The Establishment of Dual Authority in Russia (1917)

These flashcards cover key concepts and events related to the establishment of dual authority in Russia following the February Revolution in 1917, detailing the roles and dynamics between the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet.

What two bodies claimed authority in Russia after February 1917?

The Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet.

Who led the Provisional Government formed in 1917?

Prince Lvov.

What was the original intention of the Provisional Government?

To be temporary and hold elections for a Constituent Assembly.

What did the Provisional Government set up in Petrograd?

Its headquarters in the Duma chamber of the Tauride Palace.

How did the Petrograd Soviet view the Provisional Government?

As a self-appointed committee of the wealthy.

What was the primary composition of the Petrograd Soviet?

Mainly radical socialist intellectuals, Mensheviks, and Social Revolutionaries.

What agreement was reached between Kerensky and the Petrograd Soviet?

To work together, establishing a Dual Authority.

What did the Petrograd Soviet accept from the Provisional Government?

Promises of civil liberties, general amnesty for political prisoners, and other reforms.

What was reflected in the Provisional Government's April statement?

A commitment to power based on the consent of free citizens.

What was 'Order No. 1' issued by the Soviet?

That soldiers and workers must obey the Provisional Government only with the Soviet's agreement.

What did the Provisional Government attempt to restore?

Discipline among army deserters and order in towns and countryside.

How did the Soviet encourage the peasants and workers?

To defy authority and assert their rights.

What was Milyukov's controversial announcement in April 1917?

That the government intended to continue fighting until a 'just peace' was achieved.

Who resigned under popular pressure from the Petrograd Soviet?

Milyukov and Guchkov.

Who became the Minister of Agriculture after the resignations?

Viktor Chernov.

Who replaced Lvov as Chairman (effectively Prime Minister)?

Aleksandr Kerensky.

What predicament did the Provisional Government face regarding the war?

The war was unpopular, yet they relied on allies for survival.

What did the Provisional Government postpone, fearing the outcome?

Elections for a Constituent Assembly.

What policy changes did the Provisional Government defer?

Key changes such as land redistribution to peasants.

How did the Soviet view its role amid the paralysis of the Provisional Government?

To protect the rights of workers and peasants.

What event marked the collapse of the autocracy in February 1917?

A spontaneous breakdown of order and mutiny in Tsar's garrisons.

What resulted from the uneasy conjunction of the Provisional Government and the Soviet?

Paralysis in governance.

Which political factions were represented in the Provisional Government?

Liberals, moderate socialists, Kadets, and more.

What was the public perception of the Provisional Government among workers and peasants?

It was seen as tainted by previous tsarist associations.

What was the role of Kerensky in the Dual Authority?

He acted as a negotiator between the Provisional Government and the Soviet.

How many members of the Petrograd Soviet's executive committee were workers?

Only seven out of the first 42 members.

What aspect of governance did the Soviet not demand from the Provisional Government?

Land redistribution or nationalisation of industry.

What did the Provisional Government's delay in elections imply for their authority?

It suggested their inability to implement key reforms.

What did Milyukov and Guchkov's resignations signal about the Provisional Government?

They lost popular support due to pressure from the Soviet.

What did the Provisional Government attempt to control despite challenges?

Army deserters and public order.

What geopolitical stance did the Soviet take regarding continuing the war?

They pushed for a quick end without territorial annexation.

What economic aid did the Provisional Government depend upon from allies?

Loans from France.

What major social class did the SRs have significant support from?

Peasants.

What problem did the Provisional Government face in governance due to delays in reforms?

Growing discontent among the populace.

What does the term 'dvoevlastie' refer to?

The Dual Authority established by the Provisional Government and Soviet.

What was Kerensky's role in both governments?

He was a member of both the Provisional Government and the Soviet.

In what location did the Provisional Government set up its headquarters?

Tauride Palace in Petrograd.

What event directly led to the end of Tsarist autocracy?

Mutiny and social unrest in February 1917.

What kind of leadership did the Soviet provide during this period?

Largely SR and Menshevik leadership focused on workers' rights.