Bolsheviks
The Bolsheviks were a political faction that emerged in Russia in the early 20th century. They were led by Vladimir Lenin and were part of the broader Marxist movement. The Bolsheviks believed in the overthrow of the ruling class and the establishment of a socialist state led by the working class. They played a major role in the Russian Revolution of 1917, which saw the overthrow of the Tsarist government and the establishment of the Soviet Union. Ultimately, the Bolsheviks established a one-party dictatorship led by the Communist Party.
The Bolsheviks were a political party founded in Russia in 1903. Led by Vladimir Lenin, they played a central role in the October Revolution of 1917, which brought about the establishment of the Soviet Union.
Here are the key steps in the history of the Bolsheviks:
1. Formation: The Bolshevik Party was formed in 1903 during the Second Congress of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party (RSDLP). They represented the more radical faction within the RSDLP, opposed to the more moderate Mensheviks.
2. Ideology: The Bolsheviks were inspired by Marxist theory and believed in the overthrow of the capitalist system and the establishment of a communist state. Lenin's writings, particularly his book "What Is to Be Done?", shaped the party's ideology and organizational structure.
3. Events leading to the October Revolution: During World War I, Russia faced economic and social hardships. Dissatisfaction grew among the workers and soldiers, leading to protests and strikes. In February 1917, the monarchy was overthrown in the February Revolution, which led to the establishment of a provisional government.
4. April Theses: Upon returning to Russia from exile in April 1917, Lenin presented his "April Theses." These theses called for the Soviets (workers' councils) to take power and advocated for an immediate end to the war and the transfer of land to the peasants. This marked a significant shift in the Bolsheviks' strategy, as they now aimed for a more radical and direct seizure of power.
5. July Days: In July 1917, there was a failed Bolshevik uprising known as the July Days. It was suppressed by the provisional government, and Lenin went into hiding. This setback forced the Bolsheviks to reassess their approach.
6. October Revolution: In October 1917, the Bolsheviks, under the leadership of Lenin, staged a successful coup against the provisional government. On October 25 (November 7 according to the Gregorian calendar), the Red Guards stormed the Winter Palace in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) and took control of key government institutions. Lenin declared the establishment of a new socialist state.
7. Consolidating power: Following the revolution, the Bolsheviks established a new government structure based on workers' and peasants' councils called soviets. Lenin became the head of the newly formed Soviet government, known as the Council of People's Commissars.
8. Russian Civil War: The Bolsheviks' rise to power was followed by a lengthy and brutal civil war, which lasted from 1918 to 1922. They fought against various anti-Bolshevik forces known as the White Army. The Bolsheviks ultimately emerged victorious, and the Soviet Union was formed in 1922.
The Bolshevik Party later transformed into the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), and it remained the ruling party in the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991.