History of Modern Europe: How the Bolsheviks Managed to Come to Power In Russia Even Though They Were Neither The Greatest Nor the Most Influential Movement Before 1917. This paper will explain the emergence of a totalitarian state under Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union after 1917 and how the Bolsheviks came to power in spite of the fact that they were neither the greatest nor the most influential movement in Russia at the time. 8 pgs. 15 f/c. 2b. Pages: 8 Bibliography: 2 source(s) listed Filename: 3233 Bolsheviks Power Russia.doc Price: 71.60