1. The nature of dual power Flashcards
What role did the Provisional Government see itself having?
The PG claimed to be the sole legal government of Russia. However its role was to govern temporarily until a new constitution could be established by a Constituent Assembly.
What role did the Petrograd Soviet see itself having?
The PS was a democratically elected body that represented the workers and soldiers. The PS did not claim to govern Russia, however, it had the full support of those it represented and so it had control of the garrisons, factories and railways. This meant it was in many ways more powerful than the PG.
Who dominated the 1st Provisional Government?
1st PG was dominated by former members of the Progressive Bloc. Prince Lvov, head of the Zemgor, was also head of the 1st PG. Milyukov and other Kadets played leading roles. It also included Kerensky, a socialist who had been elected in the 4th Duma.
Why did the Provisional Government struggle with power and support?
. Due to Order No.1, the PG could not rely on the army and so it was dependant on the PS to ensure its measures were carried out.
. The PG struggled to gain support from the people of Petrograd and so the threat of further rebellions led to the freedom of expression and assembly, universal suffrage, equal rights for minorities. These measures won over the working people in early March.
What was the role of the radical parties during this period?
During March, the SRs, Mensheviks and the Bolsheviks offered a degree of support for the PG. They agreed that Russia needed a period of parliamentary democracy and capitalism before the socialist revolution.
Were the PG and the PS working together in March and April?
They were working together and were in agreement over major issues. They both favoured the policy ‘revolutionary defencism’ which said that they would continue fighting WW1 in order to defend the Revolution.
