Ten Days That Shook the World · Chapter
Purishkevitch's Letter to Kaledin explained
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 using officers and yun
What happens
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 using officers and yunkers. It also notes Purishkevitch's subsequent trial and short prison sentence.
Themes in this chapter
Counterrevolution and Civil War
Purishkevitch's letter outlines plans for an armed uprising against the Bolsheviks, reflecting the early organization of counterrevolutionary forces.
Struggle for Legitimacy and Power
The letter reveals the contest for control between the Bolshevik government and its opponents, with Purishkevitch seeking to coordinate with Kaledin to restore order.
Characters to notice
- Vladimir Purishkevich
Author of the letter to Kaledin, leader of a counterrevolutionary organization in Petrograd.
- Alexei Kaledin
Recipient of the letter, Ataman of the Don Cossacks, expected to lead a march on Petrograd.
- Vladimir Burtsev
Mentioned as being imprisoned in the Peter-Paul fortress by the Bolsheviks.
- General Alexander Dutov
Criticized for allowing the moment for decisive action to pass and for a policy of negotiations.
Key passages
“The situation at Petrograd is desperate. The city is cut off from the outside world and is entirely in the power of the Bolsheviki.”
Petrograd is in a dire state, isolated and completely under Bolshevik control.
Purishkevitch describes the Bolshevik grip on the capital.
“The organisation at whose head I am is working without rest to unite all the officers and what is left of the yunker schools, and to arm them.”
My organization is tirelessly gathering and arming officers and remaining yunker cadets.
Purishkevitch outlines his counterrevolutionary efforts.
“We are awaiting you here, General, and at the moment of your arrival, we shall advance with all the forces at our disposal.”
We expect you, General, and will launch an attack with all our forces upon your arrival.
Purishkevitch calls for Kaledin to lead the uprising.