Establishment of Soviet Rule (1922)
Overthrow of the Provisional Government
In the October Revolution of 1917, the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, seized power from the Provisional Government, establishing their authority in Petrograd. The Bolsheviks gained control of key institutions, including the Winter Palace, marking the beginning of Soviet rule.
Rise of Soviets
The Bolsheviks emphasized the role of soviets (workers’ councils) as the foundation of their power. They garnered support from workers, soldiers, and peasants, promoting the idea of direct representation through these councils, which played a crucial role in legitimizing Bolshevik authority.
Formation of the Soviet Government
The Bolsheviks established the Soviet government, known as the Council of People’s Commissars (Sovnarkom), with Lenin as its leader. They dissolved the Constituent Assembly, asserting the supremacy of the soviets as the primary governing bodies.
Land and Peace Decrees
The Bolsheviks issued decrees that resonated with popular demands, such as the Decree on Land, which redistributed land to the peasants, addressing their long-standing grievances. Additionally, the Decree on Peace proposed an immediate armistice and called for peace negotiations to end Russia’s involvement in World War I.
Civil War and Consolidation
The establishment of Soviet rule faced opposition from various groups, leading to a civil war between the Bolshevik “Reds” and their opponents, known as the “Whites.” Despite significant challenges, the Bolsheviks emerged victorious, consolidating their control over Russia.
Centralization and Authoritarian Measures
The Bolsheviks centralized power, nationalized industries, and initiated authoritarian measures to suppress opposition. The Cheka (secret police) was established to quell dissent, leading to the Red Terror, involving mass arrests and executions of perceived enemies of the Bolshevik regime.
IAS UPSC General Studies Notes Links:
Russian Revolution: Cause, History, Timeline, Bolsheviks
Russian Revolution 1917: The Russian Revolution was the most important event that happened in Russia in 1917. It changed things a lot by ending the Tsar’s rule, bringing in the Bolsheviks led by Lenin, and making the world’s first communist country. This time was a huge shift in Russian history and affected global politics and ideas.
Before the revolution, Russia had many problems dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Tsar Nicholas II ruled and Russia faced big issues like poverty, unrest in factories, and unhappiness among farmers. When Russia joined World War I, things got worse with food shortages and money problems. The Tsar’s strict rule and not solving these issues made people start wanting big changes.
Table of Content
- 1905 Russian Revolution
- What Caused the Russian Revolution?
- The February Revolution (1917)
- The October Revolution (1917)
- Consolidation of Bolshevik Power (1917)
- Establishment of Soviet Rule (1922)
- Key Figures of Russian Revolution
- Impact of the Russian Revolution