Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
The October Revolution: Lenin’s influence on the Central Committee; the…
Full specification wording
The Provisional government and its opponents, February– October 1917: The October Revolution: Lenin’s influence on the Central Committee; the Constituent Assembly elections; Trotsky and the Military Revolutionary Committee; the events of 24–26 October; the formation of the Bolshevik government.
Lenin returned to Russia in April 1917 and pushed the Bolsheviks towards revolution.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 4 of 4
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Lenin returned to Russia in April 1917 and pushed the Bolsheviks towards revolution. By October, he persuaded the Central Committee to agree to an armed uprising. Trotsky, as chairman of the Military Revolutionary Committee (MRC), organised the seizure of key points in Petrograd. On 24–26 October, Bolshevik forces took control of the Winter Palace and arrested the Provisional government. The Constituent Assembly elections in November saw the SRs win a majority, but the Bolsheviks dissolved the Assembly in January 1918. The Bolshevik government, the Council of People's Commissars, was formed with Lenin as chairman. This marked the establishment of the first socialist state.
What earns the marks
- Lenin's influence on the Central Committee was crucial in securing a vote for an armed uprising in October 1917.
- Trotsky led the Military Revolutionary Committee, which coordinated the Bolshevik seizure of power in Petrograd.
- The events of 24–26 October involved the Bolsheviks taking control of key infrastructure and the Winter Palace, leading to the fall of the Provisional government.
- The Constituent Assembly elections in November 1917 resulted in a majority for the Socialist Revolutionaries, but the Assembly was dissolved by the Bolsheviks in January 1918.
- The formation of the Bolshevik government, the Council of People's Commissars, with Lenin as chairman, established the new Soviet state.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Claiming that the October Revolution was a mass uprising.
Put it right: It was a carefully planned coup carried out by the Bolsheviks and their allies, not a spontaneous mass movement.
Stating that the Constituent Assembly elections were won by the Bolsheviks.
Put it right: The SRs won the majority, leading the Bolsheviks to dissolve the Assembly.
Underestimating Trotsky's role in the revolution.
Put it right: Trotsky's leadership of the MRC was instrumental in the success of the uprising.
Exam tips
- Use precise dates and names, such as 24–26 October for the revolution and Trotsky for the MRC.
- Explain the significance of the Constituent Assembly elections and their aftermath for the Bolshevik consolidation of power.
- In essays, link Lenin's ideological drive with Trotsky's practical organisation to show how the revolution was achieved.
Try the lesson
The start of the The Provisional government and its opponents, February– October 1917: The October Revolution: Lenin’s influence on the Central Committee; the Constituent Assembly elections; Trotsky and the Military Revolutionary Committee; the events of 24–26 October; the formation of the Bolshevik government. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which Bolshevik leader masterminded the operations of the Military Revolutionary Committee during the October 1917 seizure of power?
Listen
Lenin returned to Russia in April 1917 and pushed the Bolsheviks towards revolution. By October, he persuaded the Central Committee to agree to an armed uprising. Trotsky, as chairman of the Military Revolutionary Committee (MRC), organised the seizure of key points in Petrograd. On 24–26 October, Bolshevik forces took control of the Winter Palace and arrested the Provisional government. The Constituent Assembly elections in November saw the SRs win a majority, but the Bolsheviks dissolved the Assembly in January 1918. The Bolshevik government, the Council of People's Commissars, was formed with Lenin as chairman. This marked the establishment of the first socialist state. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Lenin's influence on the Central Committee was crucial in securing a vote for an armed uprising in October 1917. Trotsky led the Military Revolutionary Committee, which coordinated the Bolshevik seizure of power in Petrograd. The events of 24–26 October involved the Bolsheviks taking control of key infrastructure and the Winter Palace, leading to the fall of the Provisional government. The Constituent Assembly elections in November 1917 resulted in a majority for the Socialist Revolutionaries, but the Assembly was dissolved by the Bolsheviks in January 1918. A common slip: Claiming that the October Revolution was a mass uprising. Instead, It was a carefully planned coup carried out by the Bolsheviks and their allies, not a spontaneous mass movement. Exam tip: Use precise dates and names, such as 24–26 October for the revolution and Trotsky for the MRC.
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