Developments Between The Revolutions Of 1917

Question 1

What significant event occurred on April 3, 1917?

Answer 1

Lenin returns and the April Theses are compiled over the next few weeks

This marks a pivotal moment in the Bolshevik movement and their strategy for the revolution.

Question 2

What was the role of Trotsky in the Bolshevik Party during 1917?

Answer 2

Trotsky joins the Bolsheviks on June 2, 1917

His involvement significantly strengthened the party’s leadership and strategy.

Question 3

What were the ‘July Days’?

Answer 3

A series of anti-government demonstrations in Petrograd from July 3 to July 5, 1917

These events reflected the growing unrest among the populace and the Bolsheviks’ increasing influence.

Question 4

What happened to Bolshevik leaders during the July Days?

Answer 4

Bolshevik leaders (including Trotsky) are arrested; Lenin flees to Finland

This setback temporarily weakened the Bolshevik leadership.

Question 5

Who became Prime Minister after the July Days?

Answer 5

Kerensky (Socialist) becomes Prime Minister

His leadership was marked by continued instability and dissatisfaction among the populace.

Question 6

What was the outcome of Kornilov’s coup?

Answer 6

Kornilov’s coup fails and the Bolshevik Red Guards are given arms

This event bolstered the Bolsheviks’ position as they were seen as defenders against counter-revolutionary forces.

Question 7

What position did Trotsky hold in the Petrograd Soviet in September 1917?

Answer 7

Trotsky becomes chairman of the Petrograd Soviet

This role allowed him to exert significant influence over the revolutionary movement.

Question 8

What did Lenin call for during the meeting of the Bolshevik Central Committee on October 10, 1917?

Answer 8

A Bolshevik-led revolution is agreed

This decision was crucial in the lead-up to the October Revolution.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The first All-Russian Congress Soviet meets on _______.

Answer 9

June 3, 1917

This congress was significant for establishing Soviet power and representation.

Question 10

What significant military organization was set up under Trotsky and Dzerzhinsky?

Answer 10

Military Revolutionary Committee

This committee played a key role in the organization and execution of the Bolshevik Revolution.

Question 11

True or False: At the time of the February/March revolution in 1917, the Bolsheviks were a large political party with significant representation.

Answer 11

False

The Bolsheviks were a small party with only 23,000 members and limited representation.

Question 12

Who were the first Bolshevik leaders to reach Petrograd in March 1917?

Answer 12

Lev Kamenev and Josef Vissarionovich Djugashvily (Stalin)

Their return was instrumental in re-establishing Bolshevik leadership in Petrograd.

Question 13

Who was Lev Borisovich Kamener?

Answer 13

A Jewish railway engineer’s son, member of the Social Democrats, opposed Lenin’s April Theses, became a Commissar, and was executed in 1936.

Kamener met Stalin in Siberia and was involved in Brest-Litovsk negotiations.

Question 14

What was Kamener’s stance on the October 1917 uprising?

Answer 14

He voted against an armed uprising, preferring a coalition with the Socialists.

He was opposed to Lenin’s approach during this period.

Question 15

What significant position did Kamener hold in Lenin’s government?

Answer 15

He was made a Commissar.

His role included participation in peace negotiations with Germany.

Question 16

What happened to Kamener in 1932?

Answer 16

He was expelled from the party by Stalin.

This marked the decline of his political influence.

Question 17

Who was Josef Vissarionovich Djugashvily?

Answer 17

Also known as Stalin, a leading Bolshevik with peasant roots who became a dictator of Russia.

He trained as a priest before joining the revolutionary movement.

Question 18

What role did Stalin play in the October Revolution?

Answer 18

He played a minor role but was made Commissar for Nationalities.

His background influenced this appointment.

Question 19

What was the significance of Lenin’s return to Russia in 1917?

Answer 19

It was crucial for the Bolshevik revolution, as he brought a political program ready for implementation.

Lenin’s return was marked by a rousing speech.

Question 20

What was the ‘sealed train’?

Answer 20

A train Lenin used to travel from Switzerland to Petrograd, which had no passport or luggage inspections.

