This diploma thesis shows and describes events that occurred in Russia in 1917 and led to the October Revolution. It tries to ascertain, whether a revolution actually happened or whether it was merely a coup d'état, carried out by Bolsheviks and their leader Lenin. This thesis shows that the Bolshevik Party was able to execute a coup due to a series of lucky coincidences, efficient strategies and numerous attempts by Lenin to put pressure on the party leaders. There were many attempts to ascend to power, but they were not successful. In order to gain power, Lenin sometimes wanted to go all out, but the party leaders, including Trocki, who is often overshadowed by Lenin, were more careful and competent. This thesis includes the main events that happened in Russia in 1917, that are connected to the Bolsheviks’ government take-over and which are essential in understanding how the Bolshevik Party was run. It is shown in the thesis, how the Bolsheviks dealt with the ministry president and the ministers of the interim government in order to gain control, without the citizens’ knowledge, and how they brought Russia to a new beginning with an event, now commonly known as the October Revolution.
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