August 30-31
Liquidation of the the Kornilov mutiny.
August 31
The Petrograd Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies adopts Bolshevik resolution calling for the formation of a Soviet government.
The workers of the Franco-Russian, Novo-Admiralteisky, Trubochni and a number of other works in Petrograd, at factory meetings, adopt resolutions calling for the transfer of power to the Soviets and for the immediate arming of the workers.
September 1
Publication of resolutions adopted at workers’ meetings in the factories and works in Moscow calling for the transfer of power to the Soviets and for the arming of the workers.
Conference of Bolsheviks in the Western Region and on the Western Front opened in Minsk.
The revolutionary staff in Tsaritsyn issues order to arm the workers.
September 3
Lenin writes “Draft Resolution on the Current Political Situation.”
Pravda, which had been suppressed by the Provisional Government in the July days and since then had come out under different titles such as Soldatskaya Pravda, Rabochy i Soldat, Proletary, and Rabochy, after being suppressed again, comes out under the new title of Rabochy Put, the first issue of which contains Stalin’s article “The Crisis and the Directory.”
September 5
The Congress of Soviets of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies of Central Siberia opens in Krasnoyarsk. The Congress adopts Bolshevik resolution calling for the transfer of power to the Soviets.
The Moscow Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies adopts Bolshevik resolution calling upon the revolutionary proletariat and peasantry to fight to capture power. The Soviet adopts a decision to organise a Red Guard.
September 6
Rabochy Put publishes Stalin’s articles, “Going Its Own Way” and “Rupture with the Cadets.”
September 8
The workers’ section of the Petrograd Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies elects a Bolshevik presidium.
September 9
Rabochy Put publishes Stalin’s article, “The Second Wave.”
A general meeting of the workers of the Putilov Works adopts a Bolshevik resolution calling for the introduction of workers’ control of industry, for the abolition of the private ownership of the land, and for the arming of the workers.
A Gubernia Conference of Bolsheviks held in Tomsk. The conference adopts a resolution calling for the transfer of all power to the Soviets.
September 10-12
A conference of Bolshevik military organisation on the South-Western Front held in Kiev. The conference adopts a resolution calling for the transfer of all power to the Soviets.
September 10-14
Lenin writes pamphlet, The Threatening Catastrophe and How to Fight It.
September 12-14
Lenin writes letter of instruction to the Central Committee and the Petrograd and Moscow Committees of the Bolshevik Party headed “The Bolsheviks Must Assume Power.”
September 13-14
Lenin writes letter to Central Committee of the Bolshevik Party headed, “Marxism and Insurrection,” in which he once again strongly emphasises the necessity of an armed insurrection.
September 14
Publication of Lenin’s article “A Fundamental Question of the Revolution.”
The formation of staffs of the Red Guard completed in all districts of Petrograd.
The Democratic Conference opens in Petrograd.
September 15
The Central Committee of the Bolshevik Party discusses Lenin’s historic letters, “The Bolsheviks Must Assume Power,” and “Marxism and Insurrection.” On Stalin’s motion the Central Committee decides to have these letters copied and sent to all the important Party organisations. Kamenev’s treacherous proposal to conceal these letters from the Party is rejected.
The First North-Western Regional Bolshevik Conference opens in Minsk.
September 16
The Omsk Soviet passes a resolution insisting upon the immediate convocation of the All-Russian Congress of Soviets. It also decides to form a Red Guard.
Rabochy Put publishes Lenin’s article, “The Russian Revolution and Civil War. The Bogey of Civil War,” and Stalin’s article, “Two Lines.”
September 17
Lenin removes from Helsingfors to Vyborg. Rabochy Put publishes Stalin’s article, “All Power to the Soviets.”
September 19
Rabochy Put publishes Stalin’s article, “The Revolutionary Front.”
September 20
The Central Committee of the Bolshevik Party approves of the line pursued by Rabochy Put edited by Stalin as being in complete harmony with the line of the Central Committee, and rejects the statement of the opportunists who expressed displeasure at the determined Bolshevik line pursued by the paper.
