3.4 Dual Power Structure

Question 1

When was the Provisional Government formed?

Answer 1

February 1917

Question 2

What were the main objectives and actions of the Provisional Government in Russia after its formation in 1917?

Answer 2

• composed mainly of former Duma members
• aimed to temporarily govern until a Constituent Assembly could be elected
• implemented early reforms (ethnic liberties, amnesty for political prisoners, freedom of speech)

Question 3

What were some of the challenges faced by the Provisional Government in Russia that hindered its legitimacy and effectiveness?

Answer 3

• members not elected by people therefore people did not take laws passed seriously
• they lacked major reform
• Octoberists and Kadets

Question 4

When was the Petrograd Soviet formed?

Answer 4

April 1917

Question 5

What was the Petrograd Soviet?

Answer 5

• group of workers based in Retrograd
• mainly composed of SD’s
• represented workers and soldiers
• had significant influence

Question 6

What was order No.1?

Answer 6

• directed soldiers to obey the Soviet instead of Provisional Government in military matters
• could only serve Provisional Gov. if Soviet gave the green light
• a lot of members elected so people had trust in them
• established nationwide network of soviets who obeyed them
• most members were working class, unline in Provisional Gov. (more middle/upper class)

Question 7

How did the dual power between the Provisional Government and the Soviets impact its ability to govern effectively during 1917?

Answer 7

Provisional Government lacked full authority and relied on Soviet’s support. The dual power led to inability to pass policies and made it impossible to address key issues like land reform and continuation of war.

Question 8

Which positive changes were made?

Answer 8

Some changes were made: shorter working days, abolition of Okhrama, release of political prisoners, freedom of speech… but these were not enough.

Question 9

Which problems were still present?

Answer 9

• fuel and food shortages
• nothing was done to stop the war
• Provisional Gov. lacked support and authority and credibility
• peasants took things into their own hands: attacked landowners, soldiers were sent and peasants ended up despising current government.