Depth studies info for Prov Gov

Question 1

Describe the role of the Provisional Government in Russia after the February Revolution.

Answer 1

The Provisional Government was created by members of the Duma to temporarily rule until elections for a Constituent Assembly could be arranged, tasked with determining the future governance and legal institutions of the country.

Question 2

Explain the concept of dual power in the context of the Russian Revolution.

Answer 2

Dual power refers to the coexistence of the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet, where the Provisional Government had official authority but the Soviet held real power, controlling key aspects of society such as the military and workers’ interests.

Question 3

Define the main composition of the Provisional Government.

Answer 3

The Provisional Government was primarily composed of leading liberals, with Prince Lvov as Prime Minister and the Kadets being the strongest political group.

Question 4

How did the Petrograd Soviet gain control over military resources?

Answer 4

The Petrograd Soviet gained control over military resources through Order No. 1, which mandated that the use of the army required permission from the Soviet, effectively placing military power under its control.

Question 5

Explain the significance of the ‘Honeymoon of Revolution’ period.

Answer 5

The ‘Honeymoon of Revolution’ refers to the initial phase after the February Revolution when the Provisional Government’s measures, such as the arrest of Tsarist officials and the abolition of the death penalty, received widespread approval from the Soviet and the public.

Question 6

What were some of the key reforms implemented by the Provisional Government?

Answer 6

Key reforms included the disbanding of the secret police, granting amnesty to political and religious prisoners, establishing freedom of press and speech, and securing an 8-hour working day for workers.

Question 7

Describe the changes in governance outside the capital after the February Revolution.

Answer 7

Outside the capital, symbols of imperial power were destroyed, and old tsarist governors were replaced with commissars, although these new leaders were often ignored by the local populace.

Question 8

How did Lenin view the state of Russia during the summer of 1917?

Answer 8

Lenin remarked that Russia was the freest country in the world during the summer of 1917, highlighting the significant political freedoms that had been established after the revolution.

Question 9

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

Answer 9

The relationship was one of cooperation and oversight, where the Socialist leaders of the Soviet allowed the Provisional Government to govern while closely monitoring its actions.

Question 10

Identify the main political group within the Provisional Government.

Answer 10

The main political group within the Provisional Government was the Kadets, who were leading liberals advocating for democratic reforms.

Question 11

Describe the role of zemstva in the establishment of non-party organizations.

Answer 11

Zemstva were local self-governing bodies in Russia that began to set up their own organizations, which were non-party and run by their members. Over time, membership expanded to include representatives from various committees and trade unions.

Question 12

Explain the significance of peasants declaring themselves autonomous republics.

Answer 12

The declaration of autonomy by some villages indicated a growing desire among peasants for self-governance and control over their local affairs, reflecting the broader revolutionary sentiments during this period.

Question 13

How did Lvov influence local governance during the period of the Provisional Government?

Answer 13

Lvov encouraged localities to manage their own affairs, promoting a sense of autonomy and self-determination among local populations.

Question 14

Define the challenges faced by the Provisional Government regarding World War I.

Answer 14

The Provisional Government faced significant challenges due to its decision to continue participating in World War I, which was unpopular among the populace, strained the economy, and hindered social reforms.

Question 15

What were the consequences of the July Offensive on the Provisional Government?

Answer 15

The July Offensive led to reluctance among soldiers to fight, resulting in heavy casualties and territorial losses. This discontent pushed many soldiers towards the Bolsheviks and culminated in the July Days uprising, damaging the credibility of moderate socialist leaders in the government.

Question 16

Discuss the land redistribution demands of peasants during the revolution.

Answer 16

Peasants viewed the revolution as an opportunity to have land redistributed and sought government approval to legitimize their actions, reflecting their desire for land reform.

Question 17

How did the Provisional Government plan to address the land question?

Answer 17

The Provisional Government intended for the Constituent Assembly (CA) to resolve the land question, rather than taking immediate action themselves.

Question 18

Explain the conflict between liberals in the Provisional Government and the demands of peasants regarding land.

Answer 18

Many liberals in the Provisional Government, coming from landed and propertied classes, opposed handing land over to peasants, fearing that a free-for-all would lead to the disintegration of the army as peasant soldiers would abandon their posts.

Question 19

What proposal did Chernov, the Minister of Agriculture, make regarding land use?

Answer 19

Chernov proposed a scheme that would allow peasants to use land from private estates, but this proposal was blocked by the liberal members of the Provisional Government.

Question 20

Describe the trend of land seizures reported during the summer of the revolution.

Answer 20

During the summer, there was a notable increase in land seizures, with 237 cases reported in July, indicating a growing assertiveness among peasants in claiming land.

Question 21

Describe the impact of violence on landowners during the period discussed.

Answer 21

Violence began to increase with attacks on landowners, indicating a rise in social unrest and conflict.

