Background
Petrovskii, Grigorii was born on February 4, 1878 in Khar’kov.
Petrovskii, Grigorii was born on February 4, 1878 in Khar’kov.
As a young worker, joined the Social Democratic Party, 1897. Underground revolutionary work mainly in Ekaterinoslav (renamed later Dnepropetrovsk in his honour). Revolutionary leader in Ekaterinoslav during the 1905 Revolution.
Emigrated to Germany, 1906. Elected member of the 4th Duma for Ekaterinoslav, 1912. As leader of the Bolshevik faction of the Duma, made many anti-government speeches.
Kept in touch with Lenin, who was abroad. Publisher of Pravda. 1913. In November 1914, arrested with other Bolshevik members of the Duma.
Sent toTurukhansk, February 1915. After the October Revolution 1917, became commissar of Iakutia. Returned to Petrograd, June 1917.
Took part in the Bolshevik take-over, November
1916. Minister of the Interior in the 1st Soviet government, November 1917- March 1919. Signed the peace agree
ment with Germany at Brest-Litovsk,
1917.
One of the few old Bolsheviks who remained in favour during the Stalin years. Deputy director of the Museum of Revolution from 1940. Candidate member of the Politburo, 1926-1939.