Which event in 1917 led to the Bolshevik seizure of power and the creation of the Soviet state?

Which event in 1917 led to the Bolshevik seizure of power and the creation of the Soviet state?

• A. February Revolution
• B. October Revolution
• C. July Days turbulence of 1917
• D. Brest-Litovsk negotiations

Answer: (B)

The moment being tested is when the Bolsheviks actually took power and set up the Soviet state. In 1917, Russia saw two big upheavals: the February Revolution toppled the Tsar and produced a Provisional Government, but that government didn’t establish Bolshevik rule. The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, then seized the opportunity in October, marching on Petrograd, overthrowing the Provisional Government, and transferring authority to the soviets under Bolshevik control. This is the turning point that created the Soviet state, because it displaced the interim authority with a Bolshevik-led government and began implementing socialist policies. The other events are earlier misfires or unrelated steps: the July Days were a failed attempt to seize power, and Brest-Litovsk negotiations occurred after the seizure as Russia sought peace with Germany.

The moment being tested is when the Bolsheviks actually took power and set up the Soviet state. In 1917, Russia saw two big upheavals: the February Revolution toppled the Tsar and produced a Provisional Government, but that government didn’t establish Bolshevik rule. The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, then seized the opportunity in October, marching on Petrograd, overthrowing the Provisional Government, and transferring authority to the soviets under Bolshevik control. This is the turning point that created the Soviet state, because it displaced the interim authority with a Bolshevik-led government and began implementing socialist policies. The other events are earlier misfires or unrelated steps: the July Days were a failed attempt to seize power, and Brest-Litovsk negotiations occurred after the seizure as Russia sought peace with Germany.