# IX: Victory explained — Ten Days That Shook the World

> Chapter companion for Ten Days That Shook the World by John Reed.

## What happens

The Bolsheviks consolidate power after the insurrection, with negotiations for a coalition government underway via the Vikzhel, while Kerensky's counteroffensive collapses at Gatchina. Civil war erupts across Russia, and the victorious proletarian army occupies Petrograd.

## Themes in this chapter

### Struggle for Legitimacy and Power

The chapter highlights negotiations for a new government, the collapse of Kerensky's authority, and the Bolsheviks' consolidation of control.

### Counterrevolution and Civil War

Civil war erupts across Russia, with fighting in Moscow, Kazan, and other cities, and Kerensky's counteroffensive at Gatchina.

### Workers' Control and Economic Transformation

The victorious proletarian army and Red Guards symbolize workers' control, with the old workman claiming Petrograd as 'mine.'

## Character check-ins

### John Reed

Narrator; visits the Battalion Committee of the Sixth Reserve Engineers' Battalion and later returns to Smolny, observing the aftermath of the fighting.

### Vladimir Lenin

Rumored to be excluded from the proposed Provisional People's Council.

### Leon Trotsky

Rumored to be excluded from the proposed Provisional People's Council.

### Alexander Kerensky

Flees Gatchina after his counteroffensive fails, disguised as a sailor, losing popular support.

### General Pyotr Krasnov

Surrenders to Dybenko at Gatchina and later testifies about Kerensky's flight.

### Pavel Dybenko

Leads the Bolshevik forces at Gatchina; persuades the Cossacks to surrender.

### Victor Tchernov

Mentioned as a potential new Premier and as leading a 'neutral' delegation at Gatchina.

### Abram Gotz

Arrested by the Military Revolutionary Committee; denies signing the Committee for Salvation's proclamation.

## Key lines

> If, to constitute the new Ministry, it is necessary to come to an understanding with the Bolsheviki, we agree to admit them in a minority to the Cabinet.

The Central Army Committee at the Stavka, though hostile to the Bolsheviks, agreed to include them as a minority in a new government if needed.

_Shows the shifting stance of military authorities after the insurrection._

> Mine! All mine now! My Petrograd!

An old workman driving a truck exultantly claimed the capital as his own, reflecting the proletarian victory.

_Captures the emotional triumph of the working class._

> Sleep, Warrior eagles, sleep with peaceful soul. You have deserved, our own ones, happiness and Eternal peace.

A memorial written by a soldier for fallen comrades, found at Smolny, honoring their sacrifice.

_Illustrates the human cost of the revolution._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters/ix-victory
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ten_days_that_shook_the_world_se/chapters