Lear Russian revolution Flashcards
(20 cards)
What were the main failures of the Provisional Government?
Failure to win WWI, lack of land reform, inability to fix food/economic crises, and failure of dual authority.
How did the war contribute to the Provisional Government’s unpopularity?
The continuation of WWI worsened inflation (400% by late 1916), food shortages, and economic collapse, causing public outrage.
What did Kerensky mean by “The Soviets had power without authority…the Provisional Government authority without power”?
It highlighted the disconnect between the Provisional Government and the people, with Soviets having influence but no official control, and vice versa for the government.
Why did the dual authority system fail?
Conflicting goals and unclear power between Soviets and Provisional Government led to instability and increased revolutionary activity.
Why was Kerensky appointed Prime Minister in July 1917?
He was seen as a strong military leader who could potentially end the war. And being a connection for the workers and soldiers goals
What were Kerensky’s biggest failures as Prime Minister?
Inability to solve war, land, and economic issues, loss of army support, and failure to maintain authority.
What was the June Offensive and what was its impact?
A failed military attack to raise morale; resulted in mass desertions, 2M deserters, and massive casualties, further weakening Kerensky.
How did the Kornilov Affair expose Kerensky’s weakness?
He had to rely on the Bolsheviks’ Red Guard to stop the coup, showing he lacked control and had empowered a radical group.
What effect did the Kornilov Affair have on the Bolsheviks?
It boosted their popularity and gave them weapons they never returned, increasing their power.
How did food shortages affect public opinion?
People lost faith in the Provisional Government and became receptive to Bolshevik promises of “Peace, Land, and Bread.”
What was the significance of the slogan “Peace, Land, and Bread”?
It targeted peasants, workers, and soldiers by offering an end to war, food, and land reform.
How did Bolshevik propaganda influence the July Days (3–7 July 1917)?
It inspired armed protests demanding “All Power to the Soviets,” showing growing support for Bolshevik ideas. Stopped a premature coup (Lenin ideology)
How did Bolshevik propaganda portray the Provisional Government?
As a “bourgeois” regime betraying the revolution, unresponsive to the people’s needs.
How did the Bolsheviks benefit from the July Days, despite Lenin fleeing?
They used it to prove the government was incapable and gained further public support.
What was the April Theses?
Lenin’s radical program calling for: end to the war, power to Soviets, land nationalisation, abolition of the army/police/bureaucracy, and condemnation of the Provisional Government.
How did the April Theses set the Bolsheviks apart?
They rejected the Provisional Government, unlike the Mensheviks and Socialist Revolutionaries, gaining credibility among workers and peasants.
What was the Pravda and why was it important?
A Bolshevik newspaper used by Lenin to communicate directly with the public using clear, simple language, building mass support.
How did the Kornilov Affair help Lenin militarily?
The Bolsheviks gained weapons and support, making a takeover possible.
How did Lenin push the Bolsheviks to seize power in October?
Through intense debate, he convinced the Bolshevik leadership to support immediate revolution, shifting a 2–10 vote to 10–2.
What made Lenin so critical to the October Revolution?
His leadership, propaganda, timing, and clarity of message made him the driving force behind the Bolsheviks’ rise to power.
