Ten Days That Shook the World · Chapter
Appendix to Chapter IX explained
This appendix provides a series of documents and bulletins detailing the military and political events following the Bolshevik seizure of power, including the suppression of Kerensky's counteroffensive, the establishment of revolutionary tr
What happens
This appendix provides a series of documents and bulletins detailing the military and political events following the Bolshevik seizure of power, including the suppression of Kerensky's counteroffensive, the establishment of revolutionary tribunals, and the ongoing negotiations for a new government. It includes the Military Revolutionary Committee's bulletins on the battle at Tsarskoye Selo, Krasnov's truce proposal, the arrest and flight of Kerensky, and the Soviet government's appeal for support.
Themes in this chapter
Counterrevolution and Civil War
The appendix details the military clashes between Kerensky's counterrevolutionary forces and the Bolsheviks, including the battle at Tsarskoye Selo and the pursuit of Kerensky's troops.
Struggle for Legitimacy and Power
The City Duma debates the formation of a new government, with various factions arguing over whether to include the Bolsheviks, while the Bolsheviks consolidate power through revolutionary tribunals and military victory.
Workers' Control and Economic Transformation
The Military Revolutionary Committee's bulletins highlight the role of workers, Red Guards, and sailors in the military effort, as well as the support from factories like the Putilov Works.
Characters to notice
- Alexander Kerensky
Kerensky leads the counteroffensive against the Bolsheviks, but his troops are defeated and he is forced to flee after being arrested by his own men.
- General Pyotr Krasnov
Krasnov commands the government cavalry and proposes an armistice with the Bolsheviks, but his forces are ultimately demoralized and retreat.
- Grigory Zinoviev
Zinoviev speaks at the Petrograd Soviet, arguing that while military victory is necessary, peaceful means should also be tried to win over the Cossacks.
- Abram Gotz
Gotz is threatened with trial before the newly established Revolutionary Tribunals by the Bolsheviks.
- Nikolai Avksentiev
Avksentiev is also threatened with trial before the Revolutionary Tribunals by the Bolsheviks.
- Fyodor Dan
Dan proposes an ultimatum demanding the abolition of Revolutionary Tribunals or the breaking off of negotiations with the Bolsheviks.
- Andrei Shingarev
Shingarev, a Cadet, declares that the municipality should not participate in any agreement with the Bolsheviks.
- Grigory Schreider
Mayor Schreider, for the Socialist Revolutionaries, opposes any agreement with the Bolsheviks and argues that the government should spring from the popular will expressed in municipal elections.
Key passages
“What we need is a military victory. … The news of an armistice is premature. Our Staff will be ready to conclude an armistice when the enemy can no longer do any harm.”
Zinoviev insists that a military victory is essential before any armistice can be considered, and that negotiations should only begin once the enemy is powerless.
Zinoviev's speech at the Petrograd Soviet emphasizes the Bolsheviks' commitment to achieving total military dominance before negotiating.
“At present, the influence of our victory is creating new political conditions. … Today the Socialist Revolutionaries are inclined to admit the Bolsheviki into the new Government.”
Zinoviev notes that the Bolsheviks' military success is shifting political dynamics, making the Socialist Revolutionaries more open to including Bolsheviks in the government.
This reflects the immediate political impact of the Bolshevik military victories on coalition negotiations.
“Any agreement with the maniacs is impossible until they lay down their arms and recognise the authority of independent courts of law.”
Shingariov declares that no agreement with the Bolsheviks is possible unless they disarm and accept the legitimacy of independent courts.
Shingariov's statement represents the hardline opposition to the Bolsheviks from the Cadet party.
“I am a revolutionist,” answered Plekhanov, “who for forty years has devoted his life to the struggle for liberty!” “Anyway,” said a workman, “you have now sold yourself to the bourgeoisie!””
When Red Guards search Plekhanov's home, he declares his lifelong revolutionary credentials, but a worker accuses him of betraying the cause to the bourgeoisie.
This exchange illustrates the deep class divisions and the rejection of old revolutionary figures by the new Bolshevik-aligned workers.
