Explain the Strength of Bolsheviks Support

By: Azirfan bin Azhar, Block 3

The overwhelming support the Bolsheviks enjoyed by October could not have been predicted. This was
since support for the Bolsheviks fluctuated to its highs and lows in some months. However, through
several series of blunders made by the Provisional Government, this allowed a smooth transition to
Lenins takeover.
Initially, the Bolsheviks played a non-role during the February Revolution and had little strength in
support. Most of its leaders were in exile making the Bolsheviks un-influential among the Russian
populace. However, the April Theses brought an unprecedented increase in support to the Bolsheviks
since it brought a resurgence of hope to the Russian society. Its effective slogan of Peace, Bread, Land
summarized the potent issues that the Provisional Government had neglected, making the Bolsheviks
extremely popular in April. This facilitated Lenins revolutionary attempts in July later on. The events in
June escalated the support for the Bolsheviks. The June Offensive was effective in highlighting the
Provisional Governments weaknesses, thus increasing support for the Bolsheviks. This was since the
army, a key player to the Provisional Governments stability, was beginning to disintegrate and mutinies
were widespread. Moreover, many soldiers were influenced by Bolsheviks agitator, making the
Bolsheviks more popular.
However, the event of the July Days had retarded support for the Bolsheviks tremendously. While
Lenins arrival breathed a revolutionary spirit, his failure to take lead of the uprising destroyed
Bolsheviks influence. The Provisional Governments ability to crush the uprising reinforced its authority.
On the other hand, the Bolsheviks inability to organize a successful takeover proved its incompetence,
making them unpopular. Fortunately, the Kornilov affair in August completely deteriorated support for
the Provisional Government, making the Bolsheviks a more viable option. The Bolsheviks had acted out
as the savior with their Red Guards providing an army that was badly needed to fight off the mad
general. No longer did the people completely distrust the government, but support for the Bolsheviks
experienced a sharp upswing. This was proven in September when the Bolsheviks won control of the
Petrograd Soviet in a number of other major cities.
To conclude, support for the Bolsheviks was never absolute. In my opinion, the Kornilov affair was the
most crucial event for the Bolsheviks rise. This was since it completely destroyed the Provisional
Governments support, an unrepresented body that had largely been dependent on its army. Support
for the Bolsheviks continued to escalate, allowing Lenin to establish himself as the first proletariat
dictator, for the ultimate goal, communism.