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Empire
91. Lenin and The Rise of the Bolsheviks
Oct 24, 2023
Antony Beevor, a renowned historian specializing in military history and the Russian Revolution, delves into the revolutionary chaos in early 20th-century Russia. Discussing Lenin’s strategic return from exile, he reveals how this pivotal moment fueled the Bolsheviks' rise amidst a tumultuous power vacuum. Beevor highlights the struggle for mass support faced by the Bolshevik movement and their brutal efforts to withdraw from World War I, setting the stage for the civil war and shaping modern Russian governance.
01:00:28
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Quick takeaways
- The Bolsheviks established the Cheka, a secret police force, to eliminate class enemies and maintain control over society.
- The White Army, composed of anti-Bolshevik groups, faced challenges in terms of organization and discipline, leading to their eventual defeat by the Red Army.
Deep dives
The Bolsheviks consolidate power and establish the Cheka
After the October Revolution, the Bolsheviks took steps to solidify their control. Felix Dzerzhinsky established the Cheka, the secret police, to eliminate class enemies. The Cheka engaged in brutal tactics, including torture and executions. The Bolsheviks aimed to control all aspects of society, closing newspapers, taking over the civil service, and disarming the banks. They faced resistance and strikes, but maintained strict discipline in their ranks.
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