The crushing of the Constituent assembly and the outlawing of other parties meant that the Bolsheviks did not want to share power, and this made civil war very likely especially considering the Bolsheviks only had a limited grip on Russia (Moscow, Petrograd). Lenin truly wanted a violent civil war, as the Bolsheviks did have control of the Red Guard, Army and Cheka along with Trotsky’s organisation skills, it would be better to have a short violent struggle to eliminate all enemies and opponents than years of being harassed by Anti-Bolsheviks. The Conflict began in the summer of 1918, with the Reds, White and Greens in a three way military struggle.
- Reds were the Bolshevik Army, Guard and Cheka
- Whites were Bolshevik opponents from parties who had been outlawed, to monarchists and political enemies
- Greens were the nationalities minorities who fought solely for independence.
The Bolsheviks were faced with these forces, the greens who wanted independence from Russia, and many saw them as trying to reassert Russian authority over the country even though the Bolsheviks were mainly foreign, similar to the Tsar. The Civil war provided a cover to settle old scores and pursuing personal vendettas for most people.
The war its self, was simply about fighting for food. The transport and food situation from world war one were still an issue, and until this was sorted, Russia remained hungry. The failure of not providing a remedy for the situation added to the initial military opposition to the Bolsheviks, and the loss of the Ukraine to germany, the primary food provider saw an even sharper drop still. The SR’s also mounted opposition due to their removal from the government after the Brest-Litovsk treaty in which they along with the more Left Bolsheviks had been outlawed. The SR’s planned a coup in the new capital, Moscow and is where it really started. This military rising failed, but terrorism persisted and almost killed Lenin, which led to him having a bullet lodged in his neck contributing to his early death six years later. The SR’s so, joined the whites.
The Resistance also spread, as all of the opposition formed into the whites, with the SR’s forming various uprisings in central Russia, the Volunteer army for the whites being formed, and the Czech occupation saw another white army, and again in Estonia.
The Civil war, so was a very confusing affair. The Political attempt as well as the regional (food) and nationalities attempts amounted into muddled mess. It is known that the Bolsheviks however resisted attacks on four main fronts and then drove back the attackers until they withdrew. Because of this well-organised approach and the fact that the Bolsheviks controlled the railway system that contributed in a Bolshevik win.
White weakness
- Various armies fought separately, not bound by a single aim and unwilling to sacrifice individual interests to fight an anti-bolshevik front
- Too reliant on supplies from abroad, and resistance too scattered geographically
- Lack leadership like Trotsky
- Failure of International Support
Red Strengths
- Remained in control of the central areas of Russia which had the four main vantage points to defend. They also had the control of the Industry of these areas and that meant munitions.
- Control of the Railway
- White’s dependence on foreign supplies was used as propaganda. Reds were the defenders of the nation as well as the proletariat revolutionaries.
- Trotsky’s army was brilliantly organised.
Trotsky’s role was kept up red communication, deny the whites the opportunity to concentrate large forces in any one location and prevent whites from gaining supplies. This relied on the railways, as they could transport troops, supplies and communicate. This was successful as not only did it exhaust the white supplies, they could then drive the forces back. Trotsky was also the driving force in morale.
Civil war had various effects on the Bolsheviks. Toughness was one, as the bolsheviks grew heavily in numbers over the civil war from joining the red army. This meant that later on, these members were hardened and obedient men who's opinions and decision were very tough. Next was the conversion to Authoritarianism, similar to the Tsar's rule, its true that no government could have survived the harsh conditions without it. Centralisation was also the main change, as the quickness and urgency that decisions needed to be made were simply not happening under the official central committee. So, the Politburo (a faster central committee of the party, made the decisions) and the Orgburo (who made the policies were created) to act at the speed needed, who both served by the civil service which put policies into action, the Secretariat.
SUMMARY
Bolsheviks did not want to share power, limited grip on Russia and outlawing of constituent assembly/other parties made Civil War imminent.
Evidence that Lenin wanted civil war 'Quick struggle to remove all opposition', especially as they had the Red Army and Cheka units.
Three way struggle.
Whites - SR's, monarchists and other opposition parties (plus some internationals)
Reds - Bolsheviks
Greens - Nationalists
The Reds did win eventually by fighting on four main points
Had the main cities and factories, therefore the railways.
Fighting a defense against disorganised whites
Whites also relied on foreign supplies and were not bound by a single aim
Reds also had the brilliant Trotsky and Red army, who were bound by a single aim and full of morale.
The civil war caused Toughness from the new members joining the Bolsheviks from the red army. Authoritarianism for survival due to the weak economic positions of the time. Centralisation saw the Politburo and Orgburo take over the central committee who served under the Secretariat, one making quick decisions, one making policies and the Secretariat enforcing them.
