The Emergence Of Communist Dictatorship 1917-1941

Question 1

Did Marxist ideology become more or less important to Lenin after the October revolution?

Answer 1

Less- his priority was to maintain control - although his early actions were often given an ideological justification

Bolsheviks ideologically split on

Whether to end the war

What type of government should be formed

Question 2

What was the Bolshevik opinion on ending the war?

Answer 2

Divided

Some- Bukharin wanted to carry on war

Trotsky proposed neither peace nor war - retreating if necessary - wait for revolution in the West

Lenin prepared to give in to German territorial demands to bring peace and consolidate his revolution

Lenin won argument - treaty of Brest-Litovsk 3 March 1918 - socialism at home prioritised over spreading international revolution

Question 3

Was everyone in favour of a one-party government?

Answer 3

No, split

Some wanted a broad socialist government -coalition of Bolshevik and other socialist parties (Zinoviev and Kamenev)

Lenin favoured one-party - claiming one-party necessary to establish dictatorship of proletariat- he won

Question 4

After the November 1917 election was there a one- party government?

Answer 4

Mainly, yes, but Lenin did allow a few left wing SRs to join

In March 18 the SRs walked out of Sovnarkom in protest at treaty of Brest-Litovsk- so effectively a one-party state