Dates and statistics: June Offensive, July Days, Kornilov Affair

Question 1

When did Kerensky become PM?

Answer 1

8 July 1917

Question 2

When was Kornilov arrested?

Answer 2

1 September for counter-revolutionary conspiracy

Question 3

When was Kornilov appointed Commander-in-Chief?

Answer 3

18 July 1917

Question 4

When was the initial protest in the July Days?

Answer 4

3 July 1917

Question 5

When did Kerensky arrest the Bolshevik leaders?

Answer 5

6 July 1917 - Trotsky and 800 other Bolsheviks arrested

Question 6

When was the June Offensive?

Answer 6

18 June 1917

Question 7

How many deserted in the June Offensive, and why?

Answer 7

170,000, as the Russian Army was surrounded, and the army did not want to be captured nor sent back to the frontline after almost dying.

Question 8

Why was the Kornilov Affair significant?

Answer 8

• Kerensky’s leadership was undermined, meaning that he could not form another coalition cabinet. Many people lost faith in him, thinking that he conspired with a military dictator and almost led to a revolution
• The army lost faith in their officers, leading to mutinies and desertions. Land seizures continued and crime rates increased
• The Red Guard and other revolutionaries were seen as heroes, kept their weapons, and prepared for revolution
• Lenin’s April Theses seemed more appealing
• The Bolsheviks gained popularity after the July Days

Question 9

What was the Kornilov Affair?

Answer 9

Misunderstanding between Kornilov and Kerensky led to Cossack troops being sent to Petrograd to ‘save Russia’
- Kornilov wanted to send troops ‘hang the German supporters and spies’ (Bolsheviks) and end the Soviet
- Mediation by Minister of Church led to misunderstanding
○ Kerensky then dismissed Kornilov, who refused
○ Kerensky feared losing power, and Kornilov thought Kerensky was on board with his ideas

Kerensky then defends Petrograd with the assistance of the Soviets (who called for the release of the Bolsheviks). He armed the Red Guard and prepared for a violent confrontation, which never occurred (trains sent away from Petrograd).

Question 10

What occurred in the July Days?

Answer 10

• The First Machine Gun Regiment were ordered to the frontlines, but refused. They staged a rebellion against the government, hoping to overthrow the Provisional Government.
• 3-4 July, 500,000 people joined the armed demonstration (inc. Kronstadt sailors) towards Tauride Palace
• Stopped in front of Bolshevik HQ, looking for orders to overthrow government, but Lenin refused and claimed that the party was not ready. They had a majority in Petrograd, but not the rest of the country (could gain but not hold power)

Question 11

Why were the July Days significant?

Answer 11

• Repressing the rebellion made the Provisional Government look stronger than it was
• Kerensky had the opportunity to destroy the Bolsheviks by publishing fake documents and arresting Trotsky and 800 Bolsheviks
• Kerensy was able to shift the blame of military defeats and other things to the Bolsheviks
• The Bolsheviks looked weak and divided, with Trotsky in jail and Lenin away (who fled to Finland). People lost much faith in him.