Challenges To The Provisional Government

Question 1

What was Soviet Order Number One?

Answer 1

An order issued by the Petrograd Soviet in March 1917 stating that orders of the Provisional Government were only binding if approved by the Soviet.

This order significantly weakened the authority of the Provisional Government.

Question 2

When was Soviet Order Number One issued?

Answer 2

March 1917

This order was a response to the power dynamics between the Petrograd Soviet and the Provisional Government.

Question 3

What was the impact of Soviet Order Number One on the Provisional Government?

Answer 3

It significantly weakened the new government’s authority by requiring Soviet approval for military orders.

This created a division of power that undermined the Provisional Government’s control over the military.

Question 4

True or False: The Provisional Government’s orders were always binding on the military.

Answer 4

False

Orders were only binding if they were approved by the Soviet.

Question 5

Fill in the blank: Soviet Order Number One required that military orders from the Provisional Government needed _______ from the Soviet to be binding.

Answer 5

approval

This requirement indicated a shift in power towards the Soviet.

Question 6

What was the reason the Provisional Government decided to continue the war?

Answer 6

Concern over heavy demands Germany would make if Russia made peace

The Provisional Government feared that a peace settlement would be detrimental to Russia’s interests.

Question 7

Who was the Minister for War during the Provisional Government?

Answer 7

Alexander Kerensky

Kerensky played a key role in attempting to maintain military support.

Question 8

What was the outcome of Kerensky’s June offensive?

Answer 8

It was a failure resulting in more than 60,000 deaths and further desertions

The offensive aimed to drive German forces out but only increased the unpopularity of the Provisional Government.

Question 9

Which Bolsheviks believed that the war should not be stopped?

Answer 9

Stalin and Kamenev

Their support for the war was surprising given the Bolsheviks’ later stance.

Question 10

What effect did further defeats have on the Provisional Government?

Answer 10

Increased unpopularity and weakened its position

Continued military failures eroded public support for the government.

Question 11

Who was among the exiled revolutionaries sent back to Russia by Germany?

Answer 11

Lenin

Lenin’s return in April 1917 was pivotal in the Bolshevik movement.

Question 12

What did Lenin call for upon his return to Petrograd?

Answer 12

The overthrow of the Provisional Government

Lenin’s calls for revolution intensified the political unrest.

Question 13

What was the result of the first meeting of the All-Russian Congress of Soviets in June 1917?

Answer 13

A vote of confidence for the Provisional Government

This vote indicated some level of support despite the growing discontent.

Question 14

How many representatives in the All-Russian Congress of Soviets were Bolsheviks?

Answer 14

105 out of 822 representatives

This illustrates the relatively minor influence of the Bolsheviks at that time.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: The Provisional Government’s decision to continue the war was fatal because it led to further _______.

Answer 15

defeats

These defeats contributed significantly to the government’s loss of support.

Question 16

What were the key concerns of the Provisional Government by July 1917?

Answer 16

The war not going well, growing power of the soviets, strength of opposition

These concerns indicated instability within the Provisional Government.

Question 17

What event is referred to as the ‘July Days’?

Answer 17

Chaos in Petrograd from July 3-6, 1917, when soldiers and some Bolsheviks tried to overthrow the Provisional Government

This event marked a significant uprising against the Provisional Government.

Question 18

Who was the Minister of War during the July Days?

Answer 18

Alexander Kerensky

He played a crucial role in restoring order by moving loyal troops to combat the opposition.

Question 19

What was the outcome of the July Days in terms of casualties?

Answer 19

About 400 people were killed and injured

This reflects the violence and chaos during the uprising.

Question 20

What happened to Lenin during the July Days?

Answer 20

He fled the country

Lenin’s flight indicated his concern for personal safety amid the political turmoil.

Question 21

Who was appointed as the new prime minister on 8th July 1917?

Answer 21

Alexander Kerensky

His appointment marked a shift in leadership and power dynamics in Russia.

Question 22

What was Kerensky’s stance on the war after becoming prime minister?

Answer 22

Determined to continue the war until elections were held

This decision was controversial and reflected his commitment to the existing government.

Question 23

What issue was the sharing of Dual Power experiencing?

Answer 23

Increasing strain and Disagreements over policies and authority led to confusion and inefficiency in governance.

Question 24

What was happening on the Austrian Front during the July Days?

