
Over 41 million votes were cast for the election, the Bolsheviks one 10 million of them (24% of the vote) whereas the SRs gained 21.8 million (53% of the vote).
Removal of the constituent assembly
What was Lenin’s reaction to the Constituent Assembly?
Chris Read : “Lenin had never seen any reason to share political power with any other party.” Lenin promptly declared that “we must not be decieved by election figures, elections mean nothing.” The constituent assembly was forcibly closed and never met again. Lenin even showed his contempt for it by sleeping during its first proceeds on January 5th.
Removal of the constituent assembly
What happened when civillians protested against the closure of the constituent assembly?
When civillians demonstrated against Lenin’s actions, they were fired on resulting in 12 deaths. Lenin wrote that the party acted on a higher form of ‘democracy’ and that the party must establish the “dictatorship of the proletariat and remove any former Bourgeois elements”
When did the Bourgeoisie lose their right to vote?
The bourgeoisie lost their right to vote in the new Soviet Government structure in July 1918. When coupled with the Decree on Press, October 1917, and the ban on alternative political parties in 1921 it is evident that Lenin was establishing a one-party state.
Ending of involvement in the First World War
Why was Lenin unconcerned about the possible harsh terms of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?
Lenin wasn’t very concerned on ideological and practical grounds. Ideologically, he believed that the revolution would engulf Germany and that the German revolutionaries would join their comrades in Russia, thus a peace agreement would only be temporary.
Pratically, Lenin knew that the Russian army could not continue to fight and that the continuation of war had spelt the end of the Provisional Government, therefore a compromise was the only way forward.
A more controversial explanation is that Lenin was, rightly, in the pay of the Germans and this influenced his decision.
Ending of involvement in the First World War
How did the Treaty of Brest Litovsk divide the Bolsheviks?
Some believed that Russia should continue fighting in the name of worldwide revolution, whereas others saw the continuation of war as a betrayal of the Bolsheviks’ promises.
Ending of involvement in the First World War
How did the proceedings at Brest-Litovsk go?
Trotsky dragged out the proceedings, coining the term “no war no peace”, angering the Germans who knew that the Bolsheviks had been spreading communist propaganda amongst the German Army in order to inspire revolution.
As international revolutionaries, Lenin and Trotsky had little allegiance towards Russia (Micheal Lynch) as their first priority was to spread Proletarian Revolution.
Ending of involvement in the First World War
What were the terms of the Treaty of Brest Litovsk?
- 1 million square miles of Russian territory
- A sixth of Russia’s population (62 million people)
- 25% of the railway system
- 35% of the grain producing areas
- 70% of industry
- 26% of iron, steel production
- 89% of coal mines.
Russia was additionally fined 3 biilion roubles.
Ending of involvement in the First World War
What were the reprecussions of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in the party?
Lenin said that the “Russian Revolution must sign the peace to obtain the breathing space to recuperate for struggle”. The Treaty caused political instability ; unlike Lenin and Trotsky, not all Bolsheviks saw the effects of the treaty as small scale compared to world revolution.
There were also “left communists” who believed that they must first consolidate the October Revolution by driving the German Imperialists from Russia through this treaty.
Lenin’s insistence on party loyalty pushed other members to finally accept the treaty.
Ending of involvement in the First World War
What were the consequences for Russia as a result of the treaty?
After the collapse of the German front, Lenin’s gamble that the circumstances would make the treaty meaningless paid off, strengthening his control over the party.
The decision to sign the treaty set the future of the Soviet State. It set a precedent for future action by establishing that Socialism at home would take precedent over the spread of international revolution.
Additionally, the remaining SRs in government walked out in protest over the treaty, resulting in Russia becoming a one-party state.
When did the Bolsheviks formally become the “communist party”?
The Bolsheviks adopted the title “The Communist Party” in March 1918, governing alone. From this point onwards, all other groupings were treated with suspicion.
