Ten Days That Shook the World · Chapter
Appendix to Chapter II explained
This appendix presents key documents and speeches from the period leading up to the Bolshevik insurrection, including Lenin's 'Letter to the Comrades' arguing for immediate uprising, Miliukov's speech attacking the revolutionary democracy a
What happens
This appendix presents key documents and speeches from the period leading up to the Bolshevik insurrection, including Lenin's 'Letter to the Comrades' arguing for immediate uprising, Miliukov's speech attacking the revolutionary democracy and internationalist foreign policy, and a proclamation from the Central Executive Committee warning against demonstrations and blaming the Bolsheviks for inciting civil war.
Themes in this chapter
Proletarian Revolution and Dictatorship
Lenin's letter explicitly argues for the dictatorship of the proletariat as the only alternative to Kornilov's dictatorship.
Class Conflict and Polarization
The documents highlight the sharp divide between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, with Lenin accusing the bourgeoisie of sabotaging the revolution and Miliukov denouncing the revolutionary democracy.
Peasant Question and Land Reform
Lenin cites the peasant uprising in Tambov Government and the forced release of hoarded grain as evidence of the revolutionary potential of the peasantry.
Struggle for Legitimacy and Power
Both Lenin and Miliukov contest the legitimacy of the Provisional Government and the Soviets, with Lenin calling for insurrection and Miliukov demanding a strong power capable of using force.
Characters to notice
- Vladimir Lenin
Author of 'Letter to the Comrades' arguing for insurrection and dictatorship of the proletariat.
- Paul Miliukov
Delivered a speech attacking the revolutionary democracy, internationalism, and the Soviet nakaz.
- Julius Martov
Mentioned in Miliukov's speech as advocating revolutionary pressure of the proletariat.
- Lev Kamenev
Criticized in Lenin's letter for arguing that the Bolsheviks lack a majority for insurrection.
- Alexander Kerensky
Referenced as head of the Government and as being influenced by the Zimmerwald Manifesto.
- Matvei Skobelev
Attacked by Miliukov for his position as a Russian delegate opposing government foreign policy.
- Mikhail Rodzianko
Cited by Lenin as a man of action serving the bourgeoisie.
Key passages
“Let us forget everything except that there is no way out but by the dictatorship of the proletariat—either that or the dictatorship of Kornilov.”
Lenin argues that the only options are proletarian dictatorship or a dictatorship by Kornilov, dismissing any middle ground.
From Lenin's 'Letter to the Comrades'.
“The germ of all our evils comes from the point of view, original, truly Russian, concerning foreign policy, which passes for the Internationalist point of view.”
Miliukov blames Russia's problems on the internationalist foreign policy perspective, which he considers uniquely Russian and misguided.
From Miliukov's speech.
“Every conscious worker revolutionist, every conscious peasant, every revolutionary soldier, all who understand what harm a demonstration or a revolt against the Government might cause to the people, must join together and not allow the enemies of the people to destroy our freedom.”
The Central Executive Committee calls on all conscious revolutionaries to oppose demonstrations and revolts against the government, warning they will destroy freedom.
From the proclamation of the Central Executive Committee.