Answer 24

It was disintegrating, causing many soldiers to return to Russia, some who opposed the current governments way and could spread revolutionary ideas

This contributed to the unrest and instability in the country.

Question 25

What event demonstrated that the Provisional Government was not in control?

Answer 25

The Kornilov Revolt ## Footnote The Kornilov Revolt highlighted the instability of the Provisional Government following the July Days.

Question 26

Who was the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian armed forces during the Kornilov Revolt?

Answer 26

General Kornilov ## Footnote General Kornilov threatened to seize power in Petrograd.

Question 27

What was the primary reason Kornilov sought to restore order in Russia?

Answer 27

To defeat Germany ## Footnote Kornilov believed that stability at home was necessary for military success against German forces.

Question 28

What type of government did Kornilov intend to establish?

Answer 28

A military dictatorship ## Footnote Kornilov opposed the Petrograd Soviet's desire to end the war and sought to impose military rule.

Question 29

What three main points did Kornilov's manifesto include?

Answer 29

* Attacked the Bolsheviks in the Petrograd Soviet * Asked for the war to be continued * Called for the meeting of a Constituent Assembly ## Footnote The manifesto was meant to clarify Kornilov's aims and gain support.

Question 30

How did Kerensky respond to Kornilov's actions?

Answer 30

He condemned Kornilov and placed Petrograd under martial law ## Footnote Kerensky's actions were aimed at countering Kornilov's advance.

Question 31

What did Kerensky do to counter Kornilov's forces?

Answer 31

* Allowed Bolshevik Red Guards to arm * Freed Bolsheviks imprisoned since the July Days ## Footnote These measures aimed to bolster the defense against Kornilov's troops.

Question 32

What role did railway workers play during the Kornilov Revolt?

Answer 32

They prevented Kornilov's troops from approaching Petrograd ## Footnote The workers' actions were crucial in thwarting the attempted revolt.

Question 33

What was the outcome of the Kornilov Revolt?

Answer 33

The revolt failed and Kornilov was arrested ## Footnote This failure had significant implications for the Russian Army and the political landscape.

Question 34

What was the impact of Kornilov's arrest on the Army High Command?

Answer 34

The Army High Command lost its commander-in-chief and morale sank lower ## Footnote This led to increased desertions and officer murders.

Question 35

How did the Bolsheviks benefit from the Kornilov Revolt?

Answer 35

They strengthened their position and showed they helped save Petrograd ## Footnote The Bolsheviks gained followers and arms, boosting their influence.

Question 36

What action did Lenin take following the Kornilov Revolt?

Answer 36

He began to make plans for his return from exile ## Footnote Lenin sensed that the Bolsheviks' time was approaching.

Question 37

Why was the Provisional Government established?

Answer 37

To govern until elections for a Constituent Assembly could be held. ## Footnote The Provisional Government was set up unexpectedly following the end of tsarism.

Question 38

What reforms did the Provisional Government implement?

Answer 38

* Freedom of religion and freedom of speech * Recognition of trade unions * Introduction of an 8-hour day for industrial workers * Promise of an elected parliament * Abolishment of secret police * Amnesty for political prisoners

Question 39

Why were the peasants still disappointed with the Provisional Government?

Answer 39

No action on land distribution.

Question 40

Why were the soldiers still disappointed with the Provisional Government?

Answer 40

No end to the war.

Question 41

Why were the workers still disappointed with the Provisional Government?

Answer 41

No clear solution to inflation and food shortages.

Question 42

What was a significant problem with the legitimacy of the Provisional Government?

Answer 42

It was not a truly elected body.

Question 43

What was the state of the military under the Provisional Government?

Answer 43

There were defeats in the war and soldiers were deserting.

Question 44

What was the relationship between the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet?

Answer 44

They represented Dual authority.

Question 45

What did people want an end to during the Provisional Government's rule?

Answer 45

Food shortages.

Question 46

What aspirations did some subject nationalities have during this period?

Answer 46

Hopes for independence.

Question 47

Fill in the blank: The Provisional Government's reforms aimed to address problems that had not been solved after the _______.

Answer 47

[1905 Revolution]

Question 48

What was one of the main criticisms of the Provisional Government?

Answer 48

It did not represent the people of Russia.

Question 49

What was the main reason for the Provisional Government's lack of support among soldiers and workers?

Answer 49

The existence of the Petrograd Soviet.