Examples of Pro-Bolshevik Propaganda

Factors which led to the Bolsheviks gaining power

There were several events which could be seen as chances for the Bolsheviks to garner support in Russia. First of all, we must examine what the Bolsheviks promised in its campaign.

In summary, the Bolsheviks believed that their party should try and overthrow the Tsar through a mass revolt amongst the Proletariat. With the Tsar being a less than popular figure in Russia and Russia consisting of a large Proletariat, support from the Russians was given to the Bolsheviks. Now, they campaigned to overthrow the provisional government, once again the support going to the Bolsheviks instead of to Kerensky's provisional government. The Bolsheviks, led by the charismatic leader Vladmir Lenin, released a flood of propaganda aimed at different groups, supposedly tricked workers to support them and wanted Land for the peasants, exactly what the peasants wanted as well.

There are several incidents which led to a surge in support for the Bolsheviks and for Lenin, who had already gathered several supporters under his wing, but 3 notable ones will be described:

Case Study 1: July Days

The July Days refers to the period from 3 July to 7 July. Although this incident left Lenin in hiding and the arresting of several Bolshevik leaders, nevertheless it garnered support for Lenin, as seen by his idol-like welcome from Russians when he snuck back into Russia in October.

In the July Days, several protests and riots were held. Mutinees occurred, and sailors marched in sync into the Petrograd, demanding the immediate passing of power to the Soviets, as described in Lenin's ideals. As a result of Kerensky's losses against Austria-Hungary, the Bolsheviks decided to extend their leadership to the riot and held a peaceful demonstration. Alas, the government responded with force, killing and wounding more than 70 revellers. On 19 July, the provisional government even called for the kidnapping of Lenin, who promptly went into hiding.

Similar to the Bloody Sunday incident, the response the government gave to the protests left a bitter taste lingering in the Russian's mouths. They were craving for a new and better leader ; one who could lead Russia for the people and for her interests. As a result, support poured into the Bolshevik side.

Case Study #2

Kornilov Affair

Despite all of Kerensky's attempts in gaining support and eliminating the need for the Bolsheviks' leadership, he struck a blow against himself when he appointed General Kornilov as military leader. It went well for some time, until Kerensky felt that Kornilov would set up a military dictatorship against him and the provisional government. Kerensky panicked and denounced Kornilov, causing the Russians to turn to the Bolsheviks for help.Together they and the Bolsheviks defended the city. As a result, the Bolsheviks became more and more popular. They also gained weapons which they could use in case of a confrontation.

Case Study#3

The Bolsheviks gained a majority in the Government. With several blunders demoralising the other forces in the Petrograd Soviet, the government was helpless in fighting against the Bolsheviks.

At the end, all instead, all the way from the front, the Bolsheviks have been a rising political power in Russia. They were more popular than the conservatives in the Government who the Russians did not trust for change, and more popular than the Provisional Government, who did not deliver what the Russians had hoped for - an end to the war for instance. As a result, the Bolsheviks seizing power was inevitable.

Success of Vladmir Lenin

Vladmir Lenin was a charismatic man who lead the Bolsheviks in Russia. The Bolsheviks called for "Power to the Soviets" and an end to the war, while Vladmir Lenin was a great believer in the German theorist, Karl Marx, 's theories of Communism. With the rising failure of the provisional government, Lenin seemed like the most fit man to take charge of Russia and her interests.

To quell the anti-government demonstrations, the provisional government closed down the Bolsheviks. After the Bolsheviks were closed down, Lenin went into hiding, but came back to Russia on 7 October, 1917 and started planning the revolution. He proposed a government based on the Soviets. This would indirectly mean that Russia's government would consist mainly for the worker's interest. Support for the provisional government collapsed, and most of the Russians started to support his communist ideals.

Finally, under Lenin's leadership, on the 25th of October, the Bolsheviks seized the capital of Russia.

In summary, Lenin charmed the masses with his strong pro-communism arguments and his promises to reform Russia , paving the path to the creation of Communist Russia.

Problems in the Provisional Government

The Provisional Government , which took over control of Russia in February 1917 faced several problems in its short rule.

Urban Discontent

Poverty

• Poverty was spreading in Russia. Inflation shot up in 1917. Wages were insufficient in supporting the Russian citizens in coping with the inflation, despite actions taken by unions and factory committees. The economy was in ruins, unemployment ran high and they had low morale.
• Cost of living rose dramatically. Government could not collect tax.
• Russian industry suffered a crisis led to factory closures rising unemployment, class conflict accelerated.
• The Provisional Government granted the people an eight-hour work day , attempting to appease the workers. This did not solve any of the problems experienced by the workers, nor did it earn them more money. As a result the need for a new government was felt.

The People's interests

• The provisional government not only tried to limit the activities of the worker’s committees, but also failed to address the peasant's demands for land. The peasants started to demand along to the Bolshevik's call for "Power to the Soviets" and an end to the imperialist war, which had left Russia in poverty. Vladmir Lenin rose in popularity.
• In response, the Provisional Government labelled him a German.
• The PG also had no attractive policies which served to help the Russians.

Composition of the Provisional Government

• Consisted of self-appointed candidates, who were mostly made of Bourgeois
• Elections delayed

These two reasons made the PG seem weak and uncaring about the Russians' interests.

• Cautious about Revolution: The PG took measures to eliminate the opposition, for instance by hanging them (supposedly).

Blunders

• Refer to post on "Bolsheviks gaining power".