How the Bolsheviks Took Control
Although the origins of the Bolshevik Revolution and the revolution of February/March are to some extent similar, they are in fact quite different as well. This essay strives to prove and substantiate these differences with proof from the various texts presented in light of this topic.
The February/March Revolution that had occurred in Russia in 1917 was born out of much dissatisfaction and resentment towards the war, and the government’s policies in general. The main “push” in regards to the direction of revolution had come from the workers of the cities who had completely exploded after they had experienced an unusually harsh and cold winter in 1916. As a result, there were shortages of fuel, food, and other materials. The war had also driven up prices on most common and staple goods. In Petrograd, strikes were held by the thousands, mainly textile workers, who were among those unsatisfied. On Thursday, February the 23rd, a band of women protestors had managed to persuade many men from the factories and mills to join with them. From here they proceeded to advance on the centre of the city. Demands for bread were also accompanied by the demands for an end to the war, as well as an end to the Tsar himself. On top of this, the soldiers as well had joined the demonstrators, and as a result left the war effort to hang in the balance. Document “A” stipulates that “the movement [that] broke out spontaneously, without preparation, was because of the problems of food supply.” The military, which had at this point joined the masses, in some cases stopped, and held back the police. On February 26th, some regiments had opened fire on the protesting crowds, and killed a fair number of demonstrators. In regards to revolution, this had pushed it over the top. As a result, the crowds had become hostile, but not just the crowds. The impact was felt by all. This was a bloody revolution. Estimates have put the death toll at around approximately 1500, not including the several thousand wounded.
