The Bolshevik Seizure of Power: Russia 1917

The Russian Revolution: February to October 1917

It began in February as an uprising against Tsarist absolutism, but culminated in the world's first socialist revolution. Russia moved from autocracy to socialism in only seven months, without giving time for the establishment of a liberal regime. The year 1917 started as a movement of few, but very active, militants. Their prestige rose in the months following; the bond between the popular classes and the party grew. A month after the overthrow of the Czar, the principal leader, Lenin, had returned to Russia from exile in Switzerland. Germany allowed his passage and that of other socialist leaders, knowing that the pacifist positions of the Bolsheviks could benefit them.

Lenin's Return and the April Theses

Immediately after his arrival, Lenin summarized in the so-called April Theses their ideas on the future of Russia: immediate peace and the establishment of a Government of Soviets, eventually replacing the Provisional Government. The Provisional Government chased the Bolsheviks, accusing them of being instigators of rebellion. Lenin fled to Finland and many officials were detained.

The Bolshevik Program (Summer 1917)

During the summer of 1917, the Bolshevik party presented its program, which was clearly revolutionary:

• End of war
• Land distribution
• Worker control over production and trade
• Nationalization of banks and big industry

The Kornilov Affair

In late summer, the commander-in-chief of the army, General Kornilov, attempted a coup to form a new government that would ensure order. Prime Minister Kerensky had to gather all revolutionary forces to defeat the uprising. Bolshevik aid was decisive.

The October Insurrection

Given the deteriorating situation, Lenin decided to take revolutionary action. He returned clandestinely from exile and convinced the Central Committee of his party of the opportunity for an armed insurrection to overthrow Kerensky and take power. The organization of the blow fell on Trotsky, who was the president of the Soviet in the capital and in charge of the city's defense.

The night of October 24 to 25, 1917, the Bolshevik troops and militia seized Petrograd with great ease. The neuralgic points were seized, and the Ministers, except Kerensky, who could flee, were arrested. That night, Lenin, intending to legitimize the insurgency, gave power to the Second Congress of Soviets of Russia, meeting in the capital. The Mensheviks and Socialist Revolutionary Party members left Congress, denouncing the coup d'état.

The Congress of Soviets chose the new government, denominating it the Council of People's Commissars, with Lenin as president. The Bolshevik Revolution had triumphed.