Lenin's Government: Sovnarkom 1917-1922

In the aftermath of the 1917 revolution, Lenin and the Bolsheviks faced the formidable task of reshaping the political landscape of Russia. This period of tumult and transformation is examined through the lens of the Soviet government, known as Sovnarkom, which served as a new administrative body during these critical years. The book explores the challenges and strategies of a government intent on dismantling the old regime while attempting to stabilize a nation steeped in chaos. Rigby delves into the intricacies of policy-making and governance as the Bolsheviks navigated the complexities of war, economic hardship, and political dissent.

Through rigorous analysis, the author reveals how Lenin's vision was not only about the overthrow of the Tsarist system but also about establishing a new framework for governance that would drive the revolutionary goals of socialism. As the narrative unfolds, readers gain insight into the interactions between leaders, the bureaucratic processes, and the societal impacts of these formative years, shedding light on the foundation of the Soviet state.