Ten Days That Shook the World · Chapter
Appendix to Chapter XI explained
This appendix covers the early consolidation of Soviet power, including nationalization of banks, abolition of military ranks, suppression of wine pogroms and speculation, and the establishment of state control over advertising.
What happens
This appendix covers the early consolidation of Soviet power, including nationalization of banks, abolition of military ranks, suppression of wine pogroms and speculation, and the establishment of state control over advertising. It also includes the Declaration of the Rights of the Peoples of Russia, a garrison resolution supporting the Bolsheviks, and a letter from Purishkevitch to Kaledin detailing counterrevolutionary plans.
Themes in this chapter
Workers' Control and Economic Transformation
Nationalization of banks and state monopoly on advertising represent early steps toward a state-controlled economy.
Counterrevolution and Civil War
Purishkevitch's letter and the suppression of wine pogroms illustrate the Bolsheviks' struggle against internal enemies.
National Self-Determination and Emancipation
The Declaration of the Rights of the Peoples of Russia promises liberation from tsarist oppression and voluntary union.
Characters to notice
- Vladimir Lenin
Signed decrees on nationalization of banks, monopoly of advertisements, and orders against speculators.
- Leon Trotsky
Referenced as calling the Cronstadt sailors the 'flower and pride of the revolutionary forces.'
- Anatoly Lunacharsky
Co-signed the decree on monopoly of advertisements as People's Commissar for Public Instruction.
- Vladimir Purishkevich
Authored a letter to Kaledin describing counterrevolutionary organizing in Petrograd; later tried by Revolutionary Tribunal.
- Alexei Kaledin
Addressee of Purishkevitch's letter; expected to lead a counterrevolutionary advance on Petrograd.
- Vladimir Burtsev
Mentioned as imprisoned in Peter-Paul fortress by the Bolsheviks.
- General Alexander Dutov
Criticized by Purishkevitch for failing to act decisively against the Bolsheviks.
Key passages
“The October Revolution of the workers and peasants began under the common banner of Emancipation.”
The October Revolution was launched with the goal of freeing workers, peasants, soldiers, and oppressed nationalities.
Opening of the Declaration of the Rights of the Peoples of Russia.
“All ranks and grades in the Army, beginning with the rank of Corporal and ending with the rank of General, are abolished.”
All military ranks from corporal to general were eliminated, making all soldiers equal citizens.
Decree on the Equality of Rank of All Military Men.
“Spoliators, marauders, speculators, are declared to be enemies of the People.”
The Military Revolutionary Committee labeled speculators and looters as public enemies.
Decree from the Military Revolutionary Committee against speculation.
“The situation at Petrograd is desperate. The city is cut off from the outside world and is entirely in the power of the Bolsheviki.”
Purishkevitch described Petrograd as isolated and fully controlled by the Bolsheviks.
From Purishkevitch's letter to Kaledin.
