Ten Days That Shook the World · Chapter
Two Decrees explained
The chapter presents two early decrees of the Soviet government: the Decree on the Press, which justifies temporary restrictions on bourgeois newspapers as a necessary measure against counterrevolution, and the Decree on Workers' Militia, w
What happens
The chapter presents two early decrees of the Soviet government: the Decree on the Press, which justifies temporary restrictions on bourgeois newspapers as a necessary measure against counterrevolution, and the Decree on Workers' Militia, which calls for the formation of armed workers' units under Soviet control, a key step in building the Red Guards.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional peak occurs when the narrator, after witnessing the destruction of sacred and historic Kremlin s…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Workers' Control and Economic Transformation
The Decree on Workers' Militia empowers Soviets to arm workers, placing military force under working-class control.
- Counterrevolution and Civil War
The Decree on the Press targets counterrevolutionary newspapers, framing them as weapons of the bourgeoisie.
- Struggle for Legitimacy and Power
The decrees assert the new government's authority to restrict freedoms and mobilize armed force in the name of revolution.
Characters to notice
- Vladimir Lenin
Signed the Decree on the Press as President of the Council of People's Commissars.
- Alexei Rykov
Signed the Decree on Workers' Militia as People's Commissar of the Interior.
Key passages
“the bourgeois press is one of the most powerful weapons of the bourgeoisie. Especially in this critical moment, when the new authority of the workers and peasants is in process of consolidation, it is impossible to leave it in the hands of the enemy, at a time when it is not less dangerous than bombs and machine-guns.”
The Bolsheviks argued that the bourgeois press was as dangerous as weapons during the revolutionary consolidation, justifying its suppression.
Lenin's decree frames press censorship as a temporary military necessity.
“This decree encouraged the formation of companies of Red Guards all over Russia, which became the most valuable arm of the Soviet Government in the ensuing civil war.”
The decree on workers' militia led to the widespread creation of Red Guard units, which proved essential for the Soviet government during the civil war.
Reed's commentary highlights the practical outcome of the decree.
