Option 1-Liberal Democracy

Beliefs and Assumptions Underlying Option 1

  • Liberal democracy and capitalism represent the leading edge of modern political and economic thought.

  • Russia needs to look forward, not backward.

  • Caution is necessary due to the dangers of revolution on law and order; historical precedents should guide us.

  • The current international borders of the Russian state must remain unchanged; no concessions to ethnic groups seeking autonomy.

  • We must honor our dead by defending Russia against the Central Powers.

Option 1: Create A Liberal Democracy

  • The opportunity to build a liberal democracy in Russia has arrived with the February Revolution and the abdication of the tsar.

  • A society guided by the rule of law can now be established, modeled after the French, British, and American systems.

  • Tsarist coercion has ended; the Provisional Government is supported until a Constituent Assembly is elected.

Legislative Reforms by the Provisional Government

  • Measures taken to ensure rights include:

    • Freedoms of speech, press, and assembly.

    • Rescinded legal restrictions based on class, race, and religion.

    • General amnesty established.

    • Universal adult suffrage introduced.

    • Reforms in the justice system, including the abolition of capital punishment.

    • Democratic local self-rule initiated.

Faith in the Russian People

  • Optimistic faith in the goodness and resilience of the Russian people.

  • The government will protect the welfare of all citizens rather than just one class.

  • Establishment of a legal framework to ensure public order and private property.

  • Encouragement of private property rights and free enterprise will lead to economic growth.

  • Capitalsm is viewed as essential for future progress; individual leadership in modernization is necessary.

  • The integrity of the Russian state must be preserved, opposing federalism.

  • Unity is crucial in the face of external threats from the Central Powers.

Supporting Arguments for Option 1

  1. The February Revolution presents a chance for Russia to join civilized western nations, taking cues from countries like France, Great Britain, and the United States.

  2. All peoples of Russia should participate in these changes; hasty elections could result in poor infrastructure for governance.

  3. Maintaining Russian political and cultural leadership is essential for unity, while ensuring civil rights for minority groups.

  4. Military victories will enhance public respect for the new government.

From the Historical Record

  • N.V. Nekrasov, January 1917: Emphasizes the constructive task ahead for government amidst chaos, focusing on creating a stable regime.

  • Paul Miliukov, January 1917: Advocates for necessary organizational restraint to guide the government and address revolutionary forces.

  • Provisional Government Declaration, March 27, 1917: Calls for the unification of all citizens and importance of cooperation for the new government to achieve stability.

  • Central Committee of the Constitutional Democrats, March 3, 1917: Critiques the old regime for its failures and lays out the focus on remedying economic disarray with collaboration from the people.

Prince Georgii E. Lvov's Reflections

  • April 27, 1917: Celebrates the transformative yet quiet progress of the Russian revolution amidst World War; sees the Russian revolution as a reflection and potential leader of global democracy with insights towards liberty, equality, and fraternity.