September 21
Odessa Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies decides to organise a Red Guard.
September 22-24
Lenin writes article, “From a Publicist’s Diary. The Mistakes of Our Party.”
September 23
A meeting of the crew of the cruiser Aurora demands the transfer of power to the Soviets.
September 24-October 1
Lenin writes pamphlet, Can the Bolsheviks Retain State Power?
September 23
Third Coalition Provisional Government formed.
September 27
The Perm Regional Conference of Bolsheviks passes decision immediately to organise a Red Guard.
September 27
Lenin writes article, “The Crisis Has Matured.”
October 1
First Regional Conference of Bolsheviks opens in Petrograd.
October 1-2
Lenin writes manifesto “To the Workers, Peasants and Soldiers,” calling for the overthrow of Kerensky’s counter-revolutionary Provisional Government and for the seizure of power by the Soviets.
October 1-7
Lenin writes “Theses of Report at the Conference of Petrograd Organisations on October 8 and also of Resolution and Instructions to Delegates to Party Congress.”
October 2-7
First Regional Congress of Caucasian Bolshevik Organisations held in Tiflis. The Congress elects a Caucasian Bolshevik Regional Committee.
October 3
The Central Committee of the Bolshevik Party decides to call Lenin to Petrograd.
The Second Congress of the Baltic Fleet passes a resolution calling for the immediate removal of Kerensky from the government as an adventurer “who by his shameless political trickery on behalf of the bourgeoisie is disgracing and ruining the great revolution.”
A meeting of soldiers of the First Siberian Army Corps passes a Bolshevik resolution calling for the transfer of all power to the Soviets.
October 3-7
Lenin writes “Letter to the Central Committee, Moscow Committee, Petrograd Committee and to the Bolshevik Members of the Petrograd and Moscow Soviets.”
October 5
The Congress of Lettish Rifles of the 12th Army in Venden, supported by a meeting of 5,000 soldiers and workers, resolves vigorously to combat the counter-revolutionary Provisional Government under the slogan “All power to the Soviets!”
The Second Regional Conference of Bolsheviks in Byelorussia and on the Western Front held in Minsk.
October 6
The Congress of the Sixth Army Corps demands the immediate convocation of the Congress of Soviets and the establishment of a Soviet government.
A conference of Soviets of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies of the Petrograd Gubernia held in Kronstadt passes a resolution refusing to support the Provisional Government and calling for a fight to establish the power of the Soviets.
October 7
Lenin writes, “Letter to the Petrograd City Conference. To be Read in Closed Session.”
Lenin secretly arrives in Petrograd from Finland.
October 8
Lenin writes article, “Advice from an Outsider,” and “Letter to the Bolshevik Comrades Attending the Regional Congress of Soviets of the Northern Region.”
Publication of the Appeal of the Second Congress of the Baltic Fleet to the Oppressed of All Countries relating the heroic struggle the revolutionary sailors of the Baltic Fleet were waging against the German Fleet.
Demonstration of the garrison and workers in Ufa under the slogan “All power to the Soviets!”
October 9
The Petrograd Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies, on the motion of the Bolsheviks, decides to set up a Military Revolutionary Committee for the defence of Petrograd.
A mass meeting attended by many thousands of workers of the Obukhov Works in Petrograd passes a resolution calling for the overthrow of the bourgeois government and the establishment of a Soviet government.
October 10
Rabochy Put publishes Stalin’s article “The Counter-Revolution Is Mobilising—Prepare To Resist.”
A meeting of the Central Committee of the Bolshevik Party held, attended by Lenin. The Central Committee decides, on Lenin’s motion, to commence the armed insurrection within the next few days. At this meeting the Central Committee elects a Political Bureau.
October 11
Meeting of Putilov workers unanimously adopts resolution calling for the transfer of all power to the Soviets and for the arming of the working class.
October 11-13
Congress of Soviets of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies of the Northern Region held in Petrograd under Bolshevik leadership.
October 12
The Executive Committee of the Petrograd Soviet, in closed session, adopts regulations governing the activities of the Military Revolutionary Committee.
