Write an explanation of how the Bolsheviks made their rule more secure. Mention the follow; The power of the Red Army Treatment of opposition War Communism The New Economic Policy The Treaty Of Bres- Litovsk

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Write an explanation of how the Bolsheviks made their rule more secure. Mention the follow;

  • The power of the Red Army
  • Treatment of opposition
  • War Communism
  • The New Economic Policy
  • The Treaty Of Bres- Litovsk
  • The victory in the Civil War
  • The promise of a new society
  • Propaganda

They were able to do this as a result of taking advantage of the current political and social situations in the country at the time. Through such decisions as disbanding the army and siding with the majority, the peasants, though such promises as land, food, equality and peace. Through such events Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, also known as Lenin, was able to take full control for the Bolsheviks.

The Bolsheviks started off, in 1903, as the main minority of the Social Democratic Labour Party. As all anti-tsarist groups the party was illegal. The party was based upon the beliefs of Karl Marx, a German writer and revolutionary, who believed a revolution, could only be started within the workforce of the major cities. Lenin believed strongly in these morals and used them as a guide to his goal of revolution.

The party continued to protest against the current government in Russia and over time the political, social and economic discontent and the famous event know as 'Bloody Sunday', where the imperial guards shot and killed the protesting people of St.Petersburg, eventually pulled more followers over to the party.

After these events, which were known as the 1905 revolution, the October Manifesto occurred. This gave the people a lot more rights and a national parliament, the Duma. All seemed well, but there was one problem. The Mensheviks, who were the less radical majority of the Social Democratic Labour Party, argued that the revolution had gone far enough; however the Bolsheviks insisted that it go further until a new, soviet state was established. Thus, the party split up and formed two separate groups. Also, since the revolution hadn't worked, many of the revolution's leaders, such as Lenin, were forced to go into exile abroad.

During his time in Switzerland, in exile, Lenin wrote his thoughts in his revolutionary newspaper, "Pravda". Through this Lenin was able to show his supporters their mistakes in the first revolution and what they needed to do for a second one to work. These ideas helped the Soviets organise themselves better, which paved the way for 1917.

Even with the new reforms the Tsarist government made, it wasn't good enough for the people of Russia. Further discontent spread throughout the country and in 1917 the second revolution occurred. Compared with the first revolution in 1905, this was massive. The Tsar, Nicolas II, was forced to abdicate; Russia became a republic under the control of a liberal government. This was not to be the last revolution though.

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In April, 1917, Lenin returned home. As soon as he arrived he began organising the Bolshevik opposition towards the newly founded parliament. Although not extremely popular at the time, Lenin's excellent organisation, and promises of a better life gained him more and more support. Soon he was joined in his effort by Trotsky, a former Menshevik, who helped him organise the movement.

Lenin thought his chance had come in July. There was an uprising against the government and the Bolsheviks took advantage of the situation and supported the protesters. In the end though, the uprising was suppressed and many Bolsheviks, ...

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