Problems faced by the Provisional Government. Flashcards
Give the context of the July Days.
By the summer of 1917 there was little support for the provisional government. Grain prices had doubled between February and June. Shortages of fuel had forced ministers to close 586 factories resulting in 100,000 job losses.
Demonstrations by the Krondschat sailors spread into Petrograd, turning into widespread looting and rioting under Bolshevik slogans.
How did the provisional government respond to the demonstrations in July?
They open fired on the demonstrators, this resulted in 700 deaths.
Who was blamed for the July days?
The Bolsheviks, as the demonstrators had marched under Bolshevik slogans.
What happened to the Bolsheviks after the July Days?
Their base of Kschessinka mansion was raided, 30 of lenin’s men were arrested, documents showing that the Bolsheviks were being paid by the Germans were found and was publicised in the newspapers that night. Lenin fled and his reputation was tarnished.
What was the Brusilov Offensive and why was it such a huge problem?
- The PG said that they were going to fight a necessary defenisve war,
- However, in June of 1917 an offensive against Austro-German lines is conducted.
- It goes terribly and there are nearly 1,000,000 casualties.
- This sparks intense anti-war sentiments.
What sparked the Kornilov affair?
War hero Kornilov was made commander-in-chief of the Russian army in hopes of quelling the dissatisfaction after the Brusilov affair.
Kornilov reinstates the feath penalty to instate order, this sparks more outrage.
Under pressure from the Soviet, Keresnky dismisses Kornilov.
Kornilov reacts by marching on Petrograd.
How was the Kornilov affair ended?
Kerensky panics and tells Kornilov to halt.
Kornilov does not.
Kerensky releases the soviet prisoners and arms them to defend Petrograd.
The Bolsheviks are able to organise the Red Guard, they cut supply lines and derail trains.
Kornilov is forced to stop.
Who were the main beneficiaries of the Kornilov affair?
The Bolsheviks.
They now had an organised red guard, were seen as heroes and were able to milk the situation with propaganda, pouring scorn on Kerensky’s government.
By how much did Bolshevik numbers grow after the Kornilov affair?
23,0000 in Feb to 200,000 in October.
How did Trotsky prepare for Revolution?
[2]
- He sent Bolshevik speakers around factories.
- Created the Multi-Revolutionary Council and Military-Revolutionary-Committee.
How many of the Petrograd Garrisons pledged their allegiance to the Military Revolutionary Committee?
15/18
How did Lenin undermine the provisional government?
[3]
- His April Theses was a direct challenge to the PG
- Established 41 radical newspapers
- Secretly returned to Petrograd on October 10th.