October 13
Rabochy Put publishes Stalin’s article, “Soviet Power.”
Rabochy Put publishes announcement of the formation by the Petrograd Soviet of a “Workers’ Guard Department.”
The Baku Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies accepts the resignation of the Menshevik and Socialist-Revolutionary Executive Committee. A Provisional Executive Committee of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies is elected with the Bolshevik Shaumyan as chairman.
October 13-15
Second Regional Congress of Soviets of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies of the Ekaterinburg Region held in Ekaterinburg. The Congress demands the immediate transfer of power to the Soviets and the convocation of the Second All-Russian Congress of Soviets on the appointed date.
October 14
The Minsk Executive Committee of the Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies elects a presidium consisting entirely of Bolsheviks.
October 15
Closed session of the Petrograd Committee of the Bolshevik Party held, which laid down the measures to be taken to prepare for armed insurrection in conformity with the decision of the Central Committee of October 10.
October 16
Meeting of the Central Committee of the Bolshevik Party jointly with the representatives of Party organisations held, at which the question of armed insurrection was discussed. On Lenin’s motion, the meeting adopts decision to prepare for armed insurrection.
A Party Centre, headed by Stalin, is set up for the purpose of guiding the insurrection.
The Petrograd Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies adopts decision to organise “Petrograd Soviet Day,” on October 22.
A Regional Congress of Soviets of the Volga Region held in Saratov passes resolution calling for the transfer of power to the Soviets.
A Congress of Soviets of the Vladimir Gubernia elects a Bolshevik Executive Committee. Power is practically in the hands of the Soviets.
October 16-17
Lenin writes “Letter to Comrades,” in which he subjects to withering criticism the treacherous utterances of Zinoviev and Kamenev against armed insurrection.
October 16-24
First All-Siberian Congress of Soviets held in Irkutsk. Congress passes resolution calling for the transfer of power to the Soviets and elects the first Central Executive Committee of Soviets of Siberia (Centrosibir).
October 17
All-Russian Conference of Factory Committees opens in Petrograd. Conference expresses itself in favour of the transfer of power to the Soviets and adopts all resolutions proposed by the Bolsheviks.
Regional Conference of Soviets of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies of the South-Western Region held in Kiev passes resolution calling for the transfer of power to the Soviets.
October 18
Novaya Zhizn, No. 156, publishes statement by traitors Zinoviev and Kamenev that they “in the given circumstances” were “opposed to any attempt to assume the initiative in the armed insurrection.”
Forewarned by the traitors, the Provisional Government decides to take measures against the anticipated Bolshevik action.
Lenin writes “Letter to the Members of the Bolshevik Party” denouncing the treachery of Zinoviev and Kamenev.
A meeting of the men of the Ismailovsky Guards Regiment expresses the readiness of the regiment to support the Petrograd Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies in the struggle to transfer all power to the Soviets.
A closed meeting of representatives of Regimental and Company Committees of the Petrograd garrison held in the Smolny and attended by representatives of nearly all the army units in Petrograd and its environs, expresses itself in favour of armed insurrection.
October 19
Lenin writes “Letter to the Central Committee of the R.S.D.L.P. (Bolsheviks)” demanding the expulsion of Zinoviev and Kamenev from the Party.
A meeting of the Chasseur Guards Reserve Regiment announces its refusal to obey the Provisional Government and its recognition of the sole power of the Petrograd Soviet, and demands the transfer of power to the Soviets.
Provisional Government troops wreck the Kaluga Soviet. The Kaluga garrison, sympathetic to the Bolsheviks, offers armed resistance.
October 20
Lenin writes an article entitled “A New Fraud Practised on the Peasants by the Socialist-Revolutionary Party.”
A conference of factory and oilfield committees of the Balakhan District of the Baku Oilfields passes resolution calling for the transfer of power to the Soviets and for the immediate formation of a Red Guard.
On the night of October 20 the Petrograd Military Revolutionary Committee appoints Commissars to all units of the Petrograd garrison.
