Lecture Notes: The Bolshevik Revolution and Its Context

Introduction

• The Bolshevik Revolution of November 1917 overthrew the Russian provisional government.
• Paradox: Only the Bolsheviks could achieve what they did, yet theoretically, anyone could have.
• Lecture by William C. Fox, focusing on underdog historical figures/groups.
• Not an endorsement of Bolshevism, but an exploration of how they overcame odds.

Background to the Revolution

• Russian Revolution had two parts:
  • March 1917: Tsar Nicholas II abdicated, ending the monarchy.
  • November 1917: Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, took power.
• 1917 was marked by violence, indecisiveness, and chaos.
• Russia was facing heavy losses in WWI, leading to internal unrest.

Causes of the February Revolution

• Three main problems:
  1. Military unpreparedness and supply shortages.
  2. Class divide between peasant soldiers and noble officers.
  3. Poor leadership by Tsar Nicholas II.
• Civil unrest began on March 8th, International Women's Day, escalating demands.
• Tsar Nicholas abdicated on March 15th, marking the revolution's first phase.

Post-February Revolution Power Struggle

• Dual power system emerged:
  • Soviets: Workers and soldiers' councils (aspirational demands).
  • Provisional Government: Led by liberal aristocrats from the Tsar's Duma.
• Bolsheviks were a minor party among many.
• Lenin's return in April 1917 marked a shift towards extreme positions.

Bolshevik Strategy and Challenges

• Lenin advocated for overthrowing the provisional government: "All power to the Soviets."
• The Bolsheviks faced condemnation from other socialists and internal disagreements.
• Support grew among militant workers and soldiers opposed to the war.

The July Days

• July 1917: Protests aligning with Bolshevik slogans occurred, but Bolsheviks did not seize the moment.
• Lenin went into exile again after being blamed for the unrest.
• Provisional government led by Kerensky remained vulnerable.

The October Revolution

• Lenin returned in October 1917, advocating urgent action before the Congress of Soviets.
• Bolsheviks occupied key infrastructure on November 6th, facing little resistance.
• They seized the Winter Palace, effectively ending the provisional government.
• At the Congress, Bolsheviks established control, rejecting coalition with other parties.

Aftermath and Significance

• Bolsheviks faced challenges consolidating power and maintaining control.
• They had limited support outside cities and the army.
• The Russian Civil War (1918-1922) solidified Bolshevik control.
• The Soviet Union, established thereafter, lasted until 1991.

Conclusion

• The Bolsheviks, under Lenin, transformed Russia against the odds.
• This lecture is part of a series on historical underdogs.
• Encouragement to engage with more content and suggest future topics.