The October revolution Flashcards
The provisional Govt. - Knowledge
unlike the Petrograd soviet, the Provisional Govt. was self-appointed body which had no right to exercise authority. It was made up of Duma members and so was associated with tsarism.
Introduction background
following the downfall of tsar Nicholas II, the Duma created the Provisional Govt. -a temporary 12 man executive led by Alexander Karensky.
Introduction Factors
The provisional Govt., the Bolsheviks, war related discontent.
The provisional Govt. - Analysis
It lead to unfavourable comparisons with the democratically elected Petrograd soviet which lead to difficulties in control and communication with the military.
The provisional Govt. - OTOH
The provisional Govt. experienced a brief period of popularity and implemented progressive reforms.
The provisional Govt. - Analysis +
However the provisional Govt. constantly failed to deal with key issues. Indeed, the provisional Govt. decision to remain in WW1 was specific in leading to anti- P.G feelings amongst many classes.
The provisional Govt. - Evaluation
In evaluation, the provisional Govt. was important as it created the right opportunities for the Bolsheviks to seize power. Indeed, the results for the Russian constituent assembly shows the Bolsheviks weren’t all that popular. As such they only received 23.5% of the votes and so suggesting that people only went along with the October revolution in order to overthrow the provisional Govt.
The Bolsheviks - Knowledge
Lenin’s return to Russia with slogans such as “Peace, bread and land” shows how he manipulated the situation of the time. At the time, people were also discontented with the P.Gs decision to remain in the war.
The Bolsheviks - Analysis
This acted as effective propaganda as it highlighted the failures of the Provisional Govt. and offered the nation the 3 things they most wanted. This gained Lenin support from the peasants, industrial workers and soldiers.
The Bolsheviks - OTOH
The failure of the July days shows the Bolsheviks attempts to seize power and suggests that other factors may have helped the Bolsheviks do this.
The Bolsheviks - Analysis +
Indeed the July days show that the October revolution succeeded more due to the failures of the provisional Govt. rather than the popularity of the Bolsheviks. As revolt was crushed by the P.G, it shows the they were still reasonably strong in July.
The Bolsheviks - Evaluation
In evaluation, by the time October came around, the right climate of discontent enabled the Bolsheviks to seize power. The provisional Govt.s decision to remain in the war increased discontent and the Bolshevik promise of “Bread, peace and land” was seen as the only way out. so support to overthrow the P.G increased.
War Related Discontent - Knowledge
Economic problems caused by WW1 increased discontent amongst workers. For example, severe lack of fuel meant that there was not heating and food shortages led to starvation.
War Related Discontent - Analysis
caused restlessness amongst the industrial workers which made them more receptive to the Bolshevik ideas.
War Related Discontent - OTOH
The lack of support from workers and peasants meant the Bolsheviks failed to seize power in the July days.
