The October Revolution: Russia's Path to the Soviet Union

The October Revolution and Birth of the USSR

Between September and November, the Bolsheviks emerged as the primary alternative to the Provisional Government. The Petrograd Soviet, headed by Leon Trotsky, along with the Moscow Soviet and other urban centers, sided with the Bolsheviks.

Prelude to Revolution: Russia in Crisis

Conditions of life notably worsened in Russia due to widespread shortages and administrative chaos.

Lenin's Return and Bolshevik Strategy

Lenin took advantage of this chaos to return to Petrograd from his exile. The Bolshevik leadership convinced their comrades to adopt the principle of armed insurrection. The Petrograd uprising was strategically deferred to coincide with the opening of the Second All-Russian Congress of Soviets across Russia.

The Bolshevik Seizure of Power

Trotsky, coordinating with the Military Revolutionary Committee, meticulously planned and prepared for the seizure of power.

Night of October 24-25: Key Targets Secured

On the night of October 24-25, troops loyal to the Bolsheviks and the Red Guard occupied central railway stations, the telegraph, and telephone exchanges. They surrounded the Winter Palace, and the cruiser Aurora aimed its cannons at strategic points. Members of the Provisional Government were arrested, except for Alexander Kerensky, who fled.

Formation of the New Government

Lenin and Trotsky formed a new government: the Council of People's Commissars, presided over by Lenin.

Establishing the Soviet State

The Congress of Soviets also took a series of decisive measures for the socialist Soviet state. Lenin introduced two decrees of great importance:

• Decree on Peace: This invited all belligerent governments to a just and democratic peace without annexations or indemnities.
• Decree on Land: This announced the expropriation of land from landowners, the Crown, and the Church, and its distribution to the peasants by the Soviets.

Consolidating Bolshevik Control

With these decrees, the Bolsheviks gained significant support from peasants and soldiers. They also implemented other reforms to consolidate political control and popular support:

• Workers' Soviets were granted control over factories and mines.
• The 8-hour workday was established.
• The right to self-determination for nationalities was declared.
• The convocation of a Constituent Assembly was announced, tasked with developing a constitution.

Suppression of Opposition

Lenin, however, moved to suppress all opposition. To this end, a press code was issued, authorizing the closure of any newspaper publishing opinions contrary to the Second Congress of Soviets.