6. Dual Authority

Question 1

Origins

Answer 1

Tsar Nicholas II dismissed the duma but in defiance, 12 duma members formed the Provisional Committee in the Tauride Palace
The Petrograd Soviet formed again temporarily supporting the Provisional Committee
Petrograd was ruled by two groups (the Petrograd Soviet and the Provisional Government) when Nicholas’ ministers stepped down and Provisional Government was declared on 28 February
Alexander Kerensky was the only member of both the Soviet and the Provisional Government

Question 2

Dual Authority

Answer 2

On 2 March, the provisional committee renamed itself to the Provisional Government with Prince Lvov as the Prime Minister
The government had an overwhelming majority of liberals and moderates and assumed rule of Russia until elections could take place
The Provisional Government lasted for just 6 months as they assumed control and failed to address major issues
The Petrograd Soviet did not have legislative power but had significant influence and controlled the army and only supported legislation that they agreed with

Question 3

Successes

Answer 3

8-hour work day
Okhrana police were replaced by the “People’s Militia”
Capital punishment abolished.
Political prisoners freed.
Universal suffrage for all future elections announced.
Freedom of speech, assembly, and press.
Mutinous soldiers pardoned for actions during February days

Question 4

Failures

Answer 4

No peasant land reform
Continuing in World War One
Food supply
Ukrainian autonomy
Fuel supply
Unable to claim genuine legitimacy
Numerous crises
Collapse of Kadets and socialist coalition

Question 5

Provisional Government Problems

Answer 5

ADD: Information of the Provisional Government System (Order No. 1)
568 factories in Petrograd closed between February and July
100,000 jobs were lost in Petrograd between February and July
Petrograd - grain prices doubled between February and June
Peasants still withheld grain with 100% payment increase from government
June 16th, 1917 - The June Offensive commences (collapses in 3 days)
August, 1914 to 1917 - The price of black bread increased by 500% and the price of white bread increased by 300%
237 Land Seizures from peasants in July 1917