In 1917, a significant shift occurred in the political landscape of Russia as Vladimir Lenin, a prominent leader of the Bolshevik Party, steered the Central Committee toward a decisive action that would change the course of Russian history. After a tense confrontation where Lenin threatened to resign, the committee was persuaded, voting in favor of a revolution set for November. This event marked a turning point in the Russian Revolution, leading to the fall of the Provisional Government and the subsequent rise of the Soviet regime.
The Bolshevik Revolution of November 1917
The revolution orchestrated by the Bolsheviks was characterized by minimal resistance, which contributed to its portrayal as anti-climactic. Bolshevik forces strategically captured vital infrastructures in Petrograd, including railway stations, banks, bridges, and government buildings. The Winter Palace, which stood as a symbol of the existing power structure, witnessed the only instance of bloodshed during the revolution, with casualties amounting to one Red soldier and five Red sailors. Alexander Kerensky, the head of the Provisional Government, narrowly escaped and vainly attempted to counter the Bolshevik uprising. His failure to garner support led him to flee the country, mirroring the diminished backing that Czar Nicholas II had experienced earlier in March.
The Consolidation of Bolshevik Power
Following the revolution, the Bolsheviks moved swiftly to consolidate their power and fulfill the promises made to the people, encapsulated in the slogan ‘Peace, Land, and Bread.’ Workers were given control over factories, private trading was prohibited, and properties belonging to the Church and those considered counter-revolutionaries were confiscated. These actions paved the way for a new socio-political order that sought to align with the principles of the Bolshevik ideology. An armistice on December 5th led to a temporary cessation of hostilities, which was later solidified by the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk on March 3, 1918. This treaty marked Russia’s exit from World War I, though it came at the cost of significant territorial concessions. Subsequently, in July 1918, the first Soviet Constitution was promulgated, signifying the legal establishment of the new Soviet state.
Lenin and Trotsky’s Roles
During this transformative period, both Lenin and Leon Trotsky played instrumental roles. Lenin’s leadership was pivotal in directing the Bolsheviks’ strategy and maintaining party cohesion, especially during critical moments like the decision to proceed with the November revolution. Trotsky, on the other hand, was instrumental in negotiating the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk and played a crucial role in the organization and success of the Red Army during the ensuing Civil War.
The Onset of the Civil War
Despite the initial success of the Bolshevik Revolution, the establishment of Bolshevik control over Russia was far from complete. Between 1917 and 1920, the Bolsheviks faced a bitter Civil War against an array of opponents collectively known as the Whites. These counter-revolutionary forces, composed of monarchists, nationalists, and foreign interventionists, posed a significant threat to the nascent Soviet state. The Whites began organizing resistance in December 1917, shortly after the Bolsheviks seized power, setting the stage for a protracted and brutal conflict that would determine the fate of Russia.
Questions for UPSC
– How did Lenin’s approach to the revolution reflect his leadership style and his ability to influence the Bolshevik Party’s direction?
– In what ways did the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk affect the international standing of the new Soviet government and its relations with other countries?
– Considering the minimal resistance during the Bolshevik seizure of power, what factors contributed to the onset of the Civil War immediately following the revolution?