November 1917 Revolution

• Date: November 8, 1917.
• Leadership: Lenin and Bolsheviks capitalized on the Provisional Government’s weaknesses.

Causes of the Revolution

1. Unpopular war revival.
2. Demand for elections and land distribution.
3. High inflation and food shortages.
4. Discontent among industrial workers.
5. Power struggle with Soviets.
6. Lenin’s return from exile.

Lenin’s Background

• Real name: Vladimir Ilich Ulyanov.
• Early political awakening from his brother’s execution.
• Joined Marxist Party and led the Bolsheviks after significant political activity and exile.

Bolshevik Consolidation of Power

1. Lenin’s Leadership: United support from various groups.
2. Secret Police (Cheka): Suppressed opposition.
3. Promised Reforms: “Peace, bread, and land” attracted popular support.

Russian Civil War (1918-1920)

• Participants: Reds (Bolsheviks) vs. Whites (anti-communists).
• Causes of War:
  1. Opposition to undemocratic communism.
  2. Landowner grievances.
  3. Religious discontent.
  4. Czarist and Menshevik ambitions.

Allied Powers’ Support for Whites

1. To penalize communists for nationalizing industries.
2. To contain the spread of communism.
3. Misunderstanding of Russia’s stance post-Brest-Litovsk Treaty.
4. To enforce financial obligations from the Czarist regime.

Reasons for Reds’ Victory

1. Well-prepared military leadership under Trotsky.
2. Access to resources through War Communism.
3. Disunity among Whites.
4. Peasant support due to land redistribution.
5. Perception of fighting against foreign invaders.
6. Insufficient and waning Western support for Whites.

The Provisional Government (March 1917)

• Formation: Established by Prince Lvov after Czar’s abdication.
• Composition: Included ex-Duma members and the Petrograd Soviet.
• Main Duties: Prepare for elections and work on a constitution.
• Key Issues:
  • War continuation vs. peace.
  • Land redistribution for peasants.
  • Food supply for starving cities.

Alexander Kerensky’s Promises

1. Immediate elections and voting rights for all Russians.
2. Increased land for peasants and better pay for workers.
3. A second attempt to defeat Germany in WWI.

Reasons for Failure

• Lenin’s Influence: Encouraged Bolshevik support.
• Continued War: Led to dissatisfaction and suffering.
• Election Delays: Discontent over lack of democracy.
• Land Reform Issues: Peasants seized land, supporting Bolsheviks.
• Hyperinflation: Created hardships and discontent.
• Worker Neglect: Poor conditions and pay.
• Power Division: Conflict between Provisional Government and Soviets weakened authority.

November 1917 Revolution

• Date: 8th November 1917.
• Key Figures: Led by Lenin and Bolsheviks, supported by peasants and soldiers.

Causes of the Revolution

1. Anger over war revival.
2. Delayed elections and land reforms.
3. Widespread hunger and inflation.
4. Division of power facilitated public uprisings.
5. Lenin’s return from exile.