It included 31 comrades and was crucial for maintaining secrecy.

Question 21

What was one of Lenin’s key political demands during his journey?

Answer 21

Power should be placed in the hands of local soviets.

This was part of his broader program for the revolution.

Question 22

Fill in the blank: Lenin believed in the concept of _______.

Answer 22

‘permanent revolution’.

Question 23

True or False: Stalin was known for his role in robbing banks to fund the Bolshevik cause.

Answer 23

True.

This was part of his early activities as a Bolshevik.

Question 24

What did Lenin argue regarding the war during his journey?

Answer 24

The war should end.

This was a critical stance for the Bolsheviks.

Question 25

List two countries involved in Lenin's journey from Switzerland.

Answer 25

* Finland * Sweden

Question 26

What was the relationship between Lenin's ideology and the idea of a 'bourgeois revolution'?

Answer 26

Lenin rejected the idea of a full 'bourgeois revolution'. ## Footnote He believed in a more direct approach to socialist revolution.

Question 27

What were the main demands of Lenin's April Theses?

Answer 27

* The war should be brought to an immediate end * Power should be transferred to the Soviets * All land should be taken over by the state and re-allocated to peasants by local Soviets ## Footnote This set of demands is often summarized as 'peace, bread and land' and is supported by the motto 'All power to the Soviets'.

Question 28

True or False: The Bolshevik Party was under Lenin's tight control in April 1917.

Answer 28

False ## Footnote This was a myth spread by later Soviet historians.

Question 29

Fill in the blank: Lenin's April Theses demanded that power should be transferred to the _______.

Answer 29

[Soviets]

Question 30

What was the reaction among the delegates regarding Lenin's proposals?

Answer 30

Uproar among the delegates

Question 31

What did some Bolsheviks fear about Lenin during his exile?

Answer 31

That Lenin had grown out of touch and his radical proposals would do more harm than good

Question 32

What allegations were made against Lenin regarding his proposals?

Answer 32

That he was in the pay of the Germans

Question 33

What was the Mensheviks' concern about Lenin's actions?

Answer 33

That he would undermine their efforts and provoke a right-wing reaction

Question 34

What did some think about Lenin's call to oppose the Provisional Government?

Answer 34

That it was unrealistic since the Bolsheviks were still in a minority among the Socialists

Question 35

What skills did Lenin use to win support for his ideas?

Answer 35

Persuasion, tactful retreat, compromise, threats of resignation, appeals to the rank and file

Question 36

What did Lenin abandon in order to gain support?

Answer 36

His call for an immediate overthrow of the Provisional Government

Question 37

What was the result of Lenin claiming credit for events in Russia?

Answer 37

He won over those who feared civil war

Question 38

What significant event occurred in April that Lenin claimed credit for?

Answer 38

The massive anti-war demonstration in Petrograd

Question 39

What happened after Milyukov's announcement about continuing the war?

Answer 39

Milyukov and Guchkov resigned from the Provisional Government

Question 40

How did the membership of the Provisional Government change?

Answer 40

It moved to the left with the inclusion of four socialists in the cabinet

Question 41

What was the Central Committee of the Bolshevik Party?

Answer 41

The leading group that determined the Bolsheviks' broad policy objectives, comprising 21 members in 1917

Question 42

What was the outcome of the first All-Russian Congress of Soviets on June 3?

Answer 42

It passed a vote of confidence in the Provisional Government by 543 votes to 126

Question 43

What characterized the June demonstrations in Petrograd?

Answer 43

Bolshevik banners dominated the march

Question 44

What event is referred to as the July Days?

Answer 44

Armed demonstrations organized by sailors at the Kronstadt naval base

Question 45

Fill in the blank: Lenin could neither condemn the action nor give full support during the July Days because he knew a premature revolution risked _______.

Answer 45

defeat

Question 46

What happened when shots were fired at the demonstrators during the July Days?

Answer 46

There was chaos and uncontrolled rioting

Question 47

Who supported the Provisional Government in crushing the July Days demonstrations?

Answer 47

Mensheviks and SRs in the Soviet

Question 48

What were the consequences for the Bolsheviks after the July Days?

