The revolutions of 1917 : 3.1 The establishment of the Provisional Government Flashcards
Why was the PG set up?
The PG was set up to govern until elections for a Constituent Assembly (Government) could be held, and a permanent government established.
Composition of the PG?
The Prime Minister was Prince Georgia Lvov. Other leading figures included Paul Milyukov and Alexander Guchkov (foreign minister and war minister respectively). Kerensky was the only socialist revolutionary and acted as a go-between, between the PS and the PG. All the remaining ministers were all from liberal parties (Octobrists and Cadets). Initially, the PG had Bolshevik support as they thought the Proletariats could become better organised under such a government (though attitudes changed later on).
What were some of the PG’s reforms?
1) Freedom of religion and speech
2) Recognition of trade unions
3) Introduction of an 8 hour day for industrial workers
4) Promise of an elected parliament
5) Abolishment of Okhrana (secret police)
6) Amnesty for political prisoners
The PG’s problems?
1) It was not a truly elected body and did not represent the people of Russia (just taken out of the Duma) - no electoral magistrate
2) Defeats in the war - soldiers were still deserting
3) Peasants were looting the property of landlords and seizing their land
4) Soldiers and workers were setting up soviets in their respective towns and cities
5) People wanted an end to food shortages
6) Some subject nationalities were hoping that there might even be a chance of independence in the near future
