DEPTH STUDIES: To what extent where the Provisional Government doomed to fail from the start?

Question 1

Where do the origins of the provisional government begin?

Answer 1

• Date back to 1915.
• In that year moderates within the Duma come together to form the progressive Bloc - 2/3s of the Duma.

Question 2

What was the aim of the creation of the progressive bloc in 1915?

Answer 2

• Aimed to create unity amongst different part members so that an agreed plan to manage Russia’s war effort could be implemented.

Question 3

How did Nich II respond to the formation of the Progressive Bloc in the Duma in 1915?

Answer 3

• Saw this as an affront to his authority - August 1915 orders for the Dumas to be suspended.
• Led to discontent which saw a series of strikes and demonstrates in 1917 - the Duma then dissolves itself.

Question 4

Which figures in the provisional government meant that they were seen to be widely accepted?

Answer 4

• It included some liberal and well liked figures such as Milyukov and Guchkov.

Question 5

Why can the PG be seen to lack legitimacy?

Answer 5

• It was an unelected body, made up of the progressive bloc.
• Can be seen as the old duma in a new form.

Question 6

What challenges did the PG face from the outset?

Answer 6

• Shard its authority with the Petrograd soviet, who opposed the majority of the PGs proposals.
• PG had no choice but to work with the Petrograd Soviet because of the degree of support that they had.

Question 7

Evidence of disagreements between the PG and the Petrograd Soviet:

Answer 7

• Disagreed over Russia’s involvement in the war.
• The PG wanted a decisive victory.
• Petrograd Soviet wanted peace without indemnities.

Question 8

How did the PGs policies allow for the proliferation of the communists?

Answer 8

• Decrees on public amnesty and full freedom of speech allowed the proliferation of protest groups such as the Bolsheviks.

Question 9

Why was the land issue a problem for the provisional government?

Answer 9

• The PG argued that only an elected body could deal with the issue of the land problem.
• This irritated peasant groups who wanted more immediate action to be taken.

Question 10

Who led the coalition between the Petrograd soviet and the provisional government?

Answer 10

• Prince Lvov.

Question 11

Why was the Kornilov affair a turning point for the provisional government?

Answer 11

• Kornilov - militariy commander marched his troops into Petrograd with the intention of forcibly closing down the soviet.
• Kerensky afraid that Kornilov would then take over the PG agrees to give the Bolsheviks arms to defend Petrograd.
• Bolsheviks were then viewed as heroes for organising the protection of Petrograd.
• Provided evidence that the PG was susceptible to being challenged.
• Kerensky showed to be weak compared to Lenin.