Bolshevik Consolidation of Power

Question 1

what were the three main reasons for the bolshevik consolidation of power

Answer 1

pragmatic decisions to ensure survival
ruthless methods and power
staying in control

Question 2

examples of pragmatic decisions

Answer 2

gave peasants and workers what they wanted
abolished titles and ranks- popular with workers
treaty of Brest-litovsk in march 1918 - ended the war
war communism - helped the war effort
NEP - economic concession to ensue survival

Question 3

examples of ruthless methods and terror

Answer 3

set up the Cheka to deal with opposition
arrested other party leaders, eg. cadets, Mensheviks
used force to end strikes and deal with demonstrations
class warfare was used to terrorise the middle classes

Question 4

how did the bolsheviks firm stance in control lead to their survival

Answer 4

refused to take part in a coalition government
established one party control
exploited the weaknesses of their enemies who underestimated them
defeated the whites during the civil war - Trotsky’s clever planning