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
Lenin and Trotsky had a marked difference over the ending of the war. Lenin wanted it to end immediately, whilst Trotsky believed in a delay. Russia’s military exhaustion made it impossible to fight on successfully to win the war. If Germany won, they would gain Russian land, but if Germany lost, Russia could regain and land lost from pulling from the war. Russia would not be worse of, and secondly it would gain. Lenin had also been receiving funds from the German Foreign office, pulling out of the war was the best way to retain these funds. Trotsky was between his ‘straight away opinion’ and the Left Bolsheviks who pressed for continuation of the war to beat ‘imperialist Germany’
At Brest-Litovsk is where the talks happened. Trotsky was undoubtedly rude, yawning and having private conversations, only speaking when on the subject of the October Revolution. Hindenburg, saw them as degrading the conference table, and tried to start dissolution in the army of their ranks. Lenin and Trotsky however, supported international revolution over Russia’s needs. The Germans seriously considered marching into Petrograd to overthrow their government, but they quickly signed a devastating peace treaty as soon as this was made clear.
The Treaty saw a third of European Russia ceded to Germany with 45 million people within it. Russia was also required to pay 3 Billion roubles as war damages. Lenin stressed that this was the only realistic policy, ‘maternally exhausted by three years of war’. Basically Russia did not have the supplies or the skill, and the Bolsheviks signing the treaty would have time to gain this. Although heavily debated in the central committee, Lenin’s argument was passed by a majority of only 1. Lenin and Trotsky saw Brest Litovsk as a small price to pay for the kick starting of international revolution. What eventually destroyed the division in the central committee (of left Bolsheviks who wanted continuation and saw the losses at Brest-Litovsk as awful) was that Germany’s defeat in which Russia simply regained everything it had lost.
SUMMARY
A split in attitudes – Continuation or immediate peace
Lenin – Russia could not possibly win, Russia worn out by three years, say no now to fight another day. Also pulling out would continue the GFO funding.
Harsh terms – 1/3 of Euro land lost, with 45 million people and 3 Bil in reparations.
This lead to conflict between the left, Lenin justifying frequently and won the debate. German defeat justified policy anyway.
At Brest-Litovsk is where the talks happened. Trotsky was undoubtedly rude, yawning and having private conversations, only speaking when on the subject of the October Revolution. Hindenburg, saw them as degrading the conference table, and tried to start dissolution in the army of their ranks. Lenin and Trotsky however, supported international revolution over Russia’s needs. The Germans seriously considered marching into Petrograd to overthrow their government, but they quickly signed a devastating peace treaty as soon as this was made clear.
The Treaty saw a third of European Russia ceded to Germany with 45 million people within it. Russia was also required to pay 3 Billion roubles as war damages. Lenin stressed that this was the only realistic policy, ‘maternally exhausted by three years of war’. Basically Russia did not have the supplies or the skill, and the Bolsheviks signing the treaty would have time to gain this. Although heavily debated in the central committee, Lenin’s argument was passed by a majority of only 1. Lenin and Trotsky saw Brest Litovsk as a small price to pay for the kick starting of international revolution. What eventually destroyed the division in the central committee (of left Bolsheviks who wanted continuation and saw the losses at Brest-Litovsk as awful) was that Germany’s defeat in which Russia simply regained everything it had lost.
SUMMARY
A split in attitudes – Continuation or immediate peace
Lenin – Russia could not possibly win, Russia worn out by three years, say no now to fight another day. Also pulling out would continue the GFO funding.
Harsh terms – 1/3 of Euro land lost, with 45 million people and 3 Bil in reparations.
This lead to conflict between the left, Lenin justifying frequently and won the debate. German defeat justified policy anyway.
DISSOLUTION OF THE CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY
Lenin did not believe in Democratic elections and declared them as ‘Tricks by the Bourgeoisie’. This is why Lenin and the Bolsheviks went on their own merits in the October Coup. When this was successful, Lenin was even more determined to stamp out Democracy, and one of the reasons to his urgency for the Revolution, was to make sure the Coup happened before the Election of the All-Russian Constituent Assembly. Unfortunately for Lenin, it was too late, and the results were not good for the Bolsheviks.
- Outvoted 2 to 1 by the SR’s
- Only a quarter of the overall vote and so a quarter of the seats.
Lenin only originally supported this because it undermined the PG, but now he had power, he had no need for the Assembly and would only make life difficult. Lenin who did not deal in compromise, only ever opted to deal by crushing the opposition. So after only a day’s session for the Assembly, it was dissolved at gunpoint by the Red Guards, with any resistance evaporated by the fact of rifles aimed at their heads.
The Bolsheviks chance for survival did seem slim, with strong wide-spread opposition to them including the fact that Britain and France would intervene if they pulled from the War. Lenin so justified the dissolution by saying it had already happened by the Soviet becoming government, and claimed the elections were rigged. ‘Dissolution of Constituent Assembly means a complete liquidation of democracy by the idea of a dictatorship’
Lenin’s ruthless attitude caused unease, with the Bolsheviks most Prolific writer Maxim Gorky claiming ‘Peoples commissars have ordered the shooting of this democracy that people had hoped for’. Foreign communists were also appalled, Rosa Luxemburg ‘Worse than the disease it was supposed to cure’. Lenin however, saw that due to the dire situation of Russia and vulnerable placement of the Bolsheviks, stern action was required to plant them properly.
