In April 1917, the Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin returned to Russia from his exile. He and the Bolsheviks had opposed the war since 1914.Now he felt it was time for Soviets to take over power. 

Lenin's April Theses

The April Theses were a set of ten directives proclaimed by Vladimir Lenin upon his return to Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) in April 1917, shortly after the February Revolution. These theses outlined Lenin's vision for the future of the Russian Revolution and played a significant role in shaping the course of events in Russia.

1. Background
- The February Revolution had overthrown the Tsarist autocracy and established a provisional government in Russia.
- Lenin, who had been in exile, returned to Russia and wanted to lead the Bolshevik Party in seizing power from the provisional government.

2. Key Points of the April Theses
- End the war: Lenin called for an immediate end to Russia's participation in World War I, which he saw as a capitalist imperialist conflict. He believed that the war only served the interests of the ruling classes and that the working class should focus on their own revolution instead.
- All power to the Soviets: Lenin advocated for the transfer of power from the provisional government to the Soviets, which were councils of workers, soldiers, and peasants. He believed that the Soviets represented the true democratic will of the people and should govern the country.
- Nationalization of land: Lenin called for the transfer of land to the peasants, arguing that the land should be taken away from the landlords and redistributed among the peasants.
- Workers' control of industry: Lenin demanded that the workers take control of the factories and industries, establishing workers' control and management.
- End to the Provisional Government: Lenin called for the overthrow of the provisional government, which he saw as a bourgeois institution that did not represent the interests of the working class.

3. Impact of the April Theses
- The April Theses had a profound impact on the course of the Russian Revolution. They provided a clear and radical program for the Bolshevik Party, distinguishing it from other socialist parties.
- Lenin's call for an end to the war and transfer of power to the Soviets resonated with many workers, soldiers, and peasants who were disillusioned with the provisional government.
- The theses helped to mobilize support for the Bolsheviks and played a crucial role in the October Revolution, which ultimately led to the Bolsheviks coming to power.

4. Conclusion
- Lenin's April Theses were a set of directives that outlined his vision for the Russian Revolution.
- They called for an end to the war, transfer of power to the Soviets, nationalization of land, workers' control of industry, and the overthrow of the provisional government.
- The theses had a significant impact on the course of the revolution and helped mobilize support for the Bolshevik Party.