Situation in September 1917

• The dedicated Bolsheviks continued attending the Soviets as the enthusiasm of the members of other parties faded.

  • The numbers attending the Soviets fell overall leading to greater influence for the Bolsheviks.
• September Soviet elections

  • The Bolsheviks gain a majority of seats for the first time in the Petrograd Soviet.
  • The combination of the failings of the PG, the Kornilov Affair and the appeal of the Bolshevik's policies all combined to increase the popularity of the party.
• The Bolsheviks:

  • Had 200,000 members.
  • Produced 41 newspapers including Pravda,
  • The Red Guard numbered 10,000 and were well armed following the Kornilov Affair.
• The Bolsheviks also had success in other cities including Moscow.