DEPTH STUDIES: How far was WW1 responsible for the downfall of the PG?

Question 1

What was the optimist view on the PG’s handling of WW1?

Answer 1

• See WW1 as making it difficult for the PG to establish their authority.
• If Russia had pulled out of the war in 1917 then maybe they would have succeeded and then a constitutional monarchy may have been reinstated.

Question 2

Evidence that the war hindered the progress of the PG:

Answer 2

• The war had popular support - demands for withdrawal were made on the basis that it would be honourable and unconditional - unlikely that Germany would agree to such a deal given its strong military position in March 1917.
• War was costly in terms of land, labour and capital.

Question 3

Argument that the PG was doomed to fail regardless of the war:

Answer 3

• People in Russia viewed the PG as a continuation of the tsarist regime - the new gov struggled to contain demands for autonomy from Poland, Finland and Ukraine.
• By 1917, the Soviets were un such a strong position that the PG was compelled to join with them and create a dual authority.
• Kerensky’s background was suspect - especially when dealing with Korniloc - not trusted by workers or peasants.