SUMMARY
Lenin hated Democracy ‘Bourgeoisie tool to hold power’
Results to Constituent assembly are bad
Bolsheviks force closure.
Assembly would break Lenin’s power
Soviet Government already in power,
Elections were corrupt, and a ‘Bourgeois manipulation’
Found condemnation by foreign revolutionaries.
- Outvoted 2 to 1 by the SR’s
- Only a quarter of the overall vote and so a quarter of the seats.
Lenin only originally supported this because it undermined the PG, but now he had power, he had no need for the Assembly and would only make life difficult. Lenin who did not deal in compromise, only ever opted to deal by crushing the opposition. So after only a day’s session for the Assembly, it was dissolved at gunpoint by the Red Guards, with any resistance evaporated by the fact of rifles aimed at their heads.
The Bolsheviks chance for survival did seem slim, with strong wide-spread opposition to them including the fact that Britain and France would intervene if they pulled from the War. Lenin so justified the dissolution by saying it had already happened by the Soviet becoming government, and claimed the elections were rigged. ‘Dissolution of Constituent Assembly means a complete liquidation of democracy by the idea of a dictatorship’
Lenin’s ruthless attitude caused unease, with the Bolsheviks most Prolific writer Maxim Gorky claiming ‘Peoples commissars have ordered the shooting of this democracy that people had hoped for’. Foreign communists were also appalled, Rosa Luxemburg ‘Worse than the disease it was supposed to cure’. Lenin however, saw that due to the dire situation of Russia and vulnerable placement of the Bolsheviks, stern action was required to plant them properly.
SUMMARY
Lenin hated Democracy ‘Bourgeoisie tool to hold power’
Results to Constituent assembly are bad
Bolsheviks force closure.
Assembly would break Lenin’s power
Soviet Government already in power,
Elections were corrupt, and a ‘Bourgeois manipulation’
Found condemnation by foreign revolutionaries.
Friday, 8 May 2009
The Bolsheviks in Power
Lenin was now faced with the problems that the Tsar and the Provisional Government had faced previously. The soviet view of what was to happen, was that they would revolutionise russia, into a socialist society with measures and reforms, but it wasn't that simple, as Lenin in the future from this point changed policies based on the situation. Lenin claimed that it was the soviets who had took power in october, but it was the Bolsheviks alone, but he said that his People's Commissars had been appointed by the Soviets. This did mean they had the power to make up their own rules.
The Immediate problems that faced the bolsheviks were apparent as the bolsheviks simply did not have enough power to make a sweeping revolutionary reformation package, and needed to make policies to fit the circumstances. The circumstances were made worse by the war
- Shortage of Raw materials
- Collapse of Transport system
- Inflation huge
- Wide-spread hunger and famine
Lenin, who saw the future with the proletariat, also saw that the peasants were the sole food creaters and for this reason alone, he considered how to persuade the peasants to create more food. The Bolsheviks so, introduced policies to kick-start the economic recovery, 'Decree on Land' and 'Decree on Workers Control', but both of which were sort of confirming and allowing what had already happened.
'Decree on Land' simply declared that all privately own property was to be confiscated and to belong to the entire state, and those who 'work' it, this followed the bolshevik land approach.
'Decree on Workers Control' as the workers had taken over control of many of the factories, the efficiency of these factories dropped severely and a drop in industrial output. The Bolsheviks tried to put severe discipline on these workers, but it was difficult as the committee's which ran the factories, all did not contain bolsheviks. The Vesenkha was set up to take charge of all institutions for the economy, and it nationalised railways, cancelled the debts and sorted out the transport (to an extent).
The Bolsheviks also
- Abolished titles to 'Comrade
- Moscow became Red
- People's courts
- Armistice followed by treaty with Germany
- Red Army
- Communist Party
- The Cheka was also created, Lenin was determined to impose Ultimate rule, by supressing all political opposition, the cheka was a better organised Okhrana of old, and worked to destroy 'counter-revolution' or anything that was slightly anti-bolshevik.
SUMMARY
Problems - Inflation, Food/Transport, Low Industrial production and Limited control for the Bolsheviks.
Attempted to start reforms with Two Decree's. Gave land to those who 'work it' and authority over economic production, plus Vesenkha. Next wask the Cheka, to impose absolute rule and rule out 'counter revolution'. Red term officially used, Red Army, communist and Comrade.
The Immediate problems that faced the bolsheviks were apparent as the bolsheviks simply did not have enough power to make a sweeping revolutionary reformation package, and needed to make policies to fit the circumstances. The circumstances were made worse by the war
- Shortage of Raw materials
- Collapse of Transport system
- Inflation huge
- Wide-spread hunger and famine
Lenin, who saw the future with the proletariat, also saw that the peasants were the sole food creaters and for this reason alone, he considered how to persuade the peasants to create more food. The Bolsheviks so, introduced policies to kick-start the economic recovery, 'Decree on Land' and 'Decree on Workers Control', but both of which were sort of confirming and allowing what had already happened.
