“The most important factor in the Bolsheviks successfully consolidating their hold on power after the October Revolution was the ending of the war.”

The ending of war was a key concession that was necessary to consolidate Bolshevik power, as it was what majority of Russia had wanted. However, the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk did create great discontent due to its harsh terms, which can only suggest that other factors were more important to allow the Bolsheviks to consolidate their power. Other concessions that were made, such as the Decree on Land, had appealed to the peasants whom made up 70% of the Population, gaining their support. In addition, the use of political oppression and the Cheka established a foundation of fear within Russia, which was essential in ensuring potential enemies and threats were eliminated in order to stay in power. The Bolsheviks were further able to consolidate their power through the Civil War, where War Communism was established, during this period the party were able to increase its centralisation without question; civil war was a time where it was a necessity to control every political and economic aspect of Russia. Although the ending of war was a major concession that showed how the Bolsheviks were following through with their policies, it was not the most important factor towards their consolidation.