IN the interval between the signing and the ratifica-
tion of the peace treaty with Germany, the Soviet
Government shifted its residence on March 11,
1918, from Petrograd to Moscow. The Fourth
Congress of Soviets declared Moscow to be the capital
of the Soviet Republic. The outward change was full of
inner meaning. From that time began a new phase in
the life of the Soviet Government. In truth it was only
then that Lenin began to feel himself master of the
situation in Russia. And from this fact there followed
extremely important conclusions for his whole policy.

Lenin formulated the "three historic tasks of the Bol-
shevik party" in an article on the tasks of the Soviet
power that he wrote in March or April, 1918, as fol-
lows: "First, to convince the majority of the people of
the correctness of its program and tactics. . . . Second,
to conquer political power and put down the opposition
of the exploiters. . . . Third, to organize the adminis-
tration of Russia."

In Lenin's opinion, the first two tasks were accom-
plished in the period from November 7, 1917, to Feb-
ruary, 1918. Now, in April, 1918, there came up the
third task: "We, as the Bolshevik party, convinced
Russia. We conquered Russia from the rich for the
poor, from the exploiters for the workers. We must now
direct Russia." The new task, the solid organization

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