'Decree on Land' simply declared that all privately own property was to be confiscated and to belong to the entire state, and those who 'work' it, this followed the bolshevik land approach.
'Decree on Workers Control' as the workers had taken over control of many of the factories, the efficiency of these factories dropped severely and a drop in industrial output. The Bolsheviks tried to put severe discipline on these workers, but it was difficult as the committee's which ran the factories, all did not contain bolsheviks. The Vesenkha was set up to take charge of all institutions for the economy, and it nationalised railways, cancelled the debts and sorted out the transport (to an extent).
The Bolsheviks also
- Abolished titles to 'Comrade
- Moscow became Red
- People's courts
- Armistice followed by treaty with Germany
- Red Army
- Communist Party
- The Cheka was also created, Lenin was determined to impose Ultimate rule, by supressing all political opposition, the cheka was a better organised Okhrana of old, and worked to destroy 'counter-revolution' or anything that was slightly anti-bolshevik.
SUMMARY
Problems - Inflation, Food/Transport, Low Industrial production and Limited control for the Bolsheviks.
Attempted to start reforms with Two Decree's. Gave land to those who 'work it' and authority over economic production, plus Vesenkha. Next wask the Cheka, to impose absolute rule and rule out 'counter revolution'. Red term officially used, Red Army, communist and Comrade.
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
October Revolution
The gains from the Kornilov affair were instantaneous for the Bolsheviks, by the mid September period;they had gained a majority in the soviets. First few months of the soviet saw it fully attended, over 3000 deputies in the first meeting eventually began to decrease, with attendance down to a few hundred by autumn. This was an advantage to the Bolsheviks who made sure that they attended each meeting fully, and so influenced in proportion to its numbers, and influenced the various sub committees heavily, and the soviet moved more towards the left.
Lenin’s strategy played the next part in the October revolution. Whilst in exile in Finland, and made sure that his party were ready constantly to overthrow the government, as the government became increasingly reactionary. He constantly urged for the Bolsheviks it seized power when the government were at the most sensitive. He was so urgent because he was convinced that the Bolsheviks had to take power before the meeting of the soviets in October, to present their authority under ‘All power to Soviets’ in the April thesis, and so they wouldn’t reject. He also had to take control before the Constituent assembly election, as they would be difficult to dispose of and it was not assured that they would win the election.
Lenin returned to Petrograd after his party had undermined the ruling of a Pre-Parliament, in which Kerensky offered the Bolsheviks a chance to give advice, and had walked out of. Lenin gave speeches to strike, but members on the Central Committee (decision making part of the party) disagreed as it was too early. He spent two weeks trying to convince them, eventually agreeing on the 10th of October without a specific date.
Kerensky hearing rumours of a coup was finally influenced to take action after intercepting an article published by Kamenev, and Zinoviev, who argued overthrowing in current circumstances, would be silly. Kerensky took this as though they had a secured date and took action, ordering an attack and rounding up leading Bolsheviks. This was the trigger for insurrection.
Trotsky was the reason on how the Bolsheviks planned the original coup. Lenin may have been the influence, but Trotsky organised. He had been chairman of the Petrograd soviet, and so was in the Troika which set up the Military Revolutionary Committee, which would defend Petrograd from German invasion. He had control of the only effective Military Force in Petrograd, and it was a force that he could draft into Bolshevik plans. Trotsky directed the Red Guards to capture key positions
The Collapse of the Provisional Government took three days, with very little fighting. The PG had little to no military force due to Kornilov and the Soviet Order 1, and the Petrograd garrison had mainly been deserted. There was no one guarding the winter palace when the ‘Red’ forces arrived. Power pretty much fell into their hands, as All ministers escaped without harm and Kerensky fled to the American embassy, and slipped out of Petrograd disguised as a female nurse. Lenin was declared the Chief Minister.
SUMMARY
Bolsheviks take influence in soviets
- attended every meeting
- Influenced sub-committees/proportion to numbers
________________________________
Lenin directed from Finland - Urged for instant insurrection as Gov were weak
urgent because of All Russian Congress of Soviets meeting/ Constituent Assembly meeting. As votes were unpredictable and Soviets might be won over by 'All Power to Soviets'- When he returned, he worked with committee to get them to agree
__________________
Kerensky makes first move after seeing article.
Trotsky is used to start insurrection - Petrograd chairman in charge of MRC
only strong military force left. PG suffered by Kornilov affair and desertions
Lenin becomes 'Chief Minister' SR's and Mensheviks angered, Kerensky escapes to the USA.
_________________________________
Lenin’s strategy played the next part in the October revolution. Whilst in exile in Finland, and made sure that his party were ready constantly to overthrow the government, as the government became increasingly reactionary. He constantly urged for the Bolsheviks it seized power when the government were at the most sensitive. He was so urgent because he was convinced that the Bolsheviks had to take power before the meeting of the soviets in October, to present their authority under ‘All power to Soviets’ in the April thesis, and so they wouldn’t reject. He also had to take control before the Constituent assembly election, as they would be difficult to dispose of and it was not assured that they would win the election.
