ABSTRACT
In spite of the great enthusiasm and exaltation of feeling which prevailed, the Revolution was distinguished by seriousness and restraint and 'realism'. Only now and then was the businesslike progress of the Revolution lightened for a moment by flashes of enthusiasm and joy. The first of these manifestations of triumph and exaltation took place three days after the formation of the Soviet, when the Soviet decided to end the strike and recommence the work in the munition factories. The decision of the Soviet to commence work again so soon made a great impression. At the same time the Soviet recognised the urgency of proceeding with the elaboration of the economic demands of the workers. There was great enthusiasm on the return of Plekhanov, the founder of Russian Social Democracy, of Breshko-Breshkovskaia, the 'grandmother of the Revolution', and of Chernov, the leader of the Social Revolutionary Party.
