Summary
Highlights
Following the February 1917 coup, Russia faced continuous upheaval. The Provisional Government, formed after the Tsar's abdication, struggled to maintain control amid multiple uprisings, including a failed Bolshevik attempt in July and General Kornilov's rebellion. By autumn, the country was in complete disarray, marked by economic collapse, rampant crime, and a government losing all authority. Inflation soared, queues for food became commonplace, and law enforcement was ineffective.
Prime Minister Kerensky, once celebrated, became a figure of ridicule as the government's helplessness grew. After the Kornilov affair, the Provisional Government effectively dissolved, leaving Kerensky to form a new, deeply unpopular 'Directory.' The suppression of Kornilov's mutiny inadvertently strengthened the Bolsheviks, who were seen as saviors of the revolution and quickly formed armed detachments called the Red Guards. Lenin, in hiding in Finland, continuously urged for an armed revolt, while the Bolsheviks gained decisive control of the Petrograd and Moscow Councils.
In early October, Lenin secretly returned to Petrograd, pushing his party for an immediate armed uprising. Despite internal disagreements, the Bolshevik Central Committee voted to proceed. To shield the party in case of failure, the Military Revolutionary Committee was formed under the guise of defending Petrograd but was covertly controlled by Trotsky to organize the revolt. Kerensky's government, plagued by indecision and mistakes such as giving weapons to potentially unreliable troops, inadvertently armed the Bolshevik supporters.
On October 24th, Trotsky actively rallied support among workers and soldiers. Despite attempts by the Provisional Government to suppress Bolshevik media, the Military Revolutionary Committee was already executing its plan. Loyal military units refused to defend the government, and the strategically important Fortress of Peter and Paul sided with the Bolsheviks, aiming its guns at the Winter Palace. Kerensky, in a desperate attempt, sought support from the Pre-Parliament, but it proved ineffective, only recommending a committee to resolve the conflict.
With Petrograd largely under Bolshevik control by the morning of October 25th, Key government buildings and communication centers were seized. Kerensky fled the city. The cruiser Aurora, now controlled by Bolshevik sympathizers, approached the Nikolayevsky Bridge, playing a crucial role in securing access. The remaining members of the Provisional Government, holed up in the Winter Palace, faced minimal and wavering defense. After an ultimatum, the Bolsheviks stormed the Palace, with infantry entering through unsecured points. The government ministers were arrested by Antonov, marking the end of the Provisional Government and the transfer of power to the Bolshevik-controlled Congress of Soviets.