Late evening of October 26, 1917. Lenin stands before the Second Congress of Soviets. He grips the lectern. He has kept his audience waiting — it is nearly 9 PM — and now he waits himself, silent, as applause rolls over him. At last he bends forward and, in a hoarse voice, speaks his first, famous words to the gathering.

“We shall now proceed to construct the socialist order.” That provokes new delight. A roar.

Lenin follows the Left SRs, proposing the abolition of private property in land. With respect to the war, Congress issues a “proclamation to the peoples and governments of all the belligerent nations,” for immediate negotiation towards democratic peace. Approval is unanimous.