Challenges To The Provisional Government Flashcards
What was Soviet Order Number One?
An order issued by the Petrograd Soviet in March 1917 stating that orders of the Provisional Government were only binding if approved by the Soviet.
This order significantly weakened the authority of the Provisional Government.
When was Soviet Order Number One issued?
March 1917
This order was a response to the power dynamics between the Petrograd Soviet and the Provisional Government.
What was the impact of Soviet Order Number One on the Provisional Government?
It significantly weakened the new government’s authority by requiring Soviet approval for military orders.
This created a division of power that undermined the Provisional Government’s control over the military.
True or False: The Provisional Government’s orders were always binding on the military.
False
Orders were only binding if they were approved by the Soviet.
Fill in the blank: Soviet Order Number One required that military orders from the Provisional Government needed _______ from the Soviet to be binding.
approval
This requirement indicated a shift in power towards the Soviet.
What was the reason the Provisional Government decided to continue the war?
Concern over heavy demands Germany would make if Russia made peace
The Provisional Government feared that a peace settlement would be detrimental to Russia’s interests.
Who was the Minister for War during the Provisional Government?
Alexander Kerensky
Kerensky played a key role in attempting to maintain military support.
What was the outcome of Kerensky’s June offensive?
It was a failure resulting in more than 60,000 deaths and further desertions
The offensive aimed to drive German forces out but only increased the unpopularity of the Provisional Government.
Which Bolsheviks believed that the war should not be stopped?
Stalin and Kamenev
Their support for the war was surprising given the Bolsheviks’ later stance.
What effect did further defeats have on the Provisional Government?
Increased unpopularity and weakened its position
Continued military failures eroded public support for the government.
Who was among the exiled revolutionaries sent back to Russia by Germany?
Lenin
Lenin’s return in April 1917 was pivotal in the Bolshevik movement.
What did Lenin call for upon his return to Petrograd?
The overthrow of the Provisional Government
Lenin’s calls for revolution intensified the political unrest.
What was the result of the first meeting of the All-Russian Congress of Soviets in June 1917?
A vote of confidence for the Provisional Government
This vote indicated some level of support despite the growing discontent.
How many representatives in the All-Russian Congress of Soviets were Bolsheviks?
105 out of 822 representatives
This illustrates the relatively minor influence of the Bolsheviks at that time.
Fill in the blank: The Provisional Government’s decision to continue the war was fatal because it led to further _______.
defeats
These defeats contributed significantly to the government’s loss of support.
What were the key concerns of the Provisional Government by July 1917?
The war not going well, growing power of the soviets, strength of opposition
These concerns indicated instability within the Provisional Government.
What event is referred to as the ‘July Days’?
Chaos in Petrograd from July 3-6, 1917, when soldiers and some Bolsheviks tried to overthrow the Provisional Government
This event marked a significant uprising against the Provisional Government.
Who was the Minister of War during the July Days?
Alexander Kerensky
He played a crucial role in restoring order by moving loyal troops.
What was the outcome of the July Days in terms of casualties?
About 400 people were killed and injured
This reflects the violence and chaos during the uprising.
What happened to Lenin during the July Days?
He fled the country
Lenin’s flight indicated his concern for personal safety amid the political turmoil.
Who was appointed as the new prime minister on 8th July 1917?
Alexander Kerensky
His appointment marked a shift in leadership and power dynamics in Russia.
What was Kerensky’s stance on the war after becoming prime minister?
Determined to continue the war until elections were held
This decision was controversial and reflected his commitment to the existing government.
What issue was the sharing of Dual Power experiencing?
Increasing strain and Disagreements over policies and authority led to confusion and inefficiency in governance.
This strain highlighted the difficulties in governance between the Provisional Government and the soviets.
What was happening on the Austrian Front during this period?
It was disintegrating, causing many soldiers to return to Russia
This contributed to the unrest and instability in the country.
What event demonstrated that the Provisional Government was not in control?
The Kornilov Revolt
The Kornilov Revolt highlighted the instability of the Provisional Government following the July Days.
Who was the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian armed forces during the Kornilov Revolt?
General Kornilov
General Kornilov threatened to seize power in Petrograd.
What was the primary reason Kornilov sought to restore order in Russia?
To defeat Germany
Kornilov believed that stability at home was necessary for military success against German forces.
What type of government did Kornilov intend to establish?
A military dictatorship
Kornilov opposed the Petrograd Soviet’s desire to end the war and sought to impose military rule.
What three main points did Kornilov’s manifesto include?
- Attacked the Bolsheviks in the Petrograd Soviet
- Asked for the war to be continued
- Called for the meeting of a Constituent Assembly
The manifesto was meant to clarify Kornilov’s aims and gain support.
How did Kerensky respond to Kornilov’s actions?
He condemned Kornilov and placed Petrograd under martial law
Kerensky’s actions were aimed at countering Kornilov’s advance.
What did Kerensky do to counter Kornilov’s forces?
- Allowed Bolshevik Red Guards to arm
- Freed imprisoned Bolsheviks
These measures aimed to bolster the defense against Kornilov’s troops.
What role did railway workers play during the Kornilov Revolt?
They prevented Kornilov’s troops from approaching Petrograd
The workers’ actions were crucial in thwarting the attempted revolt.
What was the outcome of the Kornilov Revolt?
The revolt failed and Kornilov was arrested
This failure had significant implications for the Russian Army and the political landscape.
What was the impact of Kornilov’s arrest on the Army High Command?
The Army High Command lost its commander-in-chief and morale sank lower
This led to increased desertions and officer murders.
How did the Bolsheviks benefit from the Kornilov Revolt?
They strengthened their position and showed they helped save Petrograd
The Bolsheviks gained followers and arms, boosting their influence.
What action did Lenin take following the Kornilov Revolt?
He began to make plans for his return from exile
Lenin sensed that the Bolsheviks’ time was approaching.
