The Formation and Nature of the Provisional Government

The Provisional Government of Russia was established on March 2, 1917, following the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II. This government was intended to be a temporary solution to contain revolutionary forces in Russia until a more permanent structure could be established.

Key characteristics of the Provisional Government included:

1. Leadership: Initially headed by Prince Lvov, with cabinets dominated by Kadets but including representatives from various liberal and revolutionary parties.

2. Composition: Primarily comprised of nobility, politicians, and intelligentsia, with underrepresentation of peasants.

3. Legitimacy issues: The government faced challenges due to not being elected and being chosen after the Tsar's dissolution of the Dumas.

The Provisional Government issued the March 1917 Manifesto, which outlined various political, economic, and military rights:

Highlight: The March 1917 Manifesto promised significant reforms, including political freedoms, economic rights, and military concessions.

Political rights included:

• Amnesty for political, religious, and military prisoners
• Freedom of press, speech, religion, and association
• Abolition of death and exile penalties
• Independent judiciary and trial by jury
• Separation of church and state

Economic rights included:

• Peasant participation in food distribution committees
• 8-hour workday for industrial workers
• Promise of land redistribution

Military rights included:

• Granting soldiers the same rights as civilians (except at the front)
• Keeping Petrograd regiments that participated in the revolution from being sent to the front

Vocabulary: Duma - The lower house of the Russian parliament established in 1906.

Quote: "Constituent Assembly promised: elected by universal suffrage with equal and secret ballot and would draw up a permanent constitution for Russia."

This promise of a Constituent Assembly was vital in establishing the temporary nature of the Provisional Government and its commitment to democratic processes.

Early Expectations and Realities of the Provisional Government

The formation of the Provisional Government in Russia 1917 created high expectations among various groups in society. However, the realities often fell short of these hopes, leading to growing discontent.

Peasants:

• Expectations: Forced handover of land from landowners
• Reality: Land committees set up in April, new grain requisitioning scheme implemented, and armed forces used against peasants

Workers:

• Expectations: Improved employment, living and working conditions, and resolution of food shortages
• Reality: Factory committees established, but owners allowed to dismiss workers and refuse demands for better conditions

Example: By June 1917, there were 175,000 strikes, indicating growing worker dissatisfaction.

Soldiers:

• Expectations: Addressing conscription issues and wartime failures
• Reality: Soldiers' committees set up, some improvements in soldiers' positions, and reduction in aristocratic control of the army

Highlight: Between March and May 1917, there were 365,000 desertions from the army, highlighting the military's instability.

The Provisional Government struggled to meet these expectations due to several factors:

1. Lack of legitimacy
2. Fear of revolution
3. High promises made initially
4. Competing authority from the Petrograd Soviet

Definition: Petrograd Soviet - A council representing workers, soldiers, and sailors, established in February 1917, which shared power with the Provisional Government.

The period of "Dual Authority" emerged, with the Provisional Government and Petrograd Soviet occupying different wings of the Tauride Palace but pursuing different agendas. This complex power dynamic further complicated the government's ability to implement effective reforms and maintain stability.

Alexander Kerensky and the Challenges of Governance

Alexander Kerensky emerged as a key figure in the transition period between the Tsarist regime and the Bolshevik takeover, serving as a crucial link between the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet.

Background and rise to power:

• Joined the Narodnik movement and worked as legal counsel for the Aid Committee to victims of the 1905 Revolution
• Elected to the 4th Duma in 1912
• Appointed Minister of War in May 1917

Vocabulary: Narodnik - A Russian political movement of the 1860s-1870s that sought to incite revolution among the peasantry.

Kerensky's role was pivotal in attempting to balance the interests of the Provisional Government with the demands of the more radical Petrograd Soviet. However, his efforts were ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the government's collapse.

Why did the Provisional Government fail? Several factors contributed to its downfall:

1. Lack of legitimacy: The government was not elected and struggled to establish its authority.

2. Competing power structures: The "Dual Authority" with the Petrograd Soviet undermined the government's ability to implement policies effectively.

3. Failure to meet popular expectations: Despite promises of reform, the government struggled to deliver on key issues such as land redistribution and improved working conditions.

4. Continued participation in World War I: The decision to remain in the war was unpopular and led to further military defeats and desertions.

5. Economic instability: Food shortages, inflation, and industrial unrest continued to plague the country.

6. Radical opposition: The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, gained increasing support with their promises of "Peace, Land, and Bread."

Highlight: The Provisional Government's inability to address key issues such as land reform, workers' rights, and Russia's participation in World War I ultimately led to its downfall.

The challenges faced by the Provisional Government highlight the complexities of governing a vast and diverse country in the midst of revolutionary upheaval. Despite its efforts to implement reforms and establish a democratic system, the government's weaknesses and the competing interests of various factions ultimately paved the way for the Bolshevik seizure of power in November 1917.

Example: The Provisional Government officially fell to Bolshevik control on November 7, 1917 (October 25 in the old Russian calendar), during the events of the October Revolution.

This marked the end of the brief experiment in liberal democracy in Russia and the beginning of over seven decades of Communist rule.