Provisional Government - Depth Study

Why did Tsar Nicholas II abdicate?

The Tsar lost control over workers, armed forces, and the Duma, leading him to abdicate to bring stability and peace.

What was Order Number 1?

A mandate from the Petrograd Soviet demanding the superiority of the Soviet over other powers, including the military.

What problems did the Provisional Government face?

Lack of legitimacy, political authority shared with the Petrograd Soviet, and ongoing issues such as war and peasant unrest.

What were the early reforms introduced by the Provisional Government?

Reforms included freedom of press and speech, abolition of the Okhrana, and preparations for a Constituent Assembly.

What event led to the rise of dual authority in Russia in 1917?

The establishment of both the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet sharing political power.

How did Lenin's return to Russia in April 1917 impact the Provisional Government?

Lenin condemned the PG, called for a socialist revolution, and aimed to gain support from the working class and peasants.

What was the outcome of the July Days in 1917?

Failed demonstrations resulted in the Bolsheviks losing direction and leadership, causing Lenin to flee to Finland.

How did the Kornilov Affair benefit the Bolsheviks?

Kerensky's reliance on the Bolsheviks to defeat Kornilov made them appear as defenders of Petrograd, increasing their support.

What was Lenin's strategy to seize power before the November elections?

He aimed for an armed takeover of power to prevent the Social Revolutionaries from gaining power in the elections.

What slogan did Lenin use to gain support from the masses?

'Peace, Land, and Bread' was used to resonate with the public's desire for an end to war and land redistribution.

What was a key turning point for the Bolsheviks in April 1917?

Lenin's return and his persuasion that the Bolsheviks needed to overthrow the Provisional Government.

What slogan did Lenin use to appeal to the Russian populace?

'Peace, Land & Bread'.

How did the Kornilov Affair benefit the Bolsheviks?

It made the Bolsheviks appear as defenders and armed them with weapons.

What role did Trotsky play in the Bolshevik takeover?

He organized the Military Revolutionary Committee (MRC) and planned the strategic takeover of key locations.

What major mistakes did the Provisional Government make that contributed to its failure?

Misjudgement over the Kornilov Affair, failure to address major concerns like war, land, food, and industry shortages.

What was the outcome of the Bolshevik takeover on the night of October 24th/25th?

The MRC and Red Guards stormed the Winter Palace and arrested Provisional Government members.

What happened during the meeting of the All Russian Congress of Soviets on October 26th?

Lenin declared the Provisional Government had been overthrown and a new Socialist government was formed.

Why was the Provisional Government viewed as illegitimate?

It was unelected and consisted of members from the old Duma and nobility.

What was one of the Provisional Government's main aims?

To prepare for elections for a Constituent Assembly.