# Ten Days That Shook the World — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for Ten Days That Shook the World by John Reed.

- [Notes and Explanations](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/notes-and-explanations.md): This chapter provides brief definitions and explanations of the various Russian political groups, committees, soviets, dumas, and unions to help the average reader navigate the complex organizational landscape of the per
- [Political Parties](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/political-parties.md): This chapter provides a summary of the political parties and factions active in Petrograd and Russia during the revolutionary period, focusing on their programs, constituencies, and key representatives mentioned in the b
- [Parliamentary Procedure](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/parliamentary-procedure.md): This chapter describes the distinctive parliamentary procedures of Russian meetings and conventions during the revolutionary period, emphasizing the continental model with a presidium, faction-based voting, and a highly 
- [Popular Organisations](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/popular-organisations.md): This chapter provides a glossary of the various popular organisations that emerged in Russia during the revolutionary period, including Soviets, Trade Unions, Factory-Shop Committees, Dumas, Zemstvos, Cooperatives, Army 
- [Central Committees](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/central-committees.md): This chapter describes the proliferation of All-Russian conventions in Petrograd during spring and summer 1917, which elected central committees to represent various interests. As the Provisional Government weakened, the
- [Other Organisations](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/other-organisations.md): This chapter catalogs the various paramilitary and civic organizations that emerged or were revived during the Russian Revolution of 1917, including the Red Guards, White Guards, Tekhintsi, Death Battalions, Union of Off
- [Chronology and Spelling](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/chronology-and-spelling.md): The author explains the use of the modern calendar instead of the former Russian calendar, which was thirteen days earlier, and describes the simplified transliteration of Russian names and words for English-speaking rea
- [Sources](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/sources.md): John Reed describes the diverse sources he used to compile his account of the Russian Revolution, including his own notes, Russian and foreign newspapers, the French Information Bureau's bulletin, proclamations and decre
- [Ten Days That Shook the World](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/ten-days-that-shook-the-world.md): John Reed provides a firsthand account of the Bolshevik seizure of power in Petrograd in November 1917, detailing the political maneuvering, the storming of the Winter Palace, and the establishment of Soviet authority.
- [Background](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/i-background.md): The chapter sets the stage for the October Revolution by describing the growing polarization in Russian society by late September 1917. While the propertied classes and moderate socialists (Mensheviks and SRs) wanted to 
- [II: The Coming Storm](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/ii-the-coming-storm.md): The chapter depicts the tense political atmosphere in Petrograd following the Kornilov affair, the struggle for power between the Bolsheviks and moderate socialists, and the preparations for the Second All-Russian Congre
- [III: On the Eve](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/iii-on-the-eve.md): As the Bolsheviks prepare for insurrection, the Provisional Government weakens amid disputes over war, peace, and the Petrograd garrison. Lenin argues for a rising timed with the Congress of Soviets, while the Military R
- [IV: The Fall of the Provisional Government](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/iv-the-fall-of-the-provisional-government.md): The chapter describes the immediate aftermath of the Bolshevik insurrection in Petrograd, including the distribution of the proclamation announcing the fall of the Provisional Government, the tense standoff between a cro
- [V: Plunging Ahead](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/v-plunging-ahead.md): The Bolsheviks consolidate power after the insurrection, facing opposition from the Municipal Duma, the Committee for Salvation, and various workers' unions. The Second All-Russian Congress of Soviets debates coalition g
- [The Committee for Salvation](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/vi-the-committee-for-salvation.md): On Friday, November 9th, the Committee for Salvation meets at the Duma, rallying diverse anti-Bolshevik groups. Skobeliev reports new adhesions, while debates rage over whether to include the Bolsheviks in a new governme
- [VII: The Revolutionary Front](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/vii-the-revolutionary-front.md): On November 10th, the Bolshevik government faces a multi-front crisis: Kerensky's counteroffensive approaches Petrograd, a general strike by civil servants paralyzes ministries and banks, and provincial forces declare ag
- [Counterrevolution](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/viii-counterrevolution.md): The chapter depicts the chaotic aftermath of the Bolshevik seizure of power, focusing on the struggle for legitimacy amid strikes, conspiracies, and armed conflict. It covers the Vikzhel's threat to strike, the outlawing
