1. The political complexion of the Provisional Govt

Question 1

When did the PG take office?

Answer 1

March 1917

Question 2

How can the PG in its early stages be described?

Answer 2

• As a predominantly liberal, progressive govt bloc
• Ministers drawn from upper and middle classes

All members, except Alexander Kerensky, were middle-class liberals

Question 3

How can the Petrograd Soviet be described, simply?

Answer 3

• Its leaders were socialists who represented industrial workers and peasant soldiers

Question 4

Prince Lvov

Answer 4

Chief minister of PG - modest, unassuming, widely respected

• Took the post of interior minister, also - was largely a figurehead

Question 5

What was the real driving force in the PG?

Answer 5

• Kadet leader, Milyukov - foreign minister - joined in the 12-man ministry by 4 other Kadets

Question 6

Other than the Kadets who occupied the other places in the PG?

Answer 6

• 3 Octobrists - headed by Guchkov, war minister
• 2 non-party experts
• Justice Minister Kerensky - the only socialist member

Question 7

Kerensky

Answer 7

• Petrograd lawyer - reputation before 1914 - defending left-wing clients in political cases
• 1912 - elected to 4th Duma as a Trudovik
• Charismatic, eloquent, intensely ambitious
• After Feb. Rev. - loosely tied to SRs - became vice-chairman of PG

Question 8

Kerensky was the only member of the PG that was…

Answer 8

also a member of Petrograd Soviet.

PS - frowned upon members participating in work of PG - but he persuaded them it was a special case