The Significance of Russia's Role in World War I for Bolshevik Support, 1917
TITLE
How important was Russia’s continued involvement in the First World War as a reason for increased support for the Bolsheviks between March and November 1917?
ESSAY
The continued involvement of Russia in the First World War played a crucial role in increasing support for the Bolsheviks between March and November 1917. While other factors such as the role of the Petrograd Soviet, Bolshevik leadership, and socio-economic conditions also contributed to the rise of Bolshevik influence during this period, the impact of the ongoing war cannot be underestimated.
One of the key events that influenced support for the Bolsheviks was the Kerensky Summer Offensive launched in June 1917. This military campaign, aimed at pushing the Germans back in eastern Europe, turned into a massive failure. Two million Russian soldiers deserted the front lines, many officers were killed by their own soldiers, and soldiers' committees were set up. The discontent and disillusionment among the troops due to the failures of the offensive significantly undermined the authority of the Provisional Government and fueled anti-war sentiments, which aligned with the Bolsheviks' anti-war stance.
Moreover, the socio-economic impact of the First World War continued to be felt after the abdication of the Tsar. Food and fuel shortages in the cities, inflation, bread rationing, and increasing unemployment created a fertile ground for revolutionary ideas to flourish. The Provisional Government's inability to address these pressing issues made it a target for radicals, and the Bolsheviks, with their promises of peace, bread, and land, gained popularity among the masses.
The Bolsheviks, as the only party with a clear anti-war stance and a message that resonated with the suffering population, capitalized on the failures of the war efforts and the worsening conditions in the country. Lenin's April Theses and effective Bolshevik propaganda in the cities further contributed to the increased support for the party. The July Days and the Kornilov Affair demonstrated the growing anti-government sentiment and the Bolsheviks' ability to mobilize support and defend Petrograd from perceived threats.
In conclusion, while the role of the Petrograd Soviet, Bolshevik leadership, and other factors were important in the rise of Bolshevik support between March and November 1917, the continued involvement of Russia in the First World War and its consequences on the military, socio-economic conditions, and the general populace were key reasons for the increased backing of the Bolsheviks during this critical period in Russian history.
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**Question:**
How important was Russia’s continued involvement in the First World War as a reason for increased support for the Bolsheviks between March and November 1917? Explain your answer.
**Yes:**
- Provisional Government agreed to continue fighting with Allies in FWW.
- The Kerensky Summer Offensive was launched in June 1917 to try and push Germans back in eastern Europe.
- The offensive was a massive failure and two million Russian soldiers deserted the front line.
- Many officers were killed by their soldiers and soldiers’ committees were set up (allow references to July Days).
- Socio-economic impact of FWW continued after the abdication of the Tsar.
- Food and fuel shortages in the cities.
- Inflation due to shortages.
- Bread rationing aided revolutionaries’ cause.
- Unemployment increased rapidly as 568 factories closed between February and July 1917 with 100,000 jobs lost in Petrograd alone.
- Provisional Government became a target for radicals in the Petrograd Soviet.
- Bolsheviks were the only party with an anti-war stance, etc.
**No:**
- More important was the role of the Petrograd Soviet.
- It allowed Bolsheviks to propagate their message and oppose the dual power system.
- Soviets controlled workers, soldiers, and communications across the Russian Empire.
- They undermined the Provisional Government.
- The land issue remained unsolved, and peasants seized land and killed landlords in the countryside.
- Lenin promised Peace, Bread, Land as part of the April Theses.
- Bolshevik propaganda was effective in cities.
- Lenin and Trotsky’s leadership.
- July Days demonstrated anti-government sentiment.
- The Kornilov Affair saw Bolsheviks released from prison, armed with rifles, and able to halt the coup.
- Bolsheviks and Red Guards were seen as heroes of the revolution, saving Petrograd, etc.