Question 22

Explain the actions taken by the Provisional Government (PG) in response to inflation and disturbances.

Answer 22

The PG attempted to fix grain prices but faced rampant inflation, leading them to send the army to requisition supplies and suppress disturbances.

Question 23

Define the demands of national minorities during this period.

Answer 23

National minorities, such as Finns and Poles, either demanded outright independence or sought more autonomy, contributing to political splits.

Question 24

How did the Kadets and socialists differ in their views on national minorities?

Answer 24

Kadets aimed to maintain the Empire, while socialists believed that non-Russians should manage their own affairs.

Question 25

Explain the Provisional Government's stance on the breakup of the state.

Answer 25

The PG was unwilling to see the state break up, despite the growing demands for self-governance from various national groups.

Question 26

Describe the response of Ukrainians and the consequences it had on the PG.

Answer 26

Ukrainians demanded self-governance, leading to concessions from moderate socialists in the government, which outraged liberals and resulted in the resignation of three Kadets.

Question 27

What social reforms were being demanded by workers during this time?

Answer 27

Workers demanded equal pay for women and the abolition of child labor, reflecting their desire for improved working conditions.

Question 28

How did the Provisional Government respond to labor militancy?

Answer 28

The PG struggled to handle labor militancy and was unable to mediate effectively between workers and employers.

Question 29

Explain the employers' reaction to the strikes and demands from workers.

Answer 29

Employers were frustrated by constant strikes and pay demands, leading them to implement lockouts as a response.

Question 30

What was the economic situation like during this period?

Answer 30

The economic situation was deteriorating, characterized by food shortages, unemployment, and high prices.

Question 31

Quantify the impact of factory closures between February and July.

Answer 31

A total of 568 factories shut down during this period, resulting in a loss of 100,000 jobs.

Question 32

Describe the change in grain prices in Petrograd from February to June.

Answer 32

In Petrograd, grain prices doubled between February and June, highlighting the severe economic challenges faced.

Question 33

Who became Prime Minister in July and what was his self-perception?

Answer 33

Kerensky became Prime Minister in July, viewing himself as the man to save Russia and moving into the Winter Palace.

Question 34

What was the significance of Lenin's return to Russia on April 3?

Answer 34

Lenin's return marked the beginning of his active involvement in Russian politics, where he called for a worldwide socialist revolution and an immediate end to the war.

Question 35

What was the April Thesis and its main components?

Answer 35

The April Thesis, presented by Lenin, called for a worldwide socialist revolution and an immediate end to the war.

Question 36

Describe the main slogan used by the Bolsheviks to appeal to the masses.

Answer 36

The main slogan used by the Bolsheviks was 'Bread, Peace and Land', which appealed directly to workers, peasants, and soldiers.

Question 37

Explain the impact of the Kornilov affair on Kerensky's reputation.

Answer 37

The Kornilov affair damaged Kerensky's reputation as he panicked and turned to the Soviet for help, which led to the Bolsheviks gaining popular support.

Question 38

Define the situation faced by the Provisional Government by the end of August.

Answer 38

By the end of August, the Provisional Government faced serious problems including a disintegrating army, worsening economic conditions, rising food prices, and increasing lawlessness.

Question 39

How did the Bolsheviks position themselves during the Kornilov affair?

Answer 39

During the Kornilov affair, the Bolsheviks positioned themselves as the saviors of the city and true defenders of the Revolution by coming to the aid of Petrograd.

Question 40

Do the Bolsheviks have popular support during the October Revolution?

Answer 40

Yes, the Bolsheviks had popular support during the October Revolution, as they were seen as the true defenders of the Revolution.

Question 41

Explain the consequences of Kerensky's attempts to close down Bolshevik newspapers.

Answer 41

Kerensky's attempts to close down Bolshevik newspapers provided the Bolsheviks with an excuse to take action against him and further solidified their position.

Question 42

Describe the economic conditions in cities as the Provisional Government struggled.

Answer 42

The economic conditions in cities were deteriorating, with little grain being supplied, peasants being uncooperative, and the prices of food and goods rising.

Question 43

How did the Bolsheviks become the main focus for the dissatisfied masses?

Answer 43

The Bolsheviks became the main focus for the masses dissatisfied with the government due to their promises of land to peasants and their appeal to workers and soldiers.

Question 44

Define the role of the Petrograd Soviet during the power struggle.

Answer 44

The Petrograd Soviet played a crucial role in the power struggle by taking power alongside the Soviets and supporting the Bolsheviks during critical moments.

Question 45

Explain the significance of the Bolsheviks' establishment of a Military Revolutionary Committee.

Answer 45

The establishment of a Military Revolutionary Committee by the Bolsheviks was significant as it allowed them to organize and assert control during the October Revolution.