Bolshevik Success in 1917

How and why were the Bolsheviks able to seize power in Russia in 1917? When the February Revolution of 1917 erupted, the Bolshevik’s were a minor concern and had no direct involvement in this initial bourgeoisie revolution. Prominent Bolshevik leaders like Lenin were abroad at the time and members were divided over the party’s purpose in Russia. Notwithstanding this, by 1922, the Bolshevik Party had assumed resolute power in Russia and consolidated their authority. Nicholas II’…

…Party. However, if we take the October coup as an isolated act of rebellion, can be legitimately argue that the Bolsheviks would necessarily have to have been popular, for the armed insurrection to have been initially successful. To reiterate, I do not dispute that their popularity was still vital to their maintenance of power, but like any armed coup, weapons and military support are often enough to take power, despite the feelings of the public.