1.3 Developments between Revolutions

Question 1

What were the contents of Lenin’s April Theses?

Answer 1

Lenin believed that the PG and PS could not co-exist peacefully and urged the Bolsheviks to withdraw their support for the PG.

It also called for Soviet control over manufactured goods and the nationalisation of banks.

Question 2

Why was the April Theses limited in impact?

Answer 2

• Some Bolsheviks feared Lenin had gone out of touch whilst in exile and that his radical proposals would do more damage than good
• There were allegations that Lenin was in the pay of the Germans (This was somewhat true and Germany was hoping Lenin would convince Russia to pull out of the war)
• The Mensheviks were scared that Lenin would ruin the Petrograd Soviets image

Question 3

What was the June Offensive?

Answer 3

This was the last Russian Offensive of WWI.

• Brusilov warned Kerensky (Chairman of PG), that there was no enthusiasm among troops in the frontlines
• 29th June: Kerensky ordered troops to mount an attack on Galacia
• By the 3rd of July Russia had lost 40,000 men, resulting in mass desertion and a break down in discipline

Question 4

What was the consequence of the June Offensive?

Answer 4

• Kerensky blamed Brusilov (a competent officer) and replaced him with Kornilov
• The death penalty was reinstated for desertion
• Morale among troops was even lower than beforehand

Question 5

What were the events of the July Days?

Answer 5

On the 4th of July the Bolsheviks planned a peaceful protest in Petrograd, but confused arms broke out, injuring 400.

The PG retaliated, announcing Lenin had financial ties with the Germans, in the hopes this would stop the uprising.

The public then turned on the Bolsheviks, who were beaten and arrested. Lenin fled to Finland.

Kerensky was elected Prime Minister of the PG

Question 6

What is a coup?

Answer 6

A sudden, usually violent overthrow of the government.

Question 7

What were the events of the Kornilov Coup?

Answer 7

• Kornilov order six regiments of troops to crush the remaining members of the PS. (SRs + Mensheviks)
• Kerensky (leader of PG) panics and orders Kornilov to stop but he refuses
• As a result, Kerensky releases the imprisoned Bolsheviks and provides weapons to the public to halt the coup
• Kornilovs supply is cut off and the coup leaders are arrested

Question 8

How did the Kornilov Coup benefit the Bolsheviks?

Answer 8

Despite being the minority in the Soviets, they took lead in organising the Red Guards, creating an effective military

Milked propaganda opportunities, scorning Kerensky’s PG and declaring they were the only ones to oppose Kornilov consistently.

Bolsheviks grew in popularity. 23,000 → 200,000 from Feb → Oct. Winning majority in both Moscow and Petrograd Soviets