Explain why the combination of circumstances surrounding the 1917 October Revolution presented the Bolsheviks with an unique opportunity to seize power.

"The thirst and yearning for a strong government are such in the provinces that, if they should be put to serious test in this respect, they are ready to follow any strong government, whatever its origin." Following the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the refusal of the throne of his brother, Michael, the Duma members hastily formed a provisional government. It is important to note that this organisation did not originally plan to govern …

…Bolsheviks' ability to restore it. Bibliography ABRAMOVITCH, Rapheal, R.; The Soviet Revolution 1917-1939; (1962, London) CARR, Edward, Hallett; The Bolshevik Revolution 1917-1923; (1950, London) FOOTMAN, David; The Russian Revolutions; (1962, London) ROGGER, Hans; SHUKMAN, Harold (ed.) Russia in the age of Modernisation and Revolution 1881-1917 (1983, New York) WALKIN, Jacob; The Rise of Democracy in Pre-Revolutionary Russia; (1963, Great Britain) WESTWOOD, J.N.; The Short Oxford History of the Modern World; Endurance and Endeavour; Russian History 1812-1992; Fourth Edition (1993, USA)