How Important was Russia’s Continued Involvement in the First World War as a Reason for Increased Support for the Bolsheviks Between March and November 1917?

The First World War had a catastrophic impact on Russia. By 1917, the once-great empire teetered on the brink of collapse, crippled by military defeats, economic ruin, and widespread social unrest. While Russia's continued involvement in the war undoubtedly fueled popular discontent, the question of how crucial it was in boosting support for the Bolsheviks between March and November 1917 is complex and requires a nuanced analysis.

The war's disastrous consequences undeniably played into the Bolsheviks' hands. The Provisional Government's fateful decision to continue fighting alongside the Allies proved deeply unpopular. The disastrous Kerensky Offensive in June 1917 epitomized the war's futility, resulting in millions of casualties and mass desertions. The sight of demoralized, mutinous soldiers returning from the front lines fueled anti-war sentiment and undermined the Provisional Government's authority. The Bolsheviks, with their simple but powerful slogan of "Peace, Bread, Land," offered a seemingly viable alternative.

Moreover, the war exacerbated Russia's already dire economic situation. The Tsarist regime’s mismanagement, coupled with the war's demands, created shortages of food and fuel in major cities. Rampant inflation eroded the value of wages, leading to widespread hardship. As Orlando Figes argues in "A People's Tragedy," “The bread queues were the real driving force behind the revolution." The Bolsheviks, expertly exploiting these grievances, portrayed themselves as champions of the working class, promising to end the war and alleviate their suffering.

However, attributing the Bolsheviks' rise solely to the war's impact risks overlooking other crucial factors. The weakness and indecision of the Provisional Government played a significant role. While attempting to appease both revolutionary forces and the old elite, they satisfied neither. The dual power system, with the Petrograd Soviet acting as a rival center of authority, further undermined their legitimacy.

The land question, a perennial issue in Russia, remained unresolved. Peasants, eager to seize land from the nobility, found little solace in the Provisional Government's promises. The Bolsheviks capitalized on this discontent, promising immediate land redistribution. As Sheila Fitzpatrick points out in "The Russian Revolution," the Bolsheviks’ success lay in their ability "to adapt their program to the demands of the moment."

Furthermore, the Bolsheviks' success owed much to their effective propaganda and organization under the leadership of Lenin and Trotsky. They skillfully exploited events like the July Days and the Kornilov Affair to their advantage, portraying themselves as defenders of the revolution against counter-revolutionary forces. Their control of key communication networks, such as the printing presses and workers' committees, proved invaluable in spreading their message and mobilizing support.

In conclusion, while Russia's continued involvement in the First World War created fertile ground for the Bolsheviks' rise by exacerbating existing social, economic, and political tensions, it was not the sole determining factor. The Provisional Government's weakness, the unresolved land issue, and the Bolsheviks' astute leadership and propaganda were equally, if not more, crucial in their ascent to power. The Bolsheviks did not merely ride the wave of war-weariness; they actively shaped the revolutionary narrative to their advantage, ultimately steering Russia toward a new, uncertain future.