Role of Lenin

• Lenin was not consistent in his views, pragmatic and impulsive
• 7th July 1917 - In 'Three Crises' he concluded that there was no hope for peaceful developments of Russian Rev, could not look to the soviets dominated by Menshs and SRs
• 10th July - Lenin reversed the demand of 'All power to soviets' as Menshs dominated it. Decided that bolshs on factory committees would be key in forming a socialist govt.

  • collaborated with central committee
• 25th July 1917 - As Kerensky became PM and socialists were majority in coalition, he knew that Bolshs should remove all associations with other parties.

  • Briefly considered collaboration w Menshs and SRs but abandoned it
• 23rd Oct 1917 - Lenin has a secret meeting with Bolsh Central Committee.

  • Called for immediate seizure of power of Bolshs, arguing that the moment was right and Kerensky would leave Petrograd for the Germans if they didn't intervene
  • 10 votes for, 2 against
• Zinoviev and Kamenev were opposed to immediate seizure on Oct 23rd, showing that there was still genuine debate within the party and Lenin was not the be all and end all