- [IX: Victory](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/ix-victory.md): The Bolsheviks consolidate power after the insurrection, with negotiations for a coalition government underway via the Vikzhel, while Kerensky's counteroffensive collapses at Gatchina. Civil war erupts across Russia, and
- [Moscow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/x-moscow.md): The chapter describes the aftermath of the Bolshevik victory in Petrograd and the fierce fighting in Moscow, including the bombardment of the Kremlin. It details the surrender of the White Guards, the creation of a Broth
- [XI: The Conquest of Power](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/xi-the-conquest-of-power.md): This chapter details the Bolshevik consolidation of power after the insurrection, including the collapse of the government employees' strike, the nationalization of banks, the establishment of the Supreme Council of Peop
- [XII: The Peasants’ Congress](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/xii-the-peasants-congress.md): The Peasants' Congress debates the Land decree and the Bolshevik-led Social Revolution. After intense negotiations, the Left Socialist Revolutionaries and Bolsheviks reach an agreement to unite the Peasants' Soviets with
- [Appendix to Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/appendix-to-chapter-i.md): This appendix provides supplementary data and commentary on the political and economic conditions in Russia leading up to the October Revolution. It includes Lenin's critique of coalition governments, election results fr
- [Chapter 1](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/1.md): The chapter introduces the political landscape of Russia in 1917, focusing on the division among socialist groups regarding the continuation of World War I. The 'Oborontsi' (Defenders) are moderate socialists who support
- [Wages and Cost of Living Before and During the Revolution](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/2-wages-and-cost-of-living-before-and-during-the-revolution.md): This chapter presents statistical tables compiled by various committees and ministries in October 1917, detailing the dramatic increases in wages, food prices, and other necessities from July 1914 to August 1917. While w
- [The Socialist Ministers](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/3-the-socialist-ministers.md): This chapter examines the failed experiment of the Socialist Revolutionaries and Mensheviks joining the Provisional Government in a coalition with bourgeois ministers, as described by Lenin. It highlights how the capital
- [September Municipal Elections in Moscow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/4-september-municipal-elections-in-moscow.md): The chapter presents election results from Moscow's Central and Ward Dumas, comparing June and September 1917 outcomes. The Socialist Revolutionaries plummeted from 58 to 14 seats, the Cadets rose from 17 to 30, Menshevi
- [Growing Arrogance of the Reactionaries](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/5-growing-arrogance-of-the-reactionaries.md): This chapter documents the increasing boldness of reactionary forces in Russia during September and October 1917, as expressed through public statements and resolutions. The Cadet Shulgin publicly rejects the Republic an
- [Appendix to Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/appendix-to-chapter-ii.md): This appendix presents key documents and speeches from the period leading up to the Bolshevik insurrection, including Lenin's 'Letter to the Comrades' arguing for immediate uprising, Miliukov's speech attacking the revol
- [Chapter 1](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/1.md): The chapter discusses the Kornilov revolt and Kerensky's role in the events leading up to it, suggesting that Kerensky may have been aware of Kornilov's plans and possibly even provoked the revolt prematurely. It also no
- [Democratic Conference](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/2-democratic-conference.md): The chapter details the composition and negotiations behind the Democratic Conference, including Kerensky's initial proposal to include bourgeois elements and the Soviet's insistence on a specific representation table th
- [The Function of the Soviets Is Ended](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/3-the-function-of-the-soviets-is-ended.md): This chapter presents an article from Izviestia, the official organ of the Central Executive Committee of the Soviets, arguing that the role of the Soviets is diminishing as more permanent democratic institutions like Mu
- [Trotsky’s Speech at the Council of the Russian Republic](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/4-trotsky-s-speech-at-the-council-of-the-russian-republic.md): Trotsky delivers a fiery speech at the Council of the Russian Republic, denouncing the Provisional Government as irresponsible and counterrevolutionary. He accuses Kerensky, the Cadets, and the Menshevik and Socialist Re
- [The Nakaz to Skobeliev](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/5-the-nakaz-to-skobeliev.md): This chapter presents the full text of the 'Nakaz' (mandate) issued by the Central Executive Committee (Tsay-ee-kah) to Skobeliev as instructions for representing Russian revolutionary democracy at the Paris Conference. 
