The consolidation of the Communist dictatorship: the establishment of one-party control; the removal of the Constituent Assembly; the ending of involvement in the First World War
After seizing power in October 1917, the Bolsheviks took three key steps to lock in their control. They banned rival parties, shut down Russia's only elected parliament, and signed a humiliating peace deal to exit World War One.
Real World
When the Constituent Assembly met in January 1918, Bolshevik guards simply switched off the lights and turned delegates out — just as a modern government might prorogue parliament to avoid a damaging vote, but with no legal cover and no return date.
Exam Focus
For 'explain' questions, link each consolidation step to a specific Bolshevik fear — rival parties, electoral defeat, or military exhaustion.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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