The Sixth of July

On July 4, 1918 the Fifth All-Russian Congress of Soviets opens in Moscow amid hunger and upheaval. The session is marked by a split, with the Left Socialist-Revolutionaries challenging Bolshevik authority. Lenin delivers a keynote, and the congress ultimately endorses a Bolshevik resolution supporting the Council of People's Commissars.

Within the congress, the Left Socialist-Revolutionaries advocate rejecting the Brest-Litovsk treaty. Aleksandrov, a representative from the underground Ukrainian peasant congress, delivers a fiery speech urging deputies to oppose the treaty. The atmosphere intensifies as the Left SRs position themselves against the Bolshevik leadership.

Lenin speaks against waging war with the German Empire, arguing for a strategic stance that aligns with Bolshevik goals. Following his speech, the congress adopts a Bolshevik resolution endorsing the activities of the Council of People's Commissars. The mood shifts toward consolidating Bolshevik control over the revolutionary process.

On July 6, the Central Committee of the Left Socialist Revolutionary Party holds an emergency meeting. They resolve to physically eliminate the German ambassador Wilhelm von Mirbach to break the Brest-Litovsk treaty. The decision marks a turning point toward open rebellion.

The assassination of the German ambassador signals the outbreak of a broader uprising. The act triggers widespread chaos as revolutionary factions seize control of key city institutions. The event immediately escalates the confrontation between the Left SRs and the Bolsheviks.

Soon after Mirbach’s assassination, important city services fall into the hands of the revolutionaries. Buildings once held by the state are seized in quick succession as the revolt spreads through Moscow. The lack of centralized command prompts the need for rapid reorganization by the Bolsheviks.

As the uprising unfolds, security forces move against key Bolshevik figures, resulting in the arrest of Dzerzhinsky and Latsis. The arrests illustrate the depth of the political crisis and the volatility within Moscow's power struggle. The confrontation intensifies as both sides jockey for leverage.

A message arrives from Yaroslavl reporting a separate rebellion led by Socialist Revolutionary Boris Savinkov. The intelligence underscores a broader, nationwide challenge to Bolshevik authority. The city’s leaders must contend with simultaneous uprisings beyond Moscow.

By evening, the Bolsheviks deploy mass agitation among labor collectives and organize the defense of the city. Delegates are sent to workplaces to rally workers and coordinate resistance. The move signals a shift from lone protests to organized, state-backed defense.

The Bolsheviks resolve to counter the uprising not with volunteers but with an organized military force. This decision reflects the seriousness of the threat and the Bolsheviks’ intent to reclaim control quickly. The approach prioritizes discipline and centralized command over ad hoc volunteers.

At dawn, units of the Latvian Riflemen enter Moscow to bolster the defense. Their arrival marks a critical turning point in the battle to quell the uprising. Dense fighting continues as loyal forces regain ground from the rebels.

Danishevsky is sent to negotiate and completes his mission successfully. The negotiations aim to de-escalate the conflict and prevent further bloodshed. The attempt underscores attempts at diplomacy amidst civil upheaval.

After several hours of heavy fighting, the Left Socialist Revolutionary uprising is crushed. The resilience of loyal forces, aided by the Latvian Riflemen, brings Moscow back under Bolshevik control. The city braces for the aftermath and political consolidation.

On July 9, the Fifth All-Russian Congress of Soviets resumes its work, now operating under Bolshevik one-party rule. The shift marks the consolidation of power and the suppression of the LeftSR challenge. The event closes the immediate crisis and sets the stage for a new political era.