Answer 48

Their newspaper offices were closed, warrants were issued for their leaders, and Lenin's reputation fell

Question 49

What did the Bolshevik newspaper Izvestia suggest about Lenin?

Answer 49

That he was working in the pay of the Germans and against Russia's best interests

Question 50

What economic conditions contributed to the unrest leading up to the July Days?

Answer 50

Grain prices doubled and shortages forced the closure of factories

Question 51

What did the workers demand during the unrest leading to the July Days?

Answer 51

Price controls

Question 52

What was the role of armed sailors from Kronstadt during the July Days?

Answer 52

They appeared on the streets, chanting Bolshevik slogans and seizing key buildings

Question 53

What happened to Lenin after the July Days?

Answer 53

He fled in disguise to Finland

Question 54

True or False: Trotsky immediately committed himself to the Bolshevik cause upon returning to Russia in May.

Answer 54

False

Question 55

What was the major offensive in Galicia in 1917?

Answer 55

It was beaten back in the hope of restoring discipline among troops. ## Footnote This offensive was part of the military efforts during World War I, impacting the morale and support for the Provisional Government.

Question 56

Who was appointed as Commander-in-Chief in an effort to restore military discipline?

Answer 56

General Lavr Kornilov. ## Footnote Kornilov's appointment was controversial and eventually led to his attempted coup against the Provisional Government.

Question 57

What significant measure was reinstated to control the troops?

Answer 57

The death penalty. ## Footnote This was seen as a drastic measure to maintain order within the military ranks during a critical time.

Question 58

What did Kerensky's Moscow State Conference aim to demonstrate?

Answer 58

Political unity. ## Footnote The conference was boycotted by Bolsheviks and faced dissent from other political factions.

Question 59

Which groups boycotted Kerensky's Moscow State Conference?

Answer 59

* Bolsheviks * Mensheviks * Socialist Revolutionaries (SRs) ## Footnote Their boycott indicated deep political divisions and dissatisfaction with the Provisional Government.

Question 60

What did landowners and businessmen think of Kornilov?

Answer 60

They saw him as their saviour. ## Footnote This perspective was rooted in their belief that a military takeover would protect their interests better than the existing government.

Question 61

What was the situation of the Provisional Government by the summer of 1917?

Answer 61

It had little support. ## Footnote This lack of support was due to various failures, including economic chaos and ineffective governance.

Question 62

What happened to real wages and prices by October 1917?

Answer 62

Real wages fell rapidly while prices rose, reaching 755 percent above pre-war levels. ## Footnote This economic strain contributed to the disillusionment of the working class.

Question 63

What was the impact of the government's decision regarding factory owners and workers' strikes?

Answer 63

It confirmed the right of factory owners to dismiss striking workers. ## Footnote This decision undermined workers' rights and increased tensions in labor relations.

Question 64

What did the peasants do in response to the government's failure to redistribute land?

Answer 64

They seized land anyway. ## Footnote This action reflected widespread discontent and a breakdown of governmental authority in rural areas.

Question 65

What suspicion existed regarding the electoral commission established in May 1917?

Answer 65

There was suspicion that the 'bourgeois' government was delaying moves to greater democracy. ## Footnote This suspicion contributed to the growing disillusionment with the Provisional Government.

Question 66

What group benefited most from the widespread disillusionment with the Provisional Government?

Answer 66

The Bolsheviks. ## Footnote Their message resonated with the frustrations of various social classes, particularly workers and peasants.

Question 67

Who were the main beneficiaries of the Kornilov coup?

Answer 67

The Bolsheviks ## Footnote They took the lead in organizing the Petrograd Red Guards.

Question 68

What did the Bolsheviks do in response to the Kornilov coup?

Answer 68

Organized the Petrograd Red Guards and criticized the Kerensky government ## Footnote They portrayed themselves as the only group opposing Kornilov consistently.

Question 69

What was the membership of the Bolsheviks by October 1917?

Answer 69

200,000 ## Footnote It had increased from 23,000 in February.

Question 70

What significant role did Trotsky assume on 26 September?

