Ten Days That Shook the World · Chapter
Acts of the Council of People’s Commissars explained
This chapter presents a series of early decrees issued by the new Bolshevik government, covering housing, social insurance, education, and legislative procedure.
What happens
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 address social welfare, decentralize education, and establish a new legal order, while emphasizing the role of the Constituent Assembly and the Central Executive Committee.
Themes in this chapter
Workers' Control and Economic Transformation
The decrees on social insurance and housing reflect the Bolsheviks' commitment to transferring control of welfare and living conditions to workers and municipalities.
Struggle for Legitimacy and Power
The decree on legislative procedure establishes the Council of People's Commissars as the de facto lawmaking body, while acknowledging the Constituent Assembly's future authority.
Characters to notice
- Alexei Rykov
As People's Commissar of the Interior, Rykov signs the decree on dwelling-places, granting municipalities the right to sequester housing.
- Alexander Shliapnikov
As People's Commissar of Labour, Shliapnikov signs the decree on social insurance, promising comprehensive coverage for workers and the poor.
- Anatoly Lunacharsky
As People's Commissar of Education, Lunacharsky issues a detailed decree outlining the principles of universal literacy, decentralization, and collaboration with pedagogues.
- Vladimir Lenin
As President of the Council of People's Commissars, Lenin signs the decree on the order of ratification and publication of laws.
Key passages
“The Workers’ and Peasants’ Government, relying upon the support of the Soviets of Workers’, Soldiers’ and Peasants’ Deputies, announces to the working-class of Russia and to the town and village poor, that it will immediately prepare laws on Social Insurance based on the formulas proposed by the Labour organisations.”
The Bolshevik government promises to quickly draft social insurance laws following labor union proposals.
Highlights the government's alignment with labor organizations in social policy.
“The State Commission on People’s Education is by no means a central power governing the institutions of instruction and education. On the contrary, the entire school work ought to be transferred to the organs of local self-government.”
The education commission will not centrally control schools; instead, local governments will manage education.
Emphasizes the Bolshevik commitment to decentralization in education.
“The Central Executive Committee of the Soviets of Workers’, Peasants’, and Soldiers’ Deputies ( Tsay-ee-kah ) has at all times the right to cancel, alter or annul any of the Government decrees.”
The Central Executive Committee can override any government decree.
Shows the subordination of the Council of People's Commissars to the Soviet executive body.