Lenin returned to Petrograd after his party had undermined the ruling of a Pre-Parliament, in which Kerensky offered the Bolsheviks a chance to give advice, and had walked out of. Lenin gave speeches to strike, but members on the Central Committee (decision making part of the party) disagreed as it was too early. He spent two weeks trying to convince them, eventually agreeing on the 10th of October without a specific date.
Kerensky hearing rumours of a coup was finally influenced to take action after intercepting an article published by Kamenev, and Zinoviev, who argued overthrowing in current circumstances, would be silly. Kerensky took this as though they had a secured date and took action, ordering an attack and rounding up leading Bolsheviks. This was the trigger for insurrection.
Trotsky was the reason on how the Bolsheviks planned the original coup. Lenin may have been the influence, but Trotsky organised. He had been chairman of the Petrograd soviet, and so was in the Troika which set up the Military Revolutionary Committee, which would defend Petrograd from German invasion. He had control of the only effective Military Force in Petrograd, and it was a force that he could draft into Bolshevik plans. Trotsky directed the Red Guards to capture key positions
The Collapse of the Provisional Government took three days, with very little fighting. The PG had little to no military force due to Kornilov and the Soviet Order 1, and the Petrograd garrison had mainly been deserted. There was no one guarding the winter palace when the ‘Red’ forces arrived. Power pretty much fell into their hands, as All ministers escaped without harm and Kerensky fled to the American embassy, and slipped out of Petrograd disguised as a female nurse. Lenin was declared the Chief Minister.
SUMMARY
Bolsheviks take influence in soviets
- attended every meeting
- Influenced sub-committees/proportion to numbers
________________________________
Lenin directed from Finland - Urged for instant insurrection as Gov were weak
urgent because of All Russian Congress of Soviets meeting/ Constituent Assembly meeting. As votes were unpredictable and Soviets might be won over by 'All Power to Soviets'- When he returned, he worked with committee to get them to agree
__________________
Kerensky makes first move after seeing article.
Trotsky is used to start insurrection - Petrograd chairman in charge of MRC
only strong military force left. PG suffered by Kornilov affair and desertions
Lenin becomes 'Chief Minister' SR's and Mensheviks angered, Kerensky escapes to the USA.
_________________________________
Monday, 27 April 2009
Provisional Government’s Problems
Provisional Government was in a troubled position in the War, having no choice to fight on with a Cache 22 problem, financially. If it did not fight, it would not receive war credits and supplies which it relied on, but continuing the war and the Total War effort would eventually bankrupt Russia. This was unsustainable, and was a point of which made the Provisional Government unpopular.
Governmentally, the co-operation period between the Soviet and the PG came to a sharp end. The Soviet had announced the request for the end of war ‘without indemnities’. As we know this was not possible and the Foreign minister of the PG also said that ‘Russia would fight to the end’. April saw violent demonstrations against Milyukov, and this saw him resign along with the war minister. The pressures began to show within the inside. Kerensky, became the war minister, and SR’s/Mensheviks had places on the cabinet, hoping the shift would ease tensions between PG and Soviet, but instead these socialists became isolated from the soviet, and looked bad as compromising with the ‘bourgeoisie’
Some ministers had doubts about continuing war, but had no doubts about withdrawing. This would have mattered less, if the armies had been successful. Kerensky campaigned as a ‘struggle to save revolution’. He made trips to give speeches to troops, in which the war needed total dedication of the nation. Russia had gone beyond the point of fighting a successful war, and proof by a major assault in which the low morale combined with Bolshevik agitators, saw heavy losses. General Kornilov called to crush the Bolsheviks at home and halt offences. What followed next was the soviet creation at Kronstadt, and then the Revolutionaries saw a chance to overthrow the PG, known as the July Days
Summer's 'JULY DAYS' 1917, government seemed to no longer be in control of events, because of
- Spread of soviets
- Workers control of factories
- Peasant land seizure
- Ukraine creating its own minority government.
Kadet ministers resigned, after the PG offered Ukraine independence, arguing that only a Constituent assembly could decide such matters. Growing demonstrations over the war and the government’s problems coincided with this clash, which rose into a direct challenge. The challenge was confused and disorganised, with soviet members who did not wish to challenge found themselves physically attacked, and because of this disunity, the Provisional Government found it easy to crush the rising. It’s not clear who started the risings, and a month before at the first All-Russian Congress of Soviets, Lenin declared the Bolsheviks were ready to take power, as did the SR’s frequently urge taking the PG on. Trotsky however, blamed the Mensheviks and SR’s to hide Bolshevik failure, and had only come to the support of Kronstadt.
Consequences, displayed that opposition was disunited, the Bolsheviks were not the dominant party, and the Provisional Government still had the power to put down insurrection. Kerensky soon after became prime minister, and persisted to arrest Bolsheviks. Lenin fled to Finland. Kerensky issued Propaganda calling the Bolsheviks traitors.
