- February/March Revolution (1917): Food shortages, strikes, and anger over World War I led to mass protests in Petrograd. Soldiers refused to shoot at crowds and mutinied. Nicholas II abdicated, ending the Romanov dynasty.
- Provisional Government: Formed after Nicholas stepped down, it promised elections, civil rights, and reforms. But it kept Russia in World War I, which made it very unpopular.
- Dual power: At the same time, the Petrograd Soviet (workers’ and soldiers’ council) had real influence. The Soviet controlled food, transport, and the loyalty of soldiers, while the Provisional Government had little authority without it.
- Problems of dual power: The Provisional Government wanted to continue the war, while the Soviet demanded peace. This split weakened the government.
- Lenin’s return (April 1917): With German help, Lenin returned to Russia and issued his April Theses, calling for “peace, land, and bread,” “all power to the Soviets,” and an immediate socialist revolution.
- Growth of Bolsheviks: At first they were a small party, but by summer 1917 strikes, land seizures, and failures of the Provisional Government increased Bolshevik support.
- July Days: Workers and soldiers rose in protest, but the Bolsheviks were not fully ready. The uprising was crushed, and leaders like Trotsky were arrested.
- Kornilov Affair (August 1917): General Kornilov tried to march on Petrograd to restore order. The Provisional Government relied on the Bolsheviks to defend the city. This gave the Bolsheviks weapons and boosted their popularity.
- October/November Revolution (1917): By autumn, the Bolsheviks controlled the Petrograd Soviet. In November, led by Lenin and Trotsky, they seized key buildings in Petrograd and stormed the Winter Palace, overthrowing the Provisional Government with little resistance.
- Lenin and Trotsky: Lenin gave the vision and leadership for revolution. Trotsky, as head of the Red Guards and Petrograd Soviet, organized the actual takeover. Together they ensured the Bolsheviks seized power.
Common Mistake
- Assuming the Provisional Government had full power: In reality, the Soviet had equal or greater authority, creating “dual power.”
- Overlooking Trotsky: Students often credit Lenin alone, but Trotsky’s organization of the Red Guards and the October takeover was vital.
Exam technique
- Show continuity from February to October: Explain how the failures of the Provisional Government created the conditions for Bolshevik success.
- Use slogans and events: Quotes like “peace, land, bread” or events like the Kornilov Affair make essays stronger and more specific.
Self review
- Evaluate the reasons for the collapse of the Provisional Government in 1917.
- How far were Lenin and Trotsky responsible for the Bolshevik seizure of power in October 1917?
- To what extent did the February Revolution differ from the October Revolution in causes, nature, and outcomes?
