Question 1: When did the Bolshevik Revolution take place?

Answer: November 1917

Question 2: Who was the leader of the Bolsheviks during the revolution?

Answer: Vladimir Lenin

Question 3: What event directly preceded the Bolshevik seizure of power?

Answer: The October Revolution

Question 4: Name one key aim of the Bolshevik Party during the revolution.

Answer: Establish a proletarian dictatorship

Question 5: Which social class primarily supported the Bolsheviks?

Answer: Workers and soldiers

Question 1: Source: 'The Bolsheviks have seized power to bring peace, land, and bread to the people.' What was the purpose of this Bolshevik propaganda poster?

Answer: To persuade the public to support the Bolshevik takeover by emphasizing their promises.

Question 2: How might the audience of this source influence its message?

Answer: The working-class and soldiers, who were the target supporters, would be receptive to promises of peace and land.

Question 3: Evaluate the reliability of this source. What biases might it have?

Answer: It is a Bolshevik propaganda source, likely biased to promote support for their cause; it simplifies complex issues and omits criticisms.

Question 1: Explain why the February Revolution of 1917 led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.

Answer: The February Revolution was driven by widespread dissatisfaction with WWI, food shortages, and political unrest, which undermined Tsar Nicholas II's authority, leading to his abdication.

Question 2: Describe how Lenin’s April Theses contributed to the Bolsheviks' seizure of power.

Answer: Lenin’s April Theses called for immediate overthrow of the provisional government, land redistribution, and power to the soviets, which radicalized Bolshevik support and facilitated the October Revolution.

Question 3: Explain the significance of the October Revolution in the context of Russian history.

Answer: The October Revolution marked the overthrow of the provisional government, the establishment of Bolshevik control, and the start of communist rule in Russia, profoundly shaping 20th-century geopolitics.

Question 1: To what extent was economic hardship a main cause of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917?

Answer: Economic hardship, including food shortages, inflation, and worker dissatisfaction, significantly contributed to revolutionary support. However, political factors like the failure of the provisional government and Lenin’s leadership were also crucial in causing the revolution. A balanced analysis considers both economic and political causes.

Question 2: How far do you agree that Lenin’s leadership was the most important factor in the success of the October Revolution?

Answer: Lenin’s leadership was pivotal due to his strategic planning, revolutionary ideas, and ability to mobilize support. However, factors such as widespread discontent, the collapse of the provisional government, and Bolshevik propaganda also played vital roles. A balanced response discusses the influence of Lenin relative to other factors.