AICE EURO Russian Revolutions CH 4-3 Guided Reading

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from the AICE EURO Russian Revolutions CH 4-3 Guided Reading notes, focusing on the events leading up to and during the Bolshevik Revolution.

What problems did the Provisional Government face?

1. Russia was internally unstable 2. Lack of power to restore order 3. Food distribution issues.

What did peasants demand after the Tsar’s abdication?

Land redistribution back to them.

What policy did the Bolsheviks adopt from the Social Revolutionaries?

Land redistribution.

Why was continuing in WWI important for the Provisional Government?

For Russia’s honor and principles of nationalism.

What were the July Days?

Demonstrations by workers and soldiers in Petrograd from July 3rd to July 6th, showcasing defiance against the Provisional Government.

What was the Kornilov Affair? Was it successful?

An attempted march on Petrograd by Lavr Kornilov. It was partially successful as it turned people against Kornilov but undermined military discipline.

What qualities helped Lenin’s leadership of the Bolsheviks?

He was idealistic yet practical, a good speaker and writer, and performed well in politics.

Who helped Lenin return to Russia in April 1917, and why?

The Germans helped Lenin return to stir up disorder in Russia.

What was Lenin’s view of the 'dual authority'?

He condemned it and believed true socialists should seek ways to overthrow it.

What did Lenin mean by 'All Power to the Soviets'?

He wanted the Bolsheviks to take control of the Soviets for their advantage.

What was Lenin’s April Thesis?

A call for a second revolution and withdrawal from World War I.

What does 'Peace, Land, and Bread' signify?

Desire for peace, land for peasants, and sufficient food for the population.

Define Soviet Union.

A socialist state that existed from 1922 to 1991, consisting of 15 Eurasian countries.

Who was the chief architect of the Bolshevik Revolution?

Leon Trotsky.

Why did Trotsky switch from Menshevik to Bolshevik?

He realized the Bolsheviks could provide the leadership needed for a socialist revolution.

What was Trotsky's role as commissar for foreign affairs?

Managing peace negotiations between Germany and Russia and playing a key role in the civil war.

What were the Red Guards and MRC?

The Red Guards were armed workers; MRC stands for Military Revolutionary Committee.

Identify three short term causes of the October/Bolshevik Revolution.

1. Lack of Provisional Government control 2. Continuous army losses 3. Inability to deliver land reforms.

Why did Lenin refuse to wait for the All-Russian Congress of Soviets?

He feared power would transfer to other parties like the Mensheviks.

Explain how the Bolsheviks gained power in the October Revolution.

They easily took the Winter Palace due to lack of resistance from the Provisional Government.

What does it mean that the Bolsheviks moved into a vacuum created by the Provisional Government?

This means the Bolsheviks capitalized on the lack of support and authority from the Provisional Government.

Why were the SRs and Mensheviks angry at the Bolsheviks after the Congress of Soviets?

Because the Bolsheviks acted unilaterally instead of incorporating other powers.

How and why did the Bolsheviks gain power in October 1917?

Due to the Provisional Government's weakness and the organizational skills of Lenin and Trotsky.