Ten Days That Shook the World · Chapter
Proclamations of the Military Revolutionary Committee explained
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 punishment at the f
What happens
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 punishment at the front, freeing political prisoners, and rallying support for the new Council of People's Commissars. It denounces Kerensky's counteroffensive, warns the Cossacks, and appeals to citizens of Petrograd to back the revolutionary government that has delivered peace and land.
Themes in this chapter
Counterrevolution and Civil War
The proclamations explicitly frame Kerensky's march as a counterrevolutionary threat, calling for its 'pitiless' crushing and mobilizing support against the 'Kornilovtsi led by Kerensky.'
Struggle for Legitimacy and Power
The Military Revolutionary Committee asserts the authority of the Congress of Soviets and the Council of People's Commissars as the 'legal Government,' delegitimizing Kerensky and his ministers.
Characters to notice
- Alexander Kerensky
Denounced as the overthrown ex-Premier who fled Petrograd, abandoned authority to Kishkin, and now leads a counterrevolutionary march with Cossacks.
- Nikolai Kishkin
Mentioned as the one to whom Kerensky abandoned authority, accused of wanting to surrender the capital to the Germans.
- Pyotr Palchinsky
Cited as a hated figure in the former government, associated with sabotage of the Municipal Food Supply.
Key passages
“The All-Russian Congress of Soviets decrees: 'To abolish capital punishment at the Front, which was reintroduced by Kerensky.'”
The Congress of Soviets orders the end of the death penalty at the front lines, a punishment that had been brought back by Kerensky.
This decree underscores the new government's break with Kerensky's policies and its commitment to revolutionary justice.
“We give public warning that if the Cossacks do not halt Kerensky, who has deceived them and is leading them against Petrograd, the revolutionary forces will rise with all their might for the defence of the precious conquests of the Revolution—Peace and Land.”
The Committee warns the Cossacks that if they do not stop Kerensky, who has tricked them into marching on Petrograd, the revolutionaries will fight fiercely to protect the gains of peace and land.
This appeal directly ties the defense of the revolution to the popular promises of peace and land, aiming to sway the Cossacks.