- [Peace at Russia's Expense](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/6-peace-at-russia-s-expense.md): This chapter reveals secret peace maneuvers during World War I, including Austria's peace offer to France, the Berne Peace Conference of 1917, and an English agent's negotiations with a Bulgarian church dignitary, all in
- [Russian Soldiers in France](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/7-russian-soldiers-in-france.md): The chapter details the rebellion of Russian soldiers stationed in France after the February Revolution, driven by Bolshevik propaganda and a desire to return to Russia. The Provisional Government's official report descr
- [Terestchenko’s Speech (Resumé)](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/8-terestchenko-s-speech-resum.md): In this chapter, Foreign Minister Terestchenko delivers a speech defending the Provisional Government's foreign policy, arguing for continued alignment with the Allies, secrecy in diplomacy, and opposition to a separate 
- [The British Fleet (etc.)](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/9-the-british-fleet-etc.md): This chapter discusses the perception among Bolsheviks and Provisional Government ministers that the British Fleet deliberately abandoned the Baltic during the naval battle of the Gulf of Riga, reflecting a broader Briti
- [Appeals Against Insurrection](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/10-appeals-against-insurrection.md): This chapter presents two appeals—one from the Central Executive Committee of the Soviets (Tsay-ee-kah) and one from the Petrograd Electoral Committee of the Mensheviki-oborontzi—urging workers and soldiers not to demons
- [Lenin's "Letter to the Comrades"](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/11-lenin-s-letter-to-the-comrades.md): Lenin argues forcefully for immediate insurrection, countering objections from Kameniev and Riazanov. He insists the Bolsheviks have majority support, the peasants' revolution is urgent, and waiting for the Constituent A
- [Miliukov's Speech (Resumé)](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/12-miliukov-s-speech-resum.md): In this chapter, Reed presents a summary of a speech by Paul Miliukov, a leading Cadet, who attacks the revolutionary democracy's foreign policy, the Soviet's nakaz, and the influence of socialist ideas, accusing them of
- [Interview with Kerensky](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/13-interview-with-kerensky.md): John Reed recounts an interview with Alexander Kerensky, who defends the Russian Revolution and the army's performance, blaming the old regime and Allied disillusionment for Russia's military struggles. The interview was
- [Appendix to Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/appendix-to-chapter-iii.md): This appendix collects contemporary newspaper editorials, official appeals, and documents from the period immediately surrounding the Bolshevik seizure of power. It includes hostile reactions from the bourgeois and moder
- [Resolution of the Factory-Shop Committees](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/1-resolution-of-the-factory-shop-committees.md): This chapter presents a detailed resolution on Workers' Control, outlining the necessity and structure of factory-shop committees as organs of proletarian self-government in industrial production. It argues that workers'
- [The Bourgeois Press on the Bolsheviki](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/2-the-bourgeois-press-on-the-bolsheviki.md): This chapter presents a series of excerpts from the bourgeois Russian press in late October and early November 1917, illustrating the hostile and alarmist attitudes of conservative and liberal newspapers toward the Bolsh
- [3: Moderate Socialist Press on the Bolsheviki](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/3-moderate-socialist-press-on-the-bolsheviki.md): This chapter presents excerpts from moderate socialist newspapers—the Socialist Revolutionary 'Dielo Naroda' and the Menshevik 'Dien'—condemning the Bolsheviks. They accuse the Bolsheviks of deceiving the masses with unf
- [4: “Yedinstvo”](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/4-yedinstvo.md): Plekhanov's paper, Yedinstvo, suspended publication a few weeks after the Bolshevik seizure of power, not due to government suppression but because of insufficient subscribers.