The Provisional government had not only failed to grasp the war problems, but it did so with the land question too. Land Shortage was still a huge problem, and was the main cause for peasantry unrest. The Feb revolution led the peasants to believe they would soon benefit from land redistribution. When this didn't happen, like the 1905 revolution, they took the land of landlords and estates. This was a daily occurance. The government had no answer to this, and the Land commission did little to redistribute the estates (which it had gained) and the members of the government who had their own land were not really willing to let go of it, linking to the April Thesis of which this was just the old Bourgeois Duma. The bolsheviks, who started to gain support in the soviets, also had no Policy but Lenin saw the 'backward masses', 80% of the population to be a useful and truely revolutionary force. He stole the SR slogan 'Land to the Peasants' and this made them mainly Pro-bolshevik in the countryside. This also split the SR's who joined the bolsheviks, known as the SR's
The Kornilov Affair
Kerensky’s government, became involved in which undermined the government and its gains from the July days. General Commander-in-Chief Kornilov, was a right wing army officer who believed fully in defeating Germany, but must firstly destroy the ‘German supporters’, Lenin and the Bolsheviks. When Russia’s Petrograd found itself under german invasion threats, Kornilov declared that Russia would fall to anarchy, and that the Bolsh would take over. He informed Kerensky that he intended to bring his troops to save the Provisional Government. Kornilov intended to actually take over the PG and rule under military control, and Kerensky removed his support, and condemned Kornilov who replied that they must destroy the Bolshevik/Soviet controls.
Kerensky, called upon Petrograd’s loyal citizens to take up arms and defend the cities. The Bolsheviks were released from prison and given arms. As it so happened, Kornilov never made it to Petrograd due to Railway strike. The Bolsheviks found themselves with arms, and released from prison and being seen as ready to be the defenders of Petrograd. The Bolsheviks also saw the readiness of the people to defend Petrograd, a sign that they were not confident within the PG.
SUMMARY
THE WAR
'cache 22 situation, obliged to the war in order to maintain war credits.
Caused rift between Soviet/Provisional government - sending mixed messages out
Inflation, lack of food and resources
Kerensky rallies for the War
___________
Kadet ministers resigning over the UKRAINE seperation led to the JULY DAYS, as this coincided with War protests. July days was crushed as opposition was disunited and nearly saw the end of the Bolsheviks, and PG could still crush.
_________
Land question- Provisional government not willing to redistribute land, Bolsheviks stole their support in countryside using SR slogan
______
July days gains lost, due to Kornilov affair who wanted to destroy soviets/Bolsheviks- but also taking military rule over petrograd.
This meant releasing bolsh from prison/giving arms for them to support petrograd. Bolsh became 'saviours' and the willingness of the help proved people did not have faith.
Governmentally, the co-operation period between the Soviet and the PG came to a sharp end. The Soviet had announced the request for the end of war ‘without indemnities’. As we know this was not possible and the Foreign minister of the PG also said that ‘Russia would fight to the end’. April saw violent demonstrations against Milyukov, and this saw him resign along with the war minister. The pressures began to show within the inside. Kerensky, became the war minister, and SR’s/Mensheviks had places on the cabinet, hoping the shift would ease tensions between PG and Soviet, but instead these socialists became isolated from the soviet, and looked bad as compromising with the ‘bourgeoisie’
Some ministers had doubts about continuing war, but had no doubts about withdrawing. This would have mattered less, if the armies had been successful. Kerensky campaigned as a ‘struggle to save revolution’. He made trips to give speeches to troops, in which the war needed total dedication of the nation. Russia had gone beyond the point of fighting a successful war, and proof by a major assault in which the low morale combined with Bolshevik agitators, saw heavy losses. General Kornilov called to crush the Bolsheviks at home and halt offences. What followed next was the soviet creation at Kronstadt, and then the Revolutionaries saw a chance to overthrow the PG, known as the July Days
Summer's 'JULY DAYS' 1917, government seemed to no longer be in control of events, because of
- Spread of soviets
- Workers control of factories
- Peasant land seizure
- Ukraine creating its own minority government.
Kadet ministers resigned, after the PG offered Ukraine independence, arguing that only a Constituent assembly could decide such matters. Growing demonstrations over the war and the government’s problems coincided with this clash, which rose into a direct challenge. The challenge was confused and disorganised, with soviet members who did not wish to challenge found themselves physically attacked, and because of this disunity, the Provisional Government found it easy to crush the rising. It’s not clear who started the risings, and a month before at the first All-Russian Congress of Soviets, Lenin declared the Bolsheviks were ready to take power, as did the SR’s frequently urge taking the PG on. Trotsky however, blamed the Mensheviks and SR’s to hide Bolshevik failure, and had only come to the support of Kronstadt.
Consequences, displayed that opposition was disunited, the Bolsheviks were not the dominant party, and the Provisional Government still had the power to put down insurrection. Kerensky soon after became prime minister, and persisted to arrest Bolsheviks. Lenin fled to Finland. Kerensky issued Propaganda calling the Bolsheviks traitors.
