Soviet historians hold the view that the period ranging from 1905 to 1914 was chosen by the Bolsheviks as a time to reorganis
Discuss the reasons why the Bolsheviks had achieved so little by 1914
Despite being the main opposition to the Tsar in Russia at the time, the Bolsheviks failed to make any significant progress in their aims to overthrow the Tsarist autocracy, due to many problems throwing the party in to crisis, with their efforts to influence the proletariat to revolt against the Tsar proved to be failed attempts. In order to come out with a fair and balanced conclusion, it is necessary to look at the opinions of historians from both ends of the spectrum: from the sympathetic Soviet historians, to the more critical opinions of the Western historians, and then lastly looking at the more balanced and neutral views of revisionist historians.
Soviet historians hold the view that the period ranging from 1905 to 1914 was chosen by the Bolsheviks as a time to reorganise and strengthen their party, keeping in mind that the oppressive character of the Tsarist system caused too many obstacles for them, thus making it nearly impossible for them to make much progress in achieving there goals. Along with this, this body of historian also hold the Mensheviks responsible for lack of success, arguing that their awkwardness and co-operation with the bourgeoisie was undermining key Bolshevik beliefs, inadvertently destroying any opportunity the Bolsheviks may have had to create an alliance with the working classes and peasantry. They are seen as contradictors to Marxist ideals for these actions. Soviets believe that the 1905 revolution was both inspired and led by the Bolsheviks, with the Mensheviks co-operation with tsarist authorities being held responsible for lack for co-ordination and failure to reunite the party after 1905. An obstacle highlighted at this point is the tsar’s withdrawal of support from the Dumas and premature ending to the fourth Duma due to the outbreak of the 1st World War. In the light of this, the tsar brought out a law stating that no law could be passed without his permission. The Okhrana, the Tsar’s secret police, were another obstacle for the Bolsheviks, as due to the large scale membership of the Mensheviks, Lenin became wary of a large party due to suspicion from the Okhrana, as the Tsar was clamping down on any form of revolutionary party. It was this that made Lenin think that the best way to move forward was with a small, tight-knit party of professional revolutionaries. However this still did not help as Lenin and his party were forced into exile during the early 1900’s due to scares from the Okhrana and the autocracy. The newest problem the Bolsheviks would have to overcome was how would they be able to dictate affairs in Russia while in exile? The Soviets argue the answer by stating that Lenin was relaying messages back to Russia in hope of stirring up revolution. Another reason for the lack of achievement was Stolypin’s land reforms which they allowed the peasants to opt out of the Mir, thus, in a way, diminishing the need for an uprising. The land bank was then established so they could buy their own land, and this encouraged resettlement and Stolypin hoped to create a class of Kulaks. This appeasement to the peasants meant that Lenin’s faith in the working class rising up themselves and toppling the system was being tested.
