Growth in Support for the Bolshevik Party

What was the Bolshevik growth in support?

There was a growth in support for the Bolshevik Party between February and October 1917, during the period when the Provisional Government was in charge of Russia.

When was the growth in support for the Bolsheviks?

The growth in support for the Bolsheviks was between February and October 1917. In particular, there was a spurt in their growth during the summer after the Kornilov Revolt.

Who supported the Bolshevik Party that led to a growth in its support?

Many soldiers, sailors and workers supported the Bolshevik Party.

Why did the Bolsheviks see a growth in support?

There were 6 key reasons why support for the Bolsheviks grew:

• ❖ Lenin's influence was considerable. His personality and determination encouraged other Bolsheviks to follow his lead.
• ❖ Lenin's 'April Theses' promised key things to key groups. 'Peace, Land and Bread' appealed to soldiers, peasants and workers.
• ❖ People's desperation to end the First World War was a key factor in the growth of Bolshevik support.
• ❖ Bolshevik newspapers spread their propaganda messages.
• ❖ The Provisional Government became more unpopular after the Kornilov Revolt whereas the Bolsheviks became more popular as they were seen as the defenders of Petrograd.
• ❖ The Bolsheviks were able to build the Red Guards, a private Bolshevik army, led by Leon Trotsky and arm them with the weapons given to them during the Kornilov Revolt.

How was the growth in support for the Bolsheviks significant to the First World War in Russia?

The growth in support for the Bolsheviks was significant to the outcome on the Eastern Front for 3 reasons:

• ❖ Lenin had been funded and supported by the German government. They knew by sending him to Russia he could subvert the Russian government and win the war for Germany without them having to fight.
• ❖ The Germans stopped their offensives on the Eastern Front during 1917 to avoid provoking Russia. They ordered their soldiers to encourage Russian deserters to cross the lines.
• ❖ Powerful Bolshevik propaganda such as 'Peace, Bread, Land' offered a way out of the war for the average Russian soldier.