Reasons For the Bolsheviks' Seizure of Power | History for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

How was the October Revolution Different to Other Revolutions in Russia? - Timeline & Summary

• The October Revolution differed significantly from the revolutions of 1905 and March 1917. In 1928, the Bolsheviks commissioned Sergei Eisenstein to create a film about the October Revolution. The film, "October," depicts masses of people storming the gates of the Winter Palace under heavy gunfire. In reality, the gates of the Winter Palace were unguarded and open, and the Bolsheviks encountered little resistance from the remaining members of the Provisional Government. Historians consider the events of October 1917 a coup. Consequently, the only popular revolution in Russia was in March 1917, as the events of 1905 did not result in the overthrow of the tsar.
• Many Russians viewed the October Revolution as a temporary change of government. Tsereteli, the leader of the Mensheviks, asserted that the Bolsheviks' power would not last three weeks. At that time, the Bolsheviks were a small, extremist party. However, the Bolsheviks ultimately established a dictatorship that remained in power for over 70 years.

Key Members of the Bolshevik Party

Return of Lenin and the April Thesis

• Lenin's Return to Russia: Lenin had been expelled from Russia by the Tsarist government on multiple occasions and was not present in the country during the March Revolution.
• Germany's Support: In April, Lenin made his way back to Russia with the assistance of Germany, who hoped that his return would lead to Russia's withdrawal from World War I. Lenin's journey was facilitated by the 'sealed train' arrangement, allowing him to travel without undergoing passport checks.
• Key Policies Outlined in the April Thesis: Upon his return to Petrograd, Lenin articulated his fundamental policies through the 'April Thesis', emphasizing the need for revolutionary change and the establishment of a socialist government.

• The 'April Theses' successfully convinced numerous workers to support the Bolsheviks.
• These workers vocalized their support during the July Days.
• Support for the Bolsheviks waned post-July Days.
• Despite the workers' protests during the July Days, Lenin distanced himself and left Russia once more.
• During the July Days, the workers expressed their grievances vocally.
• Support for the Bolsheviks waned following the July Days as Lenin distanced himself from the protests and fled Russia.
• Lenin's lack of support for the July Days protest led to a decline in backing for the Bolsheviks.
• His decision to leave Russia further weakened the Bolshevik cause.

Outcomes of the October Revolution

• The Provisional Government lost control of Petrograd.
• The Bolsheviks gained control of Petrograd, a significant city in the Russian Empire.
• However, the Bolsheviks did not have control over the entirety of Russia due to its vast size.
  • The empire's sheer size posed a challenge to the Bolsheviks.
  • The Bolsheviks faced opposition from numerous adversaries who were against their seizure of power.