In early 1921, the Bolsheviks, led by the Communist Party, recognized Georgia as a critical frontier in their attempts to secure Soviet dominance in the Caucasus region. Preceding the revolt, local Bolshevik factions engaged in covert organizing, garnering support from workers and disillusioned soldiers. As political conditions in Georgia deteriorated, marked by economic distress and discontent with the Menshevik-led government, the stage was set for an armed uprising. The Bolshevik revolt formally began on February 12, supported by a mix of local militias and Soviet operatives. It was timed strategically to anticipate the arrival of the Red Army, which would follow to consolidate control over Georgia.

The insurrection was characterized by clashes in urban areas, particularly in Tbilisi, where Bolshevik activists and their sympathizers sought to rally the populace against the existing government. This move not only served to disrupt governmental stability but also aimed to inspire loyalty among workers and soldiers. By controlling key installations and communication lines, the Bolsheviks aimed to undermine the authority of the Menshevik government swiftly. The revolt represented a culmination of several months of political maneuvering and grassroots organization by the Bolsheviks and set off a sequence of events leading to the formal invasion of the Red Army soon after.

Ultimately, this insurrection was deeply rooted in the complex interplay of local political struggles, the response of the Bolsheviks to emerging nationalisms, and their desire to reinforce Soviet influence. As the Bolsheviks gained ground, what followed was a systematic incorporation of Georgia into the Soviet Union, forever changing the political landscape of the region. This marked the beginning of a long struggle against independence movements and laid the foundation for the history of Soviet control in Georgia.