What was the provisional government in the russian revolution

With its control over the army and the railroads, the Petrograd Soviet had the means to enforce policies. The provisional government lacked the ability to administer its policies. A period of dual power ensued during which the provisional government held state power while the national network of soviets, led by socialists, had the allegiance of the lower classes and the political left.

During this chaotic period there were frequent mutinies, protests, and strikes. When the provisional government chose to continue fighting the war with Germany, the Bolsheviks and other socialist factions campaigned for stopping the conflict.

In July, following a series of crises known as the July Days strikes by soldiers and industrial workers that undermined its authority with the public, the head of the provisional government resigned and was succeeded by Alexander Kerensky.

Kerensky was more progressive than his predecessor but not radical enough for the Bolsheviks or many Russians discontented with the deepening economic crisis and the continuation of the war. The period of competition for authority ended in late October when Bolsheviks routed the ministers of the provisional government in the events known as the October Revolution and placed power in the hands of the soviets, which had given their support to the Bolsheviks.

Privacy Policy. Skip to main content. Search for:. The Provisional Government To fill the vacuum of authority, the Duma legislature declared a provisional government headed by Prince Lvov, collectively known as the Russian Republic. The Soviets initially permitted the provisional government to rule, but insisted on a prerogative to influence decisions and control various militias. During this chaotic period there were frequent mutinies, protests, and strikes, such as the July Days.

The period of competition for authority ended in late October when Bolsheviks routed the ministers of the Provisional Government in the events known as the October Revolution and placed power in the hands of the soviets, which had given