Ten Days That Shook the World · Chapter
Military Revolutionary Committee. Bulletin No. 2 explained
This bulletin reports the military engagement between Kerensky's forces and the revolutionary troops on November 12th.
What happens
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 arrival of the Lettish Riflemen. The revolutionary troops, including sailors, Red Guards, and soldiers, are described as having high morale and material superiority, leading to Kerensky's retreat.
Themes in this chapter
Counterrevolution and Civil War
The chapter describes the armed conflict between Kerensky's counterrevolutionary forces and the revolutionary troops, highlighting the early stages of the civil war.
Workers' Control and Economic Transformation
The involvement of Red Guards from factories like Putilov Works and Obukhov illustrates the role of workers in the military struggle.
Characters to notice
- Alexander Kerensky
Kerensky proposed a surrender to revolutionary troops and opened artillery fire; order given for his arrest.
Key passages
“Kerensky sent a proposition to the revolutionary troops—'to lay down their arms.'”
Kerensky demanded that the revolutionary forces surrender.
This shows Kerensky's attempt to end the uprising without further bloodshed.
“The Cossacks assumed the offensive. The deadly fire of the sailors, the Red Guards and the soldiers forced the Cossacks to retreat.”
The Cossacks attacked, but the revolutionary troops' firepower drove them back.
Highlights the effectiveness of the revolutionary forces in repelling the attack.
“The order has been given to arrest Kerensky.”
An arrest warrant was issued for Kerensky.
Indicates the Bolsheviks' determination to capture the former premier.
“Tsarskoye Selo has been taken by the revolutionary troops.”
The revolutionary forces captured Tsarskoye Selo.
A key strategic victory, as Tsarskoye Selo housed a wireless station.
“The Lettish Riflemen: The Military Revolutionary Committee has received precise information that the valiant Lettish Riflemen have arrived from the Front and taken up a position in the rear of Kerensky's bands.”
The Lettish Riflemen, loyal to the Bolsheviks, arrived from the front and positioned themselves behind Kerensky's forces.
This reinforcement was crucial for the revolutionary victory.