Reasons for the success of the October Revolution, 1917Economic problems
Weakness of the Provisional Government, economic and social problems and continuation of the war led to growing unrest and support for the Soviets. Led by Lenin, the Bolsheviks seized power.
Economic difficulties had played a major role in Nicholas II's fall from power. The Provisional Government had very limited success in dealing with these problems:
The price of goods continued to increase
Food was in short supply
Fuel shortages made living conditions unbearable, especially during the harsh Russian winter
The government could not guarantee enough grain, ammunition or weapons for troops fighting in the war.
The government did not to solve the land issue in the countryside and the desire of peasants for control of more land was not met. As a result seizures of land from landowners became widespread.
The continuing economic crisis discredited the Provisional Government and strengthened the appeal of the Bolsheviks.