Assess the role of Lenin in the Bolshevik consolidation of power
Assess the role of Lenin in the Bolshevik consolidation of power from 1917 to 1924.
Lenin’s contribution to the Bolshevik Party was an essential factor in their consolidation of power during 1917-1924, however; Lenin’s role was not the only factor contributing to their success. The Bolsheviks were regarded as a “minor feature of Russian political life” and it was not until Lenin’s return to Russia that the party became a key player. It can be seen that Lenin played a pivotal role in the consolidation of power due to his background which allowed Lenin to be influenced by a revolutionary upbringing . Through his upbringing, Lenin was able to develop a strong leadership, political insight and determination allowing the Bolsheviks to be lead into power. Whilst the Bolsheviks were in power, Lenin’s role in dealing with uprisings and anti-communist groups was significant as it allowed the Bolsheviks to remain in power. During the November Revolution, Lenin’s role in the signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was substantial as it allowed and ensured that the revolution lasted and guaranteed continuation of Bolshevik power. Due to the introduction of decrees, Lenin was able to gain support mainly through the workers which proved a major factor in Russian society as they made up one third of the population. However, it is argued that Lenin was not the only reason why the Bolsheviks were able to consume power. The continual social unrest following the abdication of Tsar Nicholas, saw an opportunity for a new rise in power. Trotsky’s contributions to the Bolshevik Party were equal to Lenin’s and it was Trotsky’s role in the Civil War which allowed the Bolsheviks to remain in power. In fact, Lenin became a detrimental factor within the Bolsheviks due to his decision to implement War Communism, which resulted in the death of five million people. Lenin’s uprising and background introduced him to a revolutionary nature and the ideas of Marxism, which
Lenin’s contribution to the Bolshevik Party was an essential factor in their consolidation of power during 1917-1924, however; Lenin’s role was not the only factor contributing to their success. The Bolsheviks were regarded as a “minor feature of Russian political life” and it was not until Lenin’s return to Russia that the party became a key player. It can be seen that Lenin played a pivotal role in the consolidation of power due to his background which allowed Lenin to be influenced by a revolutionary upbringing . Through his upbringing, Lenin was able to develop a strong leadership, political insight and determination allowing the Bolsheviks to be lead into power. Whilst the Bolsheviks were in power, Lenin’s role in dealing with uprisings and anti-communist groups was significant as it allowed the Bolsheviks to remain in power. During the November Revolution, Lenin’s role in the signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was substantial as it allowed and ensured that the revolution lasted and guaranteed continuation of Bolshevik power. Due to the introduction of decrees, Lenin was able to gain support mainly through the workers which proved a major factor in Russian society as they made up one third of the population. However, it is argued that Lenin was not the only reason why the Bolsheviks were able to consume power. The continual social unrest following the abdication of Tsar Nicholas, saw an opportunity for a new rise in power. Trotsky’s contributions to the Bolshevik Party were equal to Lenin’s and it was Trotsky’s role in the Civil War which allowed the Bolsheviks to remain in power. In fact, Lenin became a detrimental factor within the Bolsheviks due to his decision to implement War Communism, which resulted in the death of five million people. Lenin’s uprising and background introduced him to a revolutionary nature and the ideas of Marxism, which