Formation of the First Council of People's Commissars

November 8th, 1917

November 8th, 1917

Formation of the First Council of People's Commissars
How Long Ago?

107 years, 4 months, 7 days ago

Location

Moscow, Russia

Category

Politics & Government

People
  • Joseph Stalin
  • Leon Trotsky
  • Vladimir Lenin
Links & References
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Formation of the First Council of People's Commissars

The First Council of People's Commissars was formed with Vladimir Lenin as its head, along with key figures Leon Trotsky and Joseph Stalin. This council was established following the Bolshevik Revolution, which led to the overthrow of the Provisional Government in Russia. It marked a significant shift in power towards the Bolsheviks, who aimed to implement a socialist agenda. The council served as the executive authority in the newly formed Soviet government, laying the groundwork for future governance in Soviet Russia.

Vladimir Lenin was the head of the council.

Trotsky managed foreign affairs for the Bolsheviks.

Stalin oversaw nationalities and ethnic policies.

The council aimed to implement socialist reforms.

What Happened?

In the wake of the October Revolution, the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, established the First Council of People's Commissars as the new governing body of Russia. This council included prominent Bolshevik leaders such as Leon Trotsky, who served as the Commissar for Foreign Affairs, and Joseph Stalin, who held the position of Commissar for Nationalities. The formation of this council was a crucial turning point, as it signaled the dismantling of the existing Provisional Government that had been in power since the February Revolution earlier that year. The establishment was a response to the need for a structured government to manage the sweeping changes that the revolution had brought about, particularly in the wake of war and civil strife.The council took immediate actions to address the pressing issues facing the Russian populace, including land distribution to peasants, peace negotiations with Germany, and the establishment of workers' rights. Lenin's leadership reinforced the Bolshevik ideology of 'Peace, Land, and Bread,' and aimed to consolidate power among the workers and peasants. The decisions made by the council were pivotal; they not only transformed Russian society at the moment but also set a precedent for future governance in the Soviet Union.The creation of the First Council was marked by a deep ideological commitment to constructing a socialist state that would, in the vision of the Bolsheviks, lead to the eventual establishment of a classless society. In the subsequent years, this council would evolve, facing numerous challenges including civil war and foreign intervention, yet it laid the foundations for the emergence of the Soviet Union as a global superpower.

Why Does it Matter?

This formation is interesting because it marked the establishment of a new political order in Russia, shifting power dramatically towards the Bolsheviks. The Council of People's Commissars played a critical role in shaping Soviet policy and governance, influencing international relations and the spread of communist ideology worldwide. Its legacy continued to affect global politics throughout the 20th century.

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