The Sickle and the Hammer: A Socialist History of the Soviet Union Episode 14 supplemental: The Bolshevik Central Committee Resolution of 10 October
Jul 30, 2025
Lenin's passionate letter emphasizes the urgency of acting against indifference toward insurrection. He argues that the current political climate demands immediate and decisive action while critiquing prolonged preparation. The discussion highlights a growing worker support for the Bolsheviks and stresses the importance of technical readiness for an uprising. Furthermore, the Central Committee declares armed insurrection inevitable, citing military threats and troop movements as justifications for this decisive shift in strategy.
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Moment For Decisive Action
- Lenin argued that popular indifference to insurrection was growing since September and technical preparation was overdue.
- He insisted the political moment and international situation made decisive action both necessary and timely.
International Context Shapes Strategy
- International events and threats, including German naval mutiny and imperialist maneuvers, made the revolution's initiative favorable.
- Lenin emphasized technical preparation was the decisive factor determining success.
Power Has Ripened
- Lenin saw the proletarian majority in the Soviets and peasant radicalization as signs that power could be seized now.
- He warned waiting for the Constituent Assembly would complicate their task and delay action.