3.1 The Provisional Government + 3.2 weaknesses and failure of the PG Flashcards
Overview:
After the tsar abdicated in early March the PG was set up to run Russia UNTIL ELECTIONS COULD BE HELD.
Although it was initially successful, it was short lived because it failed to deal with the problems in Russia and decided to continue to fight in the WW1.
As conditions worsened in the home front and the Russian army continued to suffer and be defeated, the support for the PG lessened.
When was the PG set up
3rd March 1917
Why was the PG set up
It was set up to govern until elections for a constituent assembly (parliament) could be held and a permanent government be made.
Who was in the PG/ what type of people/ from what class
Consider of a cabinet of ministers
PM- Prince Lvov
Foreign minister- Milyukov (leader of the cadets)
War minister - Guchkov ( leader of Octobrists)
Minister of justice - kerensky (SR)
Mainly consisted of Octobrists and cadets
Made up of mainly middle class politicians
Why did the Bolsheviks initially support them
They believed the working classes would become better organised under them
In the future the workers could seize power from the middle classes
What were their initial reforms?
- Freedom of religion
- freedom of speech
- abolishment of secret police
- 8hr working day
- Promise of an elected parliament
- recognition trade unions
What problems did the PGs face
They were not elected - they didn’t represent the people of Russia
Defeats in war —> soldiers deserting
Peasants seizing land
Soldiers and workers soviets
People wanted an End to food shortages
What were weaknesses of the PG
The Petrograd Soviet of workers and soldiers deputies —> influence of the Bolsheviks —> didn’t want to fight in the war —> Soviet order number one - this means the PS had to approve of the PGs orders in regards to military affairs
The existence of the PG + Petrograd Soviet meant there were 2 bodies running Russia —> Dual authority
Why did the PG want to continue the war
They were concerned of the heavy demands Germany would make in Russia wanted peace
The June offensive - who agreed / was it a success/ did it increase or decrease PGs popularity
PS agreed - thought it would drive German forces out of Russia
It failed and resulted in thousands of deaths and more desertions
Why did Germany send exiled revolutionaries back to Russia
In hopes it would stir up rebellion
Among these were Lenin - leader of the Bolsheviks - he wanted to overthrow the PG
What was the July days / when was it
July 3-6
Riots- Soldiers and some Bolsheviks tried to overthrow Russia
Troops stopped riots
Kerensky now new PM