- [5: Were the Bolsheviki Conspirators?](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/5-were-the-bolsheviki-conspirators.md): This chapter examines the accusation that the Bolsheviks were conspirators, countering it with the argument that they acted openly and audaciously, fixing the date of their uprising in advance and agitating publicly in f
- [Appeal Against Insurrection](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/6-appeal-against-insurrection.md): The Central Army Committee issues a stern appeal against any violent insurrection, insisting on the execution of the organized will of the majority as expressed by the Provisional Government and the Council of the Republ
- [Events of the Night, November 6th](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/7-events-of-the-night-november-6th.md): On the night of November 6th, Red Guards and revolutionary forces systematically occupied key institutions in Petrograd, including printing shops, the Telegraph Agency, the Post Office, the Military Hotel, the Telephone 
- [Appendix to Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/appendix-to-chapter-iv.md): This appendix details the events of November 7th and the immediate aftermath of the Bolshevik seizure of power, including Kerensky's flight from Petrograd and his failed attempts to rally support from Cossacks and front-
- [Events of November 7th](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/1-events-of-november-7th.md): On November 7th, Kerensky's attempts to organize resistance against the Bolshevik uprising fail as troops refuse to move. The Provisional Government issues decrees and appeals for support, but its authority crumbles. By 
- [Kerensky in Flight](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/2-kerensky-in-flight.md): Kerensky flees Petrograd on November 7th, traveling to Gatchina, Ostrov, Luga, and the Southwest Front in a desperate attempt to rally military support against the Bolshevik insurrection. He faces hostility from soldiers
- [3: Looting of the Winter Palace](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/3-looting-of-the-winter-palace.md): John Reed addresses allegations of widespread looting at the Winter Palace, arguing that the most valuable art treasures had been moved to Moscow before the Bolshevik takeover. He notes that some items were stolen by the
- [4: Rape of the Women's Battalion](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/4-rape-of-the-women-s-battalion.md): Following the storming of the Winter Palace, anti-Bolshevik press and the City Duma spread sensational stories about the Women's Battalion, claiming women were thrown from windows, violated, or driven to suicide. The Dum
- [Appendix to Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/appendix-to-chapter-v.md): This appendix contains key documents from the early days of the Bolshevik seizure of power: proclamations from the Military Revolutionary Committee announcing the overthrow of Kerensky's government and ordering the arres
- [Appeals and Proclamations](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/1-appeals-and-proclamations.md): The Military Revolutionary Committee issues decrees announcing the overthrow of Kerensky's government, calling for vigilance against counterrevolutionary officers, ordering the arrest of General Kornilov and his accompli
- [2: Protest of the Municipal Duma](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/2-protest-of-the-municipal-duma.md): The Petrograd City Duma, elected democratically, protests against the Bolsheviks' armed seizure of power and their demand for submission to Bolshevik commissars. The Duma declares it will not submit to encroachments on i
- [Land Decree—Peasants’ Nakaz](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/3-land-decree-peasants-nakaz.md): This chapter presents the full text of the Peasants' Nakaz, which forms the basis of the Land Decree. It abolishes private ownership of land, confiscates all estates without compensation, and places land under the contro
- [The Land and Deserters](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/4-the-land-and-deserters.md): This chapter discusses how the end of the war and the demobilization of the army automatically resolved the issue of deserters and their rights to land, as the problem ceased to exist with the cessation of hostilities.
