Bolshevik seizure and retention of power, under Lenin

In considering the influence of Lenin’s leadership on the Bolshevik seizure of power and their subsequent retention of power, it is better to separate the two events. Lenin was an inspirational revolutionary, contributing greatly to the Bolshevik seizure of power. However, he held less influence and importance in the dealing with the problems that made the retention of power such a difficult task, his governmental policies making him unpopular. Yet ultimately he was able to consolidate power through repressive measures and terror, though the means were questionable.
Many factors resulted in the Bolshevik seizure of power, though by far the influence of Lenin’s leadership was the greatest factor. On the third of April 1917, with Lenin’s return to Russia, he announced a republic for Soviet of Workers, Poor Peasants and Peasants’ Deputies, and his “April Theses� – his plans for the future. He was the one that demanded that there would no longer be cooperation with the provisional government and was so insistent on the ending of the war.
Through sheer force of personality alone, Lenin was able to push forward the revolution. He was not elected to be the Chairman of Congress, but it was simply assumed that he would b

However, Lenin indeed was flexible enough to make amendments to the initial War communism and change it eventually to the NEP, which recalled the support of the population and ultimately helped in contributing to stability that aided in the retention of Bolshevik power. Through the Red Terror, all opposition was indeed silenced and by default, making the regime more stable and allowed the Bolshevik retention of power, though the means can said to be questionable. The decision though, was undoubtly undertaken under Lenin’s leadership.

Besides, Lenin’s failure to keep popular support due to his imposition of War communism questioned the leadership role which he played in ensuring Bolshevik retention of power. War communism, which advocated government nationalization of all state resources including land and industries, brought about great hardship to its people. It lasted from June 1918 to March 1921 (New Economic Policy- NEP). Working hours rose to 10-11 hours, and all paper money lost its value. Peasants could only watch helplessly as the Cheka (Secret police) ruthlessly seized most of their grains to distribute to the townspeople and the army. Between 1918-1920, 8 million perished, 7.5 million due to hunger and diseases. The “Red Terror”, enforced by the Red Guards against class enemies followed soon after; protests came in rapid succession and in particular, was the Kronstadt Rebellion March 1921. The sailors, once staunch supporters of the Bolsheviks, felt it was time to speak up against them. Lenin’s role as a leader in the face of all these happenings was severely questioned, he only quelled the rebellion with the help of the Red Army.

To a large extent, the success of the Bolshevik seizure of power was indeed a result of Lenin’s role as an inspirational revolutionary leader. So was the retention of Bolshevik power, though to a much lesser degree, as his actions became increasingly questionable. Other leaders like Trotsky, with his Red Army, seemed to play a rather prominent role in the retention of Bolshevik power. Hence, Lenin’s leadership was indeed a vital factor contributing to the Bolshevik s