4. The July Days: counter-revolution within the revolution

As Alan discusses, revolution is not a one-act drama; it is not a linear process of radicalisation and ascent. Within any revolution, there are ebbs and flows.

During the course of 1917, counter-revolution reared its head in the month of July. Terrified by the outbreak of mass spontaneous armed demonstrations with the slogan “All Power to the Soviets”, the Provisional Government took measures to suppress the leaders of the Revolution. The Bolshevik offices and printing press were shut down, whilst Lenin was driven into hiding.

These events marked a turning point in the revolution. From this moment on, dual power had ended. Only two options remained: either the forces of reaction would crush