- [The Council of People’s Commissars](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/5-the-council-of-people-s-commissars.md): The chapter describes the initial composition of the Council of People's Commissars, which consisted entirely of Bolsheviks after the Left Socialist Revolutionaries declined the portfolios offered to them on November 8th
- [Appendix to Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/appendix-to-chapter-vi.md): This appendix contains appeals and denunciations from the Socialist Revolutionary Party and the Bolshevik newspaper Pravda, reflecting the intense propaganda war during the Bolshevik uprising. The S.R. appeal condemns th
- [Appeals and Denunciations](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/1-appeals-and-denunciations.md): This chapter presents two opposing appeals: the Socialist Revolutionary Party's denunciation of the Bolshevik uprising as a senseless adventure, calling for unity against counterrevolution, and the Bolshevik newspaper Pr
- [Appendix to Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/appendix-to-chapter-vii.md): This appendix contains two key decrees issued by the new Bolshevik government: the Decree on the Press, which temporarily restricts counterrevolutionary newspapers, and the Decree on Workers' Militia, which authorizes th
- [Two Decrees](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/1-two-decrees.md): The chapter presents two early decrees of the Soviet government: the Decree on the Press, which justifies temporary restrictions on bourgeois newspapers as a necessary measure against counterrevolution, and the Decree on
- [2: The Strike Fund](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/2-the-strike-fund.md): The strike fund for government employees and bank clerks opposing the Bolsheviks was financed by banks, businesses, and foreign corporations. Strikers received full wages, sometimes increased, but the strike collapsed wh
- [Appendix to Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/appendix-to-chapter-viii.md): This appendix details Kerensky's failed military advance on Petrograd, the Bolsheviks' consolidation of power through decrees on housing, social insurance, and education, and the Military Revolutionary Committee's procla
- [Kerensky's Advance](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/1-kerensky-s-advance.md): Kerensky and his Cossacks arrive at Gatchina on November 9th, where the garrison surrenders. The Gatchina Soviet is arrested but later released. Cossack advance-guards occupy nearby stations and reach Tsarskoye Selo, whe
- [Proclamations of the Military Revolutionary Committee](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/2-proclamations-of-the-military-revolutionary-committee.md): The Military Revolutionary Committee issues a series of proclamations on behalf of the All-Russian Congress of Soviets, calling for the suppression of counterrevolutionary and antisemitic disturbances, abolishing capital
- [Acts of the Council of People’s Commissars](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/3-acts-of-the-council-of-people-s-commissars.md): This chapter presents a series of early decrees issued by the new Bolshevik government, covering housing, social insurance, education, and legislative procedure. It highlights the government's immediate efforts to addres
- [4: The Liquor Problem](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/4-the-liquor-problem.md): The Military Revolutionary Committee issues an order prohibiting the production of alcohol and alcoholic drinks, requiring producers to report their stores, and establishing a Military Revolutionary Court to try violator
- [Order No. 2](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/5-order-no-2.md): The chapter presents Order No. 2 from the Finland Guard Reserve Regiment, which accuses the bourgeoisie of distributing liquor to soldiers to undermine the revolutionary army. It commands house committees to report wine 
- [Appendix to Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/appendix-to-chapter-ix.md): This appendix provides a series of documents and bulletins detailing the military and political events following the Bolshevik seizure of power, including the suppression of Kerensky's counteroffensive, the establishment
- [Military Revolutionary Committee. Bulletin No. 2](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/1-military-revolutionary-committee-bulletin-no-2.md): This bulletin reports the military engagement between Kerensky's forces and the revolutionary troops on November 12th. It details the artillery duel, the retreat of the Cossacks, the capture of Tsarskoye Selo, and the ar
- [Events of the 13th in Petrograd](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/2-events-of-the-13th-in-petrograd.md): On October 13th, three regiments of the Petrograd garrison refuse to fight Kerensky and send delegates to the front to propose an armistice and the arrest of Kerensky, Krasnov, and Savinkov. At the Petrograd Soviet, Zino
- [3: Truce. Krasnov’s Answer to the Committee for Salvation](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/3-truce-krasnov-s-answer-to-the-committee-for-salvation.md): General Krasnov, acting as Supreme Commander for the Provisional Government, responds to the Committee for Salvation's armistice proposal by agreeing to negotiate but demanding the insurrectionists withdraw their regimen
