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April Theses
A set of political demands published by Lenin in April 1917 upon his return to Russia from exile. The Theses called for no cooperation with the Provisional Government, an end to the war, land redistribution to peasants, and the transfer of all power to the soviets. The slogans "Peace, Land, Bread" and "All Power to the Soviets" became central to Bolshevik propaganda.
Autocracy
Autocracy is a system of government by one person with absolute power.
Bolsheviks
Radical Marxist faction led by Lenin that split from the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party in 1903, advocating a small, disciplined party of professional revolutionaries to seize power on behalf of the working class.
Dual power
Political situation in Russia between February and October 1917 in which the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet shared authority, often with competing agendas and loyalties.
Duma
The Duma was the elected national parliament of Russia, created by the October Manifesto of 1905. It had limited powers and could be dissolved by the tsar. Nicholas II dissolved the first two Dumas when they challenged his authority, and the Fundamental Laws of April 1906 ensured the tsar retained a veto over all legislation.
Petrograd Soviet
Council of workers' and soldiers' deputies formed in Petrograd during the February Revolution of 1917, which held significant power over transport, food supply, and military loyalty alongside the Provisional Government.
Provisional Government
Temporary government formed after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in February 1917, intended to govern Russia until a democratically elected Constituent Assembly could be convened.