October 20-26
The First Far-Eastern Regional Congress of Trade Unions held in Vladivostok. The Congress expresses itself in favour of transferring all power to the Soviets and of supporting the Second Congress of Soviets in Petrograd.
October 21
A meeting of representatives of Regimental Committees of the Petrograd garrison passes resolution pledging full support for the Military Revolutionary Committee and calling for the convocation of the Second Congress of Soviets. The meeting proposes that “Petrograd Soviet Day” (October 22) serve as a review of the forces of the Petrograd soldiers and workers.
The Tashkent Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies, meeting jointly with Company and Regimental Committees, discusses instructions to be given to its delegate to the Second All-Russian Congress of Soviets and adopts resolution, moved by the Bolsheviks, calling for the transfer of all power to the Soviets.
The Central Committee of the Bolshevik Party, after hearing Dzerzhinsky’s report, decides to strengthen the Executive Committee of the Petrograd Soviet by securing the co-option of a group of comrades headed by Stalin and Dzerzhinsky.
October 22
“Petrograd Soviet Day” held in Petrograd. Huge mass meetings held in army units and factories under Bolshevik influence.
The cruiser Aurora receives orders from the Soviet not to leave Petrograd.
In Tsaritsyn a demonstration of workers is held under Bolshevik leadership and proclaims the slogan, “All power to the Soviets!”
The Congress of the Fifth Army held in Dvinsk elects an Army Executive Committee headed by Bolsheviks.
October 23
The Military Revolutionary Committee of the Petrograd Soviet issues an appeal “To the Inhabitants of Petrograd,” announcing the appointment of Commissars to the military units and to specially important points in the capital and its environs.
October 24
Stalin and Sverdlov, members of the Party Centre set up to direct the armed insurrection, jointly with the Bureau of the Military Revolutionary Committee, draw up detailed plan of the insurrection.
By order of the Military Revolutionary Committee, all army units are prepared for action.
Provisional Government hastily takes measures to prevent the insurrection.
All cadet schools are prepared for action. Cadet patrols occupy important points in the city.
The Provisional Government orders the suppression of Rabochy Put and Soldat, and the immediate arrest of the Bolsheviks who took part in the events of July 3-4.
Petrograd Military Area Headquarters issues an order for the removal and prosecution of the Commissars of the Military Revolutionary Committee who had been appointed to the military units.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Petrograd Military Area orders the immediate disconnection of telephones of the Petrograd Soviet and the raising of the bridges in order to cut off the working-class districts from the centre.
At 10 a.m., by Stalin’s orders, the Red Guards and revolutionary soldiers drive back the Provisional Government’s armoured cars and post a reinforced guard at the printing and editorial offices of Rabochy Put.
At 11 a.m. Rabochy Put appears containing Stalin’s leading article, “What Do We Need?”
The garrison of the Fortress of Peter and Paul goes over to the side of the insurgents. All day arms are issued to the army units and the Red Guards from the arsenal of the fortress.
The cruiser Aurora is ordered by the Military Revolutionary Committee to lower the bridges across the Neva.
In the evening Lenin writes his “Letter to the Members of the Central Committee” in which he demands the immediate commencement of the armed insurrection.
At night Lenin arrives at the Smolny.
October 25
At 10 a.m. the Petrograd Military Revolutionary Committee issues manifesto “To the Citizens of Russia,” written by Lenin, announcing the overthrow of Kerensky’s bourgeois government and the transfer of power to the Military Revolutionary Committee.
At 2:35 p.m. the Special Extraordinary Session of the Petrograd Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies opens and the announcement is made of the overthrow of the Provisional Government and of the transfer of power to the Soviets. Lenin delivers report on the victory of the revolution and the tasks of the Soviet Government.
At 2 a.m. on October 26, units of the Red Guard, revolutionary sailors and soldiers capture the Winter Palace. The Provisional Government is arrested.
October 25-27
At 10:40 p.m. on October 25, the Second All-Russian Congress of Soviets of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies opens in Petrograd. The Congress adopts the manifesto “To the Workers, Soldiers and Peasants!” written by Lenin. On the night of October 26-27 the Congress ratifies the decrees on peace, the land and the formation of the workers’ and peasants’ government—the Council of People’s Commissars. Lenin is elected Chairman of the Council of People’s Commissars and Stalin, People’s Commissar for National Affairs.
