Lenin - October 1917-1924

• Great influence on revolutionary movement - often in exile. 
• Major role in Bols seizure of power, establishment of Communist rule in Russia. 
• Revisionist historians - Lenin laid base for future Communist leaders to build on. 
• Stalin & Khrushchev - thought to have continued Leninist ideas & policies rather than introducing own style of Communism. 

Political: 

• Jan 1918 - 3rd All Russian Congress of Soviets - shut down Constituent Assembly, announced establishment of Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. Governed by All-Russian Congress of Soviets - Central Executive Committee & Council of People's Commissars. Sovnarkom. 
• In theory meant people should be represented directly - new organs of gov dominated by Bols. 
• March 1918 - Lenin authorised signing of Treaty of Brest-Litvosk - ended Russia's involvement in WW1.

Social:

• Divorce & abortions permitted. Education open to workers, drive for literacy & education. 
• Working class greatly encouraged to attend university. 
• NEP introduced - result of devastating effects of 1921 famine. 
• Labour resources geared to war effort - militarisation of labour. 
• Workers expected to focus on producing goods essential to winning war.
• Decrees passed - Decree on peace, civil marriage & divorce made easier. Institute for protection of mothers and children formed. Commissariat of public education - education out of hands of Church. All titles abolished - everyone 'comrade' - attempt to establish equality in Russia - traditionally socialist principle. 

Economic: 

• 1917 - Lenin introduce State Capitalism - complete control of economy by state before dictatorship of Proletariat established. Reinforced by Decree on…