- [Events at Tsarskoye Selo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/4-events-at-tsarskoye-selo.md): As Kerensky's troops retreat from Tsarskoye Selo, priests organize a religious procession supporting the Provisional Government. Red Guards arrest and shoot Father Ivan Kutchurov for inciting against the Soviets. The ele
- [5: Appeal of the Soviet Government](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/5-appeal-of-the-soviet-government.md): The Soviet government issues a triumphant appeal announcing the victory of the Workers' and Soldiers' Revolution, the flight of Kerensky, and the Army's support for the new government. It calls on counterrevolutionary tr
- [Appendix to Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/appendix-to-chapter-x.md): The appendix provides supplementary documents and firsthand observations related to the October Revolution, including a report on damage to the Kremlin, Lunatcharsky's declaration on protecting cultural treasures, and a 
- [Damage to the Kremlin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/1-damage-to-the-kremlin.md): John Reed verifies the damage to the Kremlin after the bombardment, noting the destruction of the Little Nicolai Palace, damage to several cathedrals and monasteries, and the survival of St. Basil's and the Imperial Pala
- [Lunatcharsky’s Declaration](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/2-lunatcharsky-s-declaration.md): Lunatcharsky, as Commissar of Public Education, appeals to the people to protect Russia's artistic and scientific treasures during the violent struggle for power, expressing both despair over the damage to Moscow and hop
- [Questionnaire for the Bourgeoisie](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/3-questionnaire-for-the-bourgeoisie.md): John Reed describes the Bolsheviks' use of a questionnaire to gather evidence against the bourgeoisie, exposing their counterrevolutionary activities and property holdings. The chapter illustrates the revolutionary tribu
- [Revolutionary Financial Measure](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/4-revolutionary-financial-measure.md): The Military Revolutionary Committee in Moscow issues a decree regulating bank operations, limiting withdrawals to 150 rubles per depositor for the first week, with exceptions for military needs and worker salaries. Non-
- [Appendix to Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/appendix-to-chapter-xi.md): This appendix covers the early consolidation of Soviet power, including nationalization of banks, abolition of military ranks, suppression of wine pogroms and speculation, and the establishment of state control over adve
- [Limitations of This Chapter](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/1-limitations-of-this-chapter.md): This chapter covers a two-month period during which the Soviet Government consolidated its political power at home, including negotiations with the Allies and Germans, the armistice, and the beginning of the Brest-Litovs
- [Preamble—Declaration of the Rights of the Peoples of Russia](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/2-preamble-declaration-of-the-rights-of-the-peoples-of-russia.md): The chapter presents the Bolshevik declaration proclaiming the emancipation of peasants, soldiers, sailors, and workers from the old regime, and calls for a new policy of voluntary and honest union among the peoples of R
- [Decrees](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/3-decrees.md): This chapter presents a series of revolutionary decrees issued by the Council of People's Commissars, nationalizing banks, abolishing military ranks and privileges, establishing elective command in the army, and eliminat
- [The Fall of the Provisional Government](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/4.md): This chapter details the arrest and trial of Countess Panina before the first Supreme Revolutionary Tribunal, highlighting the early application of revolutionary justice. The tribunal sentenced her to return the money an
- [5: Ridicule of the New Regime](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/5-ridicule-of-the-new-regime.md): This chapter presents a satirical piece from the Menshevik newspaper Drug Naroda, mocking the Bolsheviks' early attempts at foreign policy. It caricatures Trotsky and Uritzky as bumbling figures chasing after former offi
- [On the Question of an Agreement](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/6-on-the-question-of-an-agreement.md): A garrison conference of the Petrograd regiments hears representatives of all socialist parties on the possibility of a coalition government. After debate, the meeting overwhelmingly resolves that only the Bolsheviks and
- [Wine "Pogroms"](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/7-wine-pogroms.md): The chapter describes organized efforts by the Cadets to incite soldiers into wine riots through false telephone messages about free wine. The Council of People's Commissars responded by appointing a Commissar for the Fi
- [8: Speculators](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/8-speculators.md): The chapter presents two official decrees from the Council of People's Commissars and the Military Revolutionary Committee targeting speculators, marauders, and those hoarding or sabotaging food supplies. The decrees dec
- [Purishkevitch's Letter to Kaledin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/9-purishkevitch-s-letter-to-kaledin.md): The chapter presents a letter from Purishkevitch to General Kaledin, detailing the desperate situation in Petrograd under Bolshevik control, the suppression of opposition, and plans for a counterrevolutionary uprising us
