Soviet

Workers created soviets, councils of representatives that coordinated strikes and presented demands. The St Petersburg Soviet, formed in October, became an important organising centre; Leon Trotsky was a prominent member. Soviets allowed workers from different workplaces to act together rather than protest separately.

The Provisional Government remained in power, while soviets—councils representing workers and soldiers—also exercised political influence. Lenin wanted the revolution to go further: removing the Tsar was not enough if power remained with a government he regarded as serving capitalist interests.