Answer 70

Chairman of the executive committee of the Petrograd Soviet ## Footnote This was a major leadership position for the Bolsheviks.

Question 71

What action did Kerensky take on 5 October regarding army units?

Answer 71

Sent radical army units out of Petrograd ## Footnote This was done out of fear of a Bolshevik uprising.

Question 72

What did the Soviet adopt on 9 October?

Answer 72

A resolution to create a military revolutionary centre ## Footnote This was to protect Petrograd from 'civil Kornilovites.

Question 73

What was Lenin's stance regarding the timing of the Bolshevik revolution?

Answer 73

History will not forgive us if we do not assume power now ## Footnote He urged the Central Committee to prepare for revolution.

Question 74

What was the main concern of Kamenev and Zinoviev regarding the revolution?

Answer 74

They feared Russia was not yet economically ready for revolution ## Footnote They urged restraint and even burnt some of Lenin's letters.

Question 75

Define Red Guards.

Answer 75

Loyal, volunteer soldiers mostly recruited from factory workers ## Footnote They were given basic training and comprised young and old alike.

Question 76

What was Grigorii Zinoviev's role in the Bolshevik Party?

Answer 76

Head of the party's Petrograd organization ## Footnote He later opposed the October Revolution and was expelled by Stalin.

Question 77

Who believed that they should not act before the Constituent Assembly elections?

Answer 77

Kamenev and Zinoviev

Question 78

What did Trotsky suggest they should work through?

Answer 78

The Petrograd Soviet

Question 79

What event was due to be convened on 26 October?

Answer 79

The Congress of Soviets

Question 80

What did Trotsky believe they could win at the Congress of Soviets?

Answer 80

Support of all socialist parties for a soviet government

Question 81

How did Lenin return to Russia?

Answer 81

In disguise

Question 82

On what date did Lenin harangue the Central Committee of the Bolshevik party?

Answer 82

10 October

Question 83

True or False: Trotsky advocated for immediate violent action.

Answer 83

False

Question 84

Fill in the blank: Kamenev and Zinoviev were concerned about acting before the _______.

Answer 84

Constituent Assembly elections

Question 85

What was Lenin's emotional state upon his return to Russia?

Answer 85

Increasingly frustrated

Question 86

Who was largely responsible for organizing the revolution after the vote for action?

Answer 86

Trotsky ## Footnote Trotsky played a central role in the preparation and organization of the Bolshevik Revolution.

Question 87

What committee was established on 16 October to aid in the revolution?

Answer 87

Military Revolutionary Committee ## Footnote This committee was set up under Trotsky and Dzerzhinsky.

Question 88

How many members were in the Military Revolutionary Committee, and how many were Bolsheviks?

Answer 88

66 members; 48 Bolsheviks ## Footnote This indicates a strong Bolshevik presence in the committee.

Question 89

Where did Trotsky mass troops during the preparations for the revolution?

Answer 89

Smolny Institute ## Footnote The Smolny Institute served as the Bolshevik headquarters during the revolution.

Question 90

What was the composition of the Bolshevik force?

Answer 90

Militias from the Bolshevik Red Guards, former soldiers, and policemen ## Footnote This force was created due to the refusal of Mensheviks and SRs to cooperate.

Question 91

What was the role of Commissars in Petrograd's garrison units?

Answer 91

Ensured loyalty, issued orders, and organized weapon supplies ## Footnote Commissars played a crucial role in maintaining control over military units.

Question 92

How many Red Guards, Baltic sailors, and soldiers did the Committee control?

Answer 92

200,000 Red Guards, 60,000 Baltic sailors, 150,000 soldiers ## Footnote This indicates the significant military strength that the Bolsheviks had mobilized.

Question 93

What state was established before the official start of the Bolshevik Revolution on 25 October?

Answer 93

Mutiny and armed revolution ## Footnote This shows that preparations for the revolution were already in motion.

Question 94

Fill in the blank: The Bolshevik Revolution officially began on _______.

Answer 94

25 October ## Footnote This date marks the start of the Bolshevik takeover in Russia.