The Provisional government had not only failed to grasp the war problems, but it did so with the land question too. Land Shortage was still a huge problem, and was the main cause for peasantry unrest. The Feb revolution led the peasants to believe they would soon benefit from land redistribution. When this didn't happen, like the 1905 revolution, they took the land of landlords and estates. This was a daily occurance. The government had no answer to this, and the Land commission did little to redistribute the estates (which it had gained) and the members of the government who had their own land were not really willing to let go of it, linking to the April Thesis of which this was just the old Bourgeois Duma. The bolsheviks, who started to gain support in the soviets, also had no Policy but Lenin saw the 'backward masses', 80% of the population to be a useful and truely revolutionary force. He stole the SR slogan 'Land to the Peasants' and this made them mainly Pro-bolshevik in the countryside. This also split the SR's who joined the bolsheviks, known as the SR's
The Kornilov Affair
Kerensky’s government, became involved in which undermined the government and its gains from the July days. General Commander-in-Chief Kornilov, was a right wing army officer who believed fully in defeating Germany, but must firstly destroy the ‘German supporters’, Lenin and the Bolsheviks. When Russia’s Petrograd found itself under german invasion threats, Kornilov declared that Russia would fall to anarchy, and that the Bolsh would take over. He informed Kerensky that he intended to bring his troops to save the Provisional Government. Kornilov intended to actually take over the PG and rule under military control, and Kerensky removed his support, and condemned Kornilov who replied that they must destroy the Bolshevik/Soviet controls.
Kerensky, called upon Petrograd’s loyal citizens to take up arms and defend the cities. The Bolsheviks were released from prison and given arms. As it so happened, Kornilov never made it to Petrograd due to Railway strike. The Bolsheviks found themselves with arms, and released from prison and being seen as ready to be the defenders of Petrograd. The Bolsheviks also saw the readiness of the people to defend Petrograd, a sign that they were not confident within the PG.
SUMMARY
THE WAR
'cache 22 situation, obliged to the war in order to maintain war credits.
Caused rift between Soviet/Provisional government - sending mixed messages out
Inflation, lack of food and resources
Kerensky rallies for the War
___________
Kadet ministers resigning over the UKRAINE seperation led to the JULY DAYS, as this coincided with War protests. July days was crushed as opposition was disunited and nearly saw the end of the Bolsheviks, and PG could still crush.
_________
Land question- Provisional government not willing to redistribute land, Bolsheviks stole their support in countryside using SR slogan
______
July days gains lost, due to Kornilov affair who wanted to destroy soviets/Bolsheviks- but also taking military rule over petrograd.
This meant releasing bolsh from prison/giving arms for them to support petrograd. Bolsh became 'saviours' and the willingness of the help proved people did not have faith.
Sunday, 26 April 2009
Political Co-operation and the Return of the Bolsheviks
The Provisional Government, was basically the old duma, 'Appointed by the Revolution Itself' This exposed two weaknesses, they were not elected and would be judged purely on performance and its Authority was limited by the Petrograd Soviet, however at first there was considerable co-operation.
The Petrograd Soviet, regarded its role as supervisory, checking that Soldiers and Workers needs were recognised by new Provisional Government. The new government often did not know its authority, and sometimes the Soviet would have more power in certain issues. They were not opposed to the new government as they became in the later years due to the Bolsheviks return. Soviet Order 1 displays their importance over the PG, ' Orders of military commission are to be obeyed only in instances when they do not contradict Soviet decree's'. Military affairs only applied if the Soviet Agreed. A general rule is, if a government does not control the Army, it does not control the country.
People became genuinely happy over the next few weeks, and co-operation was easiest at this time. A willingness to maintain the state occured, with Moderate Socialists in control of the Soviet, and all parties maintained the PG. A number of progressive reforms were the result.
- Amnesty for political prisoners
- Trade Unions Legalised
- Eight Hour Day
- Police 'peoples militia'
- Full Civil and Religious freedom
- Election of Constituent Assembly
THE BOLSHEVIKS RETURN
The Bolsheviks learned of the Tsar's abdication and rushed back to Petrograd. Stalin and Kamenev were first to return, and became the Leading voices. Lenin directed, in letters by saying war should be turned into a class war, with Bolsh infiltrating the Armies. Stalin and Kamenev however, ignored and pushed for End-war negotiations, and put pressure of the PG to start negotiations. Kamenev 'Co-operation was essential', and even considered linking with the Bolsheviks with the Mensheviks. Stalin simply went along with this.
Lenin returned in april, smuggled in by a german train who wanted Lenin to start a revolution and therefore, Russia pulling out of the War. Lenin's opponents accused him of being a German spy because of this, and the German Foreign Office giving financial support gave weight to this claim. It just so happens, germany wanted what Lenin wanted, Withdrawing the army from the war. Lenin's return, changed all co-operation, he declared that the events so far had lead to a 'Parliamentary Bourgeois Republic' simply the new government was the old duma with bourgeois tendancies.
The following day saw the April Thesis. The Bolsheviks expected to be praised, but found themselves criticised, this was new policy
- Abandon co-operation with others
- work for true revolution
- Overthrow PG, simply the old duma
- Struggle for power to the workers
- Demand authority to the soviets.
