Answer: The April Theses were presented by Vladimir Lenin. After returning to Russia from exile during the Russian Revolution of 1917, Lenin delivered a speech on April 4th, outlining his political vision and agenda. These theses were a set of ten directives that called for immediate action and outlined Lenin's plan for the Bolshevik Party.
Here are some key points about the April Theses:
1. Lenin's April Theses aimed to redirect the revolution towards a socialist path. He argued for the transfer of power to the Soviets (workers' councils) and the end of the provisional government.
2. Lenin called for an end to the war, advocating for a peace without annexations or indemnities. He argued for the withdrawal of Russia from World War I, which was seen as a popular demand among the war-weary population.
3. The April Theses also emphasized the need for land redistribution to the peasants. Lenin believed that the revolution should support the interests of the working class and the peasantry, who were the majority of the population.
4. Lenin's theses challenged the moderate policies of the Provisional Government and pushed for radical socialist changes. They called for the overthrow of the bourgeoisie and the establishment of a socialist state.
5. The April Theses played a significant role in shaping the course of the Russian Revolution. They set the stage for the Bolshevik Party's rise to power and provided a blueprint for their actions in the following months.
In summary, the April Theses were presented by Vladimir Lenin as a series of directives that outlined his vision for the Russian Revolution. They called for the transfer of power to the Soviets, an end to the war, land redistribution, and the establishment of a socialist state.