When the February Revolution of 1917 erupted, the Bolshevik's were a minor concern and had no direct involvement in this initial bourgeoisie revolution. Prominent Bolshevik leaders like Lenin were abroad at the time and members were divided over the party's purpose in Russia. Notwithstanding this, by 1922, the Bolshevik Party had assumed resolute power in Russia and consolidated their authority. Nicholas II's abdication had created political instability in Russia, leaving the Provisional Government in Petrograd to assumed power over Russia. Unfortunately, the Provisional Government lacked legitimacy to justify its actions.

There was no tradition of government rule in Russia and many people were actually opposed to it. As a self-appointed body, many questioned the Government's authority to rule. The Provisional Government also lacked a charismatic leader, which only aggravated the situation. Despite attempts to ameliorate their position like the appointment of Alexander Kerensky as leader, even his political talent could not improve the PG's popularity.

Historians recognise that the Provisional Government's continuance of the war was a significant influe

Lenin's Bolsheviks were seemingly committed to a revolution for the workers, securing these workers as their main power base. He was also eager to capture support of rural peasants regarding the land issue. His catchphrase "Peace, Bread, Land", became extremely popular with the peasantry, encompassing an end to war, land reform and an improved food supply.

Despite the misfortune of the "July Days" (worker uprising that Bolsheviks were ultimately forced to support), the Bolsheviks were able to manipulate these events, increasing their solidarity and association with the workers, who looked towards the Bolshevik leadership for guidance.

However, revolutionary elements surfaced under the new less repressive Provisional Government, creating the Soviet. While the Provisional Government ran the Russia in principle, they were only in command whilst the Soviets permitted them to be so. For example, Soviet Order Number One stated that the people were to obey orders given by the Provisional Government, as long as they did not contradict Soviet orders. The Petrograd Soviet consisted of a multitude of parties, such as the SRs, Mensheviks and Bolsheviks. Although all were dedicated to turning Russia in an independent socialist state, their ideas of how this should be accomplished differed greatly. Once the Bolsheviks had achieved a majority on 31str August 1917, they were able to manipulate the other parties.

This event presented the Provisional Government as weak and vulnerable. It also strengthened the Bolsheviks, by presenting them as the defenders of Petrograd and increasing their support in the city. The weapons that were distributed by the PG were given to the Red Army and used in the October revolution and Civil War. The Bolshevik's began the coup by seizing key points in the city on 7 November. After a

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