Lenin saw soviets as powerbase, a post-tsar construction and a place to influence the proletariat. If they could take the soviets, they could take the state. He came up with two slogans, 'Peace Bread and Land' and 'All Power to the Soviets'. Lenin basically confronted all problems, The war with Germany, The food shortage and the countryside disruption. Lenin said they would not be fixed with the PG in office, who 'profited from war'
SUMMARY
PG basically the old Duma - Judged purely on performance
Considerable co-operation between 'Duma' and Soviet
SOVIET - made sure workers/soldiers got treated
often the more dominant half with certain issues
SOVIET ORDER NO.1 'Orders of military commission are to be obeyed only in instances when they do not contradict Soviet decree's' The Soviets had military control.
PG REFORMS - Amnesty for prisoners, Election of Assembly, People's militia
THE BOLSHEVIKS RETURN. Stalin and Kamenev, first. Believed in co-operation and possible reconnection with the mensheviks. Lenin sent letters urging class war within the war. Lenin returned on a german train who wanted him to kick start a revolution so Russia pull from the war. Speculation from Ger Foreign office suggests Lenin was a spy, he and germany had the common aim around the war. Lenin condemned co-operation and called the PG as the 'old duma'
APRIL THESIS - 'Push for Revolution, Condemn co-operation, struggle for power to Proletariat, overthrow the PG, All power to the Soviets'
Soviets seen as the powerbase.
Peace, Bread and Land
All Power to the Soviet slogans.
The Petrograd Soviet, regarded its role as supervisory, checking that Soldiers and Workers needs were recognised by new Provisional Government. The new government often did not know its authority, and sometimes the Soviet would have more power in certain issues. They were not opposed to the new government as they became in the later years due to the Bolsheviks return. Soviet Order 1 displays their importance over the PG, ' Orders of military commission are to be obeyed only in instances when they do not contradict Soviet decree's'. Military affairs only applied if the Soviet Agreed. A general rule is, if a government does not control the Army, it does not control the country.
People became genuinely happy over the next few weeks, and co-operation was easiest at this time. A willingness to maintain the state occured, with Moderate Socialists in control of the Soviet, and all parties maintained the PG. A number of progressive reforms were the result.
- Amnesty for political prisoners
- Trade Unions Legalised
- Eight Hour Day
- Police 'peoples militia'
- Full Civil and Religious freedom
- Election of Constituent Assembly
THE BOLSHEVIKS RETURN
The Bolsheviks learned of the Tsar's abdication and rushed back to Petrograd. Stalin and Kamenev were first to return, and became the Leading voices. Lenin directed, in letters by saying war should be turned into a class war, with Bolsh infiltrating the Armies. Stalin and Kamenev however, ignored and pushed for End-war negotiations, and put pressure of the PG to start negotiations. Kamenev 'Co-operation was essential', and even considered linking with the Bolsheviks with the Mensheviks. Stalin simply went along with this.
Lenin returned in april, smuggled in by a german train who wanted Lenin to start a revolution and therefore, Russia pulling out of the War. Lenin's opponents accused him of being a German spy because of this, and the German Foreign Office giving financial support gave weight to this claim. It just so happens, germany wanted what Lenin wanted, Withdrawing the army from the war. Lenin's return, changed all co-operation, he declared that the events so far had lead to a 'Parliamentary Bourgeois Republic' simply the new government was the old duma with bourgeois tendancies.
The following day saw the April Thesis. The Bolsheviks expected to be praised, but found themselves criticised, this was new policy
- Abandon co-operation with others
- work for true revolution
- Overthrow PG, simply the old duma
- Struggle for power to the workers
- Demand authority to the soviets.
Lenin saw soviets as powerbase, a post-tsar construction and a place to influence the proletariat. If they could take the soviets, they could take the state. He came up with two slogans, 'Peace Bread and Land' and 'All Power to the Soviets'. Lenin basically confronted all problems, The war with Germany, The food shortage and the countryside disruption. Lenin said they would not be fixed with the PG in office, who 'profited from war'
SUMMARY
PG basically the old Duma - Judged purely on performance
Considerable co-operation between 'Duma' and Soviet
SOVIET - made sure workers/soldiers got treated
often the more dominant half with certain issues
SOVIET ORDER NO.1 'Orders of military commission are to be obeyed only in instances when they do not contradict Soviet decree's' The Soviets had military control.
PG REFORMS - Amnesty for prisoners, Election of Assembly, People's militia
THE BOLSHEVIKS RETURN. Stalin and Kamenev, first. Believed in co-operation and possible reconnection with the mensheviks. Lenin sent letters urging class war within the war. Lenin returned on a german train who wanted him to kick start a revolution so Russia pull from the war. Speculation from Ger Foreign office suggests Lenin was a spy, he and germany had the common aim around the war. Lenin condemned co-operation and called the PG as the 'old duma'
APRIL THESIS - 'Push for Revolution, Condemn co-operation, struggle for power to Proletariat, overthrow the PG, All power to the Soviets'
Soviets seen as the powerbase.
Peace, Bread and Land
All Power to the Soviet slogans.
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