- [Decree on the Monopoly of Advertisements](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/10-decree-on-the-monopoly-of-advertisements.md): The chapter presents the Bolshevik decree nationalizing the advertising industry, declaring it a state monopoly, and requiring all advertising to be published only in Soviet-controlled organs. It outlines the transfer of
- [11: Obligatory Ordinance](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/11-obligatory-ordinance.md): The chapter presents the official decree issued by the Committee to Fight Against Pogroms, declaring Petrograd under a state of siege. It imposes a strict curfew, bans public assemblies, and authorizes the use of machine
- [Two Proclamations](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/12-two-proclamations.md): Lenin issues a proclamation to the people of Russia, declaring the victory of the Workers' and Peasants' Revolution in Petrograd and Moscow, urging workers, soldiers, and peasants to take local power into their own hands
- [Chapter 13: To All Workers of Petrograd!](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/13.md): The chapter presents a proclamation from the Petrograd Soviet, the Council of Trade Unions, and the Council of Factory-Shop Committees, declaring the victory of the revolution and calling on workers to end strikes and de
- [Appeals and Counter-Appeals](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/14-appeals-and-counter-appeals.md): This chapter presents a series of public appeals and counter-appeals between the Military Revolutionary Committee and various groups of government employees, bank workers, and supply officials. The employees defend thems
- [Elections to the Constituent Assembly in Petrograd](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/15-elections-to-the-constituent-assembly-in-petrograd.md): The chapter presents the detailed results of the elections to the Constituent Assembly in Petrograd, listing the votes received by nineteen different parties and groups, with the Bolsheviks receiving the highest number o
- [From the Council of People’s Commissars to the Toiling Cossacks](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/16-from-the-council-of-people-s-commissars-to-the-toiling-cossacks.md): The Council of People's Commissars issues an appeal to the Cossacks, urging them to reject the lies of their generals and landowners, join the Soviets, support peace without annexations, and take control of their own aff
- [From the Commission on Public Education Attached to the Central City Duma](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/17-from-the-commission-on-public-education-attached-to-the-central-city-duma.md): The chapter presents a proclamation from the Commission on Public Education urging workers and workingwomen to organize against a teachers' strike, which sides with the bourgeoisie against the Workers' and Peasants' Gove
- [Diplomatic Correspondence of the Soviet Government](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/18-diplomatic-correspondence-of-the-soviet-government.md): This chapter briefly notes that the diplomatic notes exchanged between Trotsky and the Allied and neutral powers, as well as the Allied military attachés' note to General Dukhonin, are too extensive to include. The autho
- [Appeals to the Front Against Dukhonin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/19-appeals-to-the-front-against-dukhonin.md): The chapter details the Bolsheviks' efforts to rally soldiers against General Dukhonin, who refused to obey the Council of People's Commissars' orders for peace negotiations. It highlights the gathering of former ministe
- [From Krylenko](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/20-from-krylenko.md): The chapter presents Order Number Two, which declares General Dukhonin an enemy of the people for opposing orders and risking civil war, and authorizes arrests of his supporters without regard to status or past, with Gen
- [Appendix to Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/appendix-to-chapter-xii.md): This appendix contains an official instruction to peasants from the Council of People's Commissars, signed by Lenin, explaining the transfer of power to local Soviets and the abolition of landlord titles. It also describ
- [Instruction to Peasants](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/1-instruction-to-peasants.md): This chapter presents an official decree from the new Bolshevik government, explaining that all power now resides in the Soviets of Workers', Soldiers', and Peasants' Deputies. It announces the cancellation of landlords'
- [The Peasants' Congress](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/2.md): The chapter describes the evolution of the Extraordinary Congress of Peasants' Soviets over several weeks, starting with a majority hostile to the Soviet government, then shifting to support the moderates under Tchernov,
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/endnotes.md): This chapter contains endnotes referencing various sources, explanations, and clarifications related to the main text, including mentions of the Sisson Documents, John Reed's work, the Zimmerwald Conference, the Provisio
- [List of Illustrations](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/list-of-illustrations.md): This chapter provides a list of facsimiles and illustrations included in the book, primarily featuring government passes, proclamations, certificates, and other documents in Cyrillic, along with a sketch and a questionna

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters