The first few months following the 1917 October Revolution in Russia were a frantic period for the new Soviet government of workers and peasants. Lenin and the Bolsheviks spent much of this time issuing decrees and appeals, designed to put their programme into effect and further win over the hearts and minds of the masses. James Kilby looks at the opening months of Soviet power.

Continuing our series of articles and videos celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution, Rob Sewell, editor of Socialist Appeal, answers the myths and distortions put forward by bourgeois academic and historian Orlando Figes in his recently re-released book, A People’s Tragedy.

We continue our week of articles and videos celebrating the centenary anniversary of the 1917 October Revolution with this video talk by Alan Woods.