Ten Days That Shook the World · Chapter
Growing Arrogance of the Reactionaries explained
This chapter documents the increasing boldness of reactionary forces in Russia during September and October 1917, as expressed through public statements and resolutions.
What happens
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 and the Provisional Government, while General Dukhonin calls for a constitutional monarchy under Mikhail Alexandrovich. A conference of business men in Moscow demands the depoliticization of the army, the restoration of officer authority, and the suppression of revolutionary propaganda, signaling a coordinated pushback against the gains of the revolution.
Themes in this chapter
Counterrevolution and Civil War
The chapter highlights the growing confidence and demands of reactionary forces, including calls to restore monarchy, suppress political propaganda, and reestablish officer authority, signaling the buildup to counterrevolutionary action.
Struggle for Legitimacy and Power
Shulgin's and Dukhonin's statements directly challenge the legitimacy of the Provisional Government and the Republic, reflecting the ongoing power struggle between revolutionary and reactionary factions.
Characters to notice
- Vasily Shulgin
Cadet Shulgin writes in a Kiev newspaper rejecting the Republic and the Provisional Government, expressing monarchist sentiments.
- General Nikolai Dukhonin
Declares at a Cadet party meeting the goal of establishing a constitutional monarchy by March 1st, rejecting the Republic.
Key passages
“We cannot admit either a Republic, or the present Republican Government. … And we are not sure that we want a Republic in Russia. …”
Shulgin declares that he and his allies refuse to accept the Republic or the current government, and they are uncertain about wanting a republic at all.
Shulgin's statement reflects the monarchist rejection of the Republic.
“On March 1st we must establish a Constitutional Monarchy. We must not reject the legitimate heir to the throne, Mikhail Alexandrovitch. …”
Dukhonin calls for the establishment of a constitutional monarchy by March 1st, insisting on the legitimacy of Mikhail Alexandrovich as heir.
Dukhonin's speech at the Cadet party meeting outlines a clear monarchist agenda.
“The function of the Army Committees must be limited to economic questions exclusively. All their decisions should be confirmed by their superior officers, who have the right to dissolve the Committees at any time.”
The business conference demands that army committees be restricted to economic matters only, with all decisions subject to officer approval and committees subject to dissolution.
This resolution aims to strip army committees of political power and restore officer control.