The most important factor in the Bolsheviks successfully consolidating their hold on power after the October Revolution was the ending of the war.

While the end of World War I certainly played a role in the Bolsheviks’ consolidation of power, there were other factors that were equally if not more important. Here are some key factors that contributed to their success:

1. Leadership and organization: The Bolsheviks, under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin, had a clear vision for what they wanted to achieve and were highly organized in their efforts to achieve it. They were able to mobilize resources and supporters effectively, which helped them to consolidate their hold on power.
2. Control of key institutions: The Bolsheviks were able to gain control of key institutions such as the military, police, and bureaucracy, which allowed them to consolidate their hold on power and suppress opposition.
3. Propaganda and censorship: The Bolsheviks were skilled at using propaganda and censorship to control the flow of information and shape public opinion in their favor. This helped them to maintain support for their regime and suppress dissent.
4. Red Terror: The Bolsheviks used violent tactics to suppress opposition, including the use of the secret police and the Red Terror, a campaign of mass killings and repression that was aimed at eliminating political opposition.
5. Land reforms and nationalization: The Bolsheviks implemented land reforms and nationalized industry, which helped to win support from the peasantry and working class.

While the end of the war certainly played a role in the Bolsheviks’ consolidation of power, it was not the most important factor. Rather, it was a combination of factors, including leadership, organization, control of key institutions, propaganda and censorship, violent tactics, and social and economic reforms, that allowed the Bolsheviks to consolidate their hold on power after the October Revolution.