Depth Study Context: The Provisional Government - Part 1 Flashcards
Who abdicated in February 1917 within Russia?
The Tsar; Nicholas II
Who assumed power in February after the abdication of 1917?
The Ex-Duma. These were made of liberals that were part of the 4th Duma/Progressive Bloc.
What is meant by ‘Dual Power’ in the context of the Provisional Government?
Power was shared between the Provisional Government & the Petrograd Soviet.
What quote ascribed by many historians best highlights the ‘Dual Power’ government.
‘The Provisional Government was the face of Government, while the Petrograd Soviet was the fist of government’
In essence the Western Powers would deal with the Petrograd Soviet as kind of the legitimate authority but the real power was the Petrograd Soviet behind the scenes.
What was ‘Soviet Order Number 1’ ?
This was a order passed by the Petrograd Soviet that they controlled the organs of power and had to be called upon to allow its use:
This included:
- Control of the armed forces
- Control of the railways
- Control of the communication networks.
Why did Soviet Order Number 1 hamper the Provisional Government?
By not controlling the armed forces on the home front, if a struggle, revolt or issue broke out they had to work with the Petrograd Soviet.
It also meant that their position to rule effectively was hamstrung.
Who returned to Russia by sealed train in April of 1917?
Vladimir Lenin
How was Lenin received by his followers when he arrived back into Russia in April?
Lenin was actually dismissed by his followers; they felt that by being abroad for so long that he was out of touch.
If the Provisional Government was weak in February 1917, why did the opponents not overthrow it?
Reasons can be:
- Most political opponents like Lenin were absent, they were in exile in foreign nations.
- To support the point above there was firm leader to lead the opposition.
- Despite the PS having control over the soviets and as such the soldiers/workers they feared a civil war or armed opposition.
- Politically the socialist & communist opponents to the PG felt the workers were not ready.
What were the two important slogans that supported Lenin’s Thesis of April 1917?
Peace, Bread & Land (Stating that they would support the demands of the workers, soldiers and peasantry)
All Power To The Soviets (Stating that the Petrograd Soviet should rule in name and under the guise of the Bolsheviks)
What was the July Days?
This was an uprising by workers and soldiers in July of 1917, armed demonstrations against the Provisional Government.
Outline the outcome of the July Days
The July Days was a success for the Provisional Government. This was because:
- The Armed Forces remained loyal to the Provisional Government.
- The Bolshevik Party was disorganised and lacked leadership or support.
- Many members of the Bolsheviks/Mensheviks were arrested and put into jail. The remaining force went underground or into exile abroad.
What was the Brusilov Offensive?
This was a Russian Offensive in June 1916 that resulted in short term successes pushing back the Germans.
Yet long term the Russians were unable to uphold their advances and demonstrated the strong weakness within the Russian army (Desertion for example increased)
