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.