The revolutions of 1917 : 3.3 The Kornilov Revolt Flashcards
Why did Kornilov decide to advance on Petrograd?
By the end of August, German forces had advanced far into Russia and began to threaten Petrograd - deserters and refugees flooded into the city, heightening the sense of crisis. Kornilov declared the only way to defeat Germany was to have stability at home and thus he had to help restore order/save the PG/ensure that there was no anarchy/socialist-style government in Russia.
What was Kornilov’s manifesto?
1) Attacked the Bolsheviks in the PS
2) Asked for the war to be continued - did not agree with the PS’s wish to end the war and instead sought to set up a military dictatorship.
3) Called for the meeting of a Constituent Assembly (government)
What did Kerensky do as a response?
He condemned Kornilov and placed the city under martial law. He also foolishly gave the Bolsheviks ammunition and armaments to defend the city. He set many imprisoned Bolsheviks free so that there would be a considerable force to oppose Kornilov in Petrograd + allowed them to take control of all train stations, media platforms and industrial areas.
Success or failure (for Kornilov)?
Definite failure - many of his troops deserted as they found nothing wrong in the city + railway workers prevented many trains from approaching Petrograd + Bolsheviks persuaded them that all was well. Kornilov was arrested and the attempted revolt failed.
Consequences of the revolt?
1) Bolsheviks were much more popular - regarded as the saviours of the city
2) Bolsheviks had many of their prisoners freed, and they were now armed
3) Lenin began to make plans of his return
4) PG had literally no authority by October as the Bolsheviks’ promises seemed so much better than the inaction of Kerensky and when he did act, he inadvertently set the date for the Bolshevik Revolution.
5) Desertions and murder rate of officers increased + morale in army sunk even lower
