3. February To October 1917 Flashcards
How did the PG make a mistake by allowing political freedoms?
With political freedoms the public were able to criticise the government more openly.
What were the problems with the groups that were in the Provisional Government?
It consisted mainly of the Octobrist and Kadet parties. No members from the Menshevik or Bolsheviks parties were in the PG. As a result these groups formed a rival power base in the Petrograd government, forming a dual government, making it harder to make clear decisions and create an effective government.
In June 1917 what did the Petrograd Soviet change its name too and what else did the do at this time?
Changed name to the All-Russia Soviet. Claimed the right to make laws for Russia, first being ‘Order No.1’- undermining the authority of military officers. It also stated that any orders from the PG to the military had to be confirmed by the Petrograd Soviet.
Key characteristics of the Soviet and its opposition?
The Soviet was dominated by left wing political groups such as the SR’s and Bolsheviks. This made it become rivals with the PG. Both the Soviet and PG were very inefficient due to any theory having to be approved by both sides.
What Impact did WW1 have on the Provisional Government? March-October 1917
Britain and France informed the LG that loans would only continue providing Russia stayed in the war. So,e member believed Russia should stay in the war. Paul Milyukov argued Russia’s future was with France and England.
How was support for the War during the PG’s control?
Initially Russian military morale improved,however poor supplies and continued economic problems reversed this. March 1917 Russia declared that only a defensive war would continue- the hope being that Russia could gain losses territory and expand borders after gaining victory. In April 1917 demonstrations in Petrograd became more frequent.
Who was Paul Milyukov?
Paul Milyukov was the Russian Foreign Minister from 1917. Also from 1905 he was the Kadets leader (liberal group). He oppose dth e autocratic power of the Tsar.
What was the Role of Alexander Kerensky during WW1 following the abdication of the Tsar?
Became the Prime Minister (member of SR’s) in Russia July 1917.
In order to win support the PG supported the June offensive, however it failed and mass desertions were the result, also with a drop in morale. In July mass protests against the war increased. Kerensky had connections to both the PG and the Soviet. After becoming Prime Minister he failed to solve the problems.
What was the response to the PG and the war in the countryside?
The PG exerted control in major cities such as Moscow, but influence in rural areas was limited. Peasants began to seize land from large landowners, which the PG couldn’t prevent. Political, social and economic chaos ensued. The army couldn’t be relied upon to prevent this.
Who were the ‘proletariat’ ?
A term by Karl Marx to describe the industrial working classes.
Who was Lenin and what was his background?
Lenin was a Marxist. He knew that the majority of Russia were peasants and an industrial working class revolution across Russia was impossible. He argued the revolution would need to be carried out by a small number of disciplined revolutionaries- causing the split of the Social Democratic Party in 1903. Arguably without Lenin there wouldn’t have been the Revolution in 1917.
Explain why Lenin was exiled and why he returned?
Lenin did not expect to be exiled in March 1917 by the Tsar, which occurred due to the Tsar removing political opposition. The German government supported his return to Russia in April 1917 as he opposed the involvement of a Russia in WW1.
What was the April Thesis and what did it include?
A document produced by Lenin upon his return from exile demanding immediate social revolution. In the document the promise of ‘Peace, Land and Bread’ was made clear, along with ‘All Power To The Soviet’. It was designed to gain support for the Bolsheviks.
What was the response to the April Thesis and what did Lenin say to evoke this response?
Many people opposed the war so the promise of Peace,Land and Bread attracted support. It emphasised the failure of the PG to redistribute land. Also he argued that the PG was influenced heavily by the middle class and wealthy land owners. He argued that the Soviets should govern Russia and the PG should be removed.
How was the April Thesis supported by the Bolsheviks and what was the impact of this?
21st April- Lenin sent Bolsheviks to factories in Petrograd to gain support- limited impact though, no masse strikes.
Many Russian Marxist believed Russia wasn’t ready for a communist revolution.
Lenin’s leadership was a threat to the PG.
What was the June Offensive and how did it benefit the Bolsheviks?
Before the July days the Bolsheviks had made little progress in gaining power. It only had 10’000 members. However, when the PG supported the offensive against the Austro-Hungarians in June support for the Bolsheviks grew. Troops remained loyal to the PG and the Bolsheviks attempt to gain power failed, however support grew.
What were the July Days?
Between 3rd-6th demonstrations in Petrograd across Russia, caused by the failure of the June Offensive, food shortages and economic chaos. The Soldiers and Sailors of the Kronstadt naval base helped attempted to bring down the PG. July 4th was the height of the protest (50’000) all looking to Lenin for direction while surrounding the Tauride Palace. He failed to fully exploit the situation.
What was the Tauride Palace?
Headquarters for the Soviet.
How were the Kronstadt sailors and soldiers significant during the July Days?
Soldiers and sailors from the Kronstadt naval base organised and armed demonstration to bring down the PG. They protested outside the Merinsky Palace, headquarters for the PG.
What was the Kshesinskaia Palace?
Headquarters for the Bolsheviks.
How did the PG attempt to relinquish the Bolshevik threat?
Although the Bolsheviks didn’t have to majority in the Petrograd Soviet their influence was growing. The PG and Soviet urged protestors to stop protesting. Loyal troops from outside Petrograd were also brought in to restore order. On July 6 soldiers surrounded the Bolsheviks headquarters, all 500 surrendered. The demonstrations collapsed and Lenin was accused of being a German spy, causing him to flee to Finland.
What was the Kornilov Affair in 1917?
After the June offensive failure Korensky was made Prime Minister and brought back the death penalty. General Kornilov became the new Commander-In-Cheif. On 24th March he decided to March with reliable troops to restore order for the PG. Kerensky believed he Kornilov was trying to remove him. In response Kerensky provided weapons to the Red Guard and released Bolshevik prisoners giving them weapons. Kornilov kept marching but his troops left him. He was arrested on September 1st.
What were the consequences of the Kornilov Affair?
The PG was weakened. Support for the All-Russia Soviet increased. Kerensky lost support from right and left wing political parties. Discipline in the armed forces reduced even more. Provided the Bolsheviks with weapons and the opportunity to seize power. Bolsheviks won the majority in the Petrograd Soviet.
What were the significant steps that enabled the start of the October Revolution 1917? (Long one)
Lenin placed more emphasis on Peace, Land and Bread. Kornilov Revolt convinced many workers commuters were planning a military dictatorship. Lenin encouraged the establishment of 41 Bolshevik newspapers. Bolsheviks established the Red Guards and gained weapons from Korensky. PG announced new Constituent Assembly would be elected in November, which Lenin new the SR’s would win, meaning he needed to gain power before then. By the end of September the Bolsheviks had the majority in the Petrograd Soviet. Lenin secretly returned to Petrograd (October 10) persuading the Bolshevik Central Committee to support and armed seizure of power in Petrograd. Zinoviev and Kamenev remained against this and advocated the dual government.
