key term - Soviet power

Definition

Soviet power refers to the political authority and governance established by the Bolshevik Party in Russia following the October Revolution of 1917. This term embodies the concept of a government led by workers' councils, or 'soviets,' which aimed to represent the interests of the proletariat and eliminate the existing capitalist structures, significantly reshaping the political landscape of Russia and influencing global politics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Soviet power was formally established after the Bolsheviks took control in 1917, marking a significant shift from imperial rule to a government based on workers' councils.
2. The concept of soviet power emphasized direct democracy, where local councils (soviets) were supposed to have authority over their affairs and represent the workers and soldiers.
3. The rise of Soviet power led to the withdrawal of Russia from World War I through the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in 1918, reshaping Eastern European borders.
4. Under Soviet power, significant policies such as War Communism were implemented during the Civil War, leading to state control over industry and agriculture.
5. The establishment of Soviet power set the stage for the creation of the Soviet Union in 1922, which expanded the reach of communist ideology beyond Russia's borders.

Review Questions

• How did Soviet power redefine political authority in Russia after the October Revolution?
  • Soviet power redefined political authority in Russia by replacing the tsarist autocracy with a system led by workers' councils, known as soviets. The Bolsheviks aimed to create a government that represented the interests of the proletariat and eliminated class distinctions. This new structure was characterized by an emphasis on direct democracy and collective decision-making, challenging traditional notions of governance and laying the groundwork for a socialist state.
• Evaluate the impact of Soviet power on Russia's involvement in World War I and its subsequent foreign policy.
  • Soviet power had a profound impact on Russia's involvement in World War I as it led to a swift withdrawal from the conflict through the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. This decision reflected the Bolsheviks' prioritization of consolidating power at home over foreign entanglements. The treaty resulted in significant territorial losses for Russia but allowed the new regime to focus on internal challenges, shaping its future foreign policy approach characterized by isolationism followed by aggressive expansion in later years.
• Analyze how the establishment of Soviet power influenced international perceptions of communism during the early 20th century.
  • The establishment of Soviet power profoundly influenced international perceptions of communism by presenting it as a viable alternative to capitalism amid widespread social unrest and economic hardship. Countries across Europe were both inspired by and fearful of this radical shift, leading to varying responses—from admiration among leftist movements to hostility among conservative governments. This polarization culminated in events like the Red Scare in Western countries, reflecting deep anxieties about communism's potential spread and reshaping global political dynamics throughout the early 20th century.

Related terms

Bolshevik Party: A faction of the Marxist Russian Social Democratic Labor Party that seized control during the October Revolution, advocating for a socialist state led by a vanguard party.

Proletariat: The working class who, according to Marxist theory, would rise up to overthrow the bourgeoisie and establish a dictatorship of the proletariat.

Mensheviks:

A faction within the Russian socialist movement that opposed the Bolsheviks, advocating for a more democratic and gradual approach to socialism.