October 25
The Moscow Committee of the Bolshevik Party adopts decision to set up a fighting centre to direct the insurrection.
The joint meeting of the Moscow Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies adopts a resolution moved by the Bolsheviks to organise a revolutionary committee for the purpose of rendering every assistance to Petrograd.
Moscow Red Guards occupy the Post and Telegraph Offices and Telephone Exchange.
Moscow Mensheviks, Socialist-Revolutionaries, Constitutional Democrats and representatives of other counter-revolutionary parties form counter-revolutionary centre known as the “Committee of Public Safety.”
Soviet Government is established in Minsk, Vladimir, Ivanovo-Voznesensk, Lugansk, Orekhovo-Zuyevo, Kronstadt and Yuryev.
A North-Western Military Revolutionary Committee is set up in Pskov, consisting of representatives of the Petrograd and Pskov Soviets, of the army, railwaymen and a number of other organisations.
October 26
The Moscow Military Revolutionary Committee issues or-der to the garrison to prepare all army units for action.
The Moscow Regional Committee and Regional Bureau of the Bolshevik Party pass decision to cease all further negotiations with the Whiteguards and issue instructions to the fighting centres to continue determined operations.
The Moscow Military Revolutionary Committee, on the instructions of the Party Centre, suppresses the bourgeois newspapers Russkoye Slovo, Utro Rossii, Russkiye Vedomosti and Ranneye Utro.
Soviet Government established in Kazan, Rostov-on-Don, Ufa, Ryazan, Ekaterinburg, Kamenets-Podolsk, Reval and Venden.
October 27
Pravda, the central organ of the Bolshevik Party, resumes publication in place of Rabochy Put.
The Soviet Government issues radio message to belligerent powers making peace proposals.
In Petrograd the Central Committee of the Navy, which supported the counter-revolutionary “Committee for the Salvation of the Country and the Revolution," is dissolved. The Naval Revolutionary Committee issues a manifesto calling for support for the Soviet Government.
The Moscow Military Revolutionary Committee rejects the ultimatum of the Commander of the Troops of the Moscow Military Area and calls upon the workers and soldiers to fight.
The first armed collision between the revolutionary troops and the cadets takes place in the Red Square in Moscow.
Soviet Government established in Samara, Saratov, Vitebsk and Yaroslavl.
October 27-31
Soviet Government established in Tashkent.
October 28
Soviet Government established in Nizhni-Novgorod and Tver.
The cadets by a treacherous ruse capture the Kremlin and slaughter the revolutionary garrison.
October 29
The counter-revolutionary mutiny of the cadets in Petrograd is suppressed.
Soviet Government established in Krasnoyarsk.
October 30
Soviet Government established in Voronezh and Gomel.
Moscow Cadets violate the armistice and resume hostilities.
October 30-31
Soviet Government established in Smolensk.
October 31
Representatives of the First, Second, Third, Fifth, Eighth, Tenth and Twelfth Armies inform the Petrograd Military Revolutionary Committee that they fully support the Soviet Government.
General Krasnov’s troops defeated on the Pulkovo Hills. Soviet troops occupy Tsarskoye Selo. White Cossacks retreat to Gatchina.
November 1
Soviet troops occupy Gatchina. General Krasnov and Kerensky’s staff arrested. The Cossacks go over to the side of the revolutionary troops.
Soviet Government established in Orel.
November 2
The Council of People’s Commissars publishes “The Declaration of Rights of the Peoples of Russia,” signed by Lenin and Stalin.
At 9 p.m. the Moscow Military Revolutionary Committee issues an order to the troops reporting the victory of the socialist revolution in Moscow.
Soviet Government established in Pskov. The Baku Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies proclaims the establishment of Soviet Government in Baku.
November 3
At 3 a.m. Moscow Red Guards occupy Kremlin, thus consummating the victory of the revolution in Moscow.
November 4
Soviet Government established in Tsaritsyn.
Molotov is appointed Vice-Chairman of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee.
November 5
Lenin, on behalf of the Council of People’s Commissars writes manifesto “To the Population” announcing the final victory of the proletarian revolution in Petrograd and Moscow, and outlining the tasks of the struggle for the establishment of Soviet Government in the provinces.
November 7
Third Congress of the Tenth Army opens in Molodechno. The Congress elects a new Army Committee on which the Bolsheviks have a majority, and a Military Revolutionary Committee.
November 8
On Lenin’s motion J. M. Sverdlov is elected Chairman of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee.
November 9
Lenin, on behalf of the Council of People’s Commissars, writes “A Radio Message to All” announcing the dismissal of Dukhonin, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, for refusing to obey the Soviet Government, and the appointment of a new Supreme Commander-in-Chief.
November 10
The All-Russian Central Executive Committee ratifies “Decree on the Abolition of Estates and Civil Rank.”
November 10-25
Extraordinary All-Russian Congress of Soviets of Peasants’ Deputies held in Petrograd.
November 14
The All-Russian Central Executive Committee adopts “Regulations Governing Workers’ Control” [of industry].
Soviet Government established in Novgorod.
November 15
The Central Executive Committee of Soviets of Peasants’ Deputies amalgamates with the All-Russian Central Executive Committee.
November 15-21
The Third Regional Congress of Soviets held in Tashkent elects a Council of People’s Commissars and a Central Executive Committee of Soviets for the Turkestan Region. The Congress passes a resolution proclaiming the transfer of power in the provinces to local Soviets and the organisation of Soviet of Mohammedan Workers’ Deputies.
November 18
Soviet Government established in Vladivostok and Moghilev.
Extraordinary Congress of Armies of the South-Western Front opens in Berdichev. The Congress elects a Military Revolutionary Committee which in its Order No. 1 announces that supreme power in the country is vested in the Council of People’s Commissars.
November 18-20
Third Congress of Soviets of Peasants’ Deputies of the Minsk and Vitebsk Gubernias held in Minsk under Bolshevik leadership. The Congress proclaims Byelorussia an inseparable part of revolutionary Russia.
November 19
Soviet Government established in Irkutsk.
November 20
Counter-revolutionary mutiny at Army Headquarters in Moghilev suppressed. Headquarters occupied by Soviet troops.
November 22
The Council of People’s Commissars issues an appeal “To All Toiling Mohammedans in Russia and in the East” signed by Lenin and Stalin.
Soviet Government established in Kishinev (Bessarabia).
November 25
The Council of People’s Commissars issues an appeal to the toiling Cossacks announcing the gains of the October Revolution and calling for u struggle against counter-revolution.
The Council of People’s Commissars issues an appeal “To the Entire Population” calling for a struggle against the counter-revolutionary General Kaledin and Ataman Dutov.
Soviet Government established in Vyatka.
November 26
Soviet Government established in Kursk.
November 27
Soviet Government established in Samarkand.
November 28
On Lenin’s motion the Council of People’s Commissars adopts the “Decree to Arrest the Leaders of the Civil War Against the Revolution.
Soviet Government established in Kaluga.
November 29
Soviet Government established in Harbin.
November 30
Soviet Government established in Omsk.
December 1
The All-Russian Central Executive Committee ratifies decree on the organisation of a Supreme Council of National Economy.
Soviet Government established in Novorossiisk.
December 2
Soviet Government established in Kostroma.
White Cossack bands led by Ataman Kaledin capture Rostov-on-Don.
December 3-5
First Regional Congress of Bolsheviks in the Ukraine held in Kiev.
December 4
The Council of People’s Commissars of the R.S.F.S.R. issues a manifesto to the Ukrainian people recognising their right to self-determination and calling upon them to put a stop to the counter-revolutionary activities of the Ukrainian Central Rada.
December 5
Soviet Government established in Ashkhabad.
The Military Revolutionary Committee of the Petrograd Soviet is dissolved and its functions transferred to Department of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee for Combating Counter-Revolution.
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