Topic 3: Provisional Government and the Bolshevik Revolution Flashcards
What was the Provisional Government?
A temporary government established in Russia in March 1917 after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.
Why was the Provisional Government established?
To govern Russia until a Constituent Assembly could be elected to decide on a permanent form of government.
Who led the Provisional Government initially?
Prince Lvov.
What role did Alexander Kerensky play in the Provisional Government?
Kerensky served as Minister of Justice, later as Minister of War, and eventually became the head of the Provisional Government in July 1917.
What were the main challenges faced by the Provisional Government?
Ongoing World War I.
Land redistribution demands.
Economic instability and food shortages.
Opposition from the Soviets.
What was Order No. 1?
An order issued by the Petrograd Soviet in March 1917 that gave control of the military to the Soviets rather than the Provisional Government.
What was the role of the Petrograd Soviet?
The Petrograd Soviet was a council of workers and soldiers that held significant influence and often opposed the Provisional Government.
What were the “July Days” of 1917?
A period of unrest and protests in Petrograd, sparked by frustration with the Provisional Government, which were eventually suppressed by the government.
Who were the Bolsheviks?
A revolutionary socialist party led by Vladimir Lenin, advocating for the overthrow of the Provisional Government and the establishment of a proletarian dictatorship.
What were Lenin’s “April Theses”?
A series of directives by Lenin in April 1917, calling for:
1.Immediate withdrawal from World War I.
2.”All power to the Soviets.”
3.Redistribution of land to peasants.
4.Nationalization of industry.
What happened during the Kornilov Affair?
General Kornilov attempted a coup against the Provisional Government in August 1917, which failed and weakened the Provisional Government while strengthening the Bolsheviks.
When did the Bolshevik Revolution occur?
October 25-26, 1917 (Julian calendar) or November 6-7, 1917 (Gregorian calendar).
What was the key slogan used by the Bolsheviks during the October Revolution?
“Peace, Land, and Bread.”
What was the significance of the storming of the Winter Palace?
It marked the overthrow of the Provisional Government and the establishment of Bolshevik control in Petrograd.
What decrees did the Bolsheviks issue immediately after the revolution?
1.Decree on Peace: Called for an end to World War I.
2.Decree on Land: Redistributed land to the peasants.
3.Decree on Workers’ Control: Allowed workers to manage factories.
What was the role of the All-Russian Congress of Soviets in October 1917?
It ratified the Bolsheviks’ seizure of power and established a new Soviet government.
How did the Bolsheviks consolidate power after the revolution?
1.Signing the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk.
2.Creating the Cheka (secret police).
3.Banning opposition parties.
4.Establishing the Red Army.
What was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?
A peace treaty signed in March 1918 between Bolshevik Russia and Germany, ending Russia’s involvement in World War I but at significant territorial loss.
Why did the Bolsheviks succeed in the October Revolution?
1.Weaknesses of the Provisional Government.
2.Popular support for Bolshevik promises.
3.Effective leadership by Lenin and Trotsky.
4.Use of Red Guards to seize key locations in Petrograd.
What was the “dual power” system in 1917?
The coexistence and conflict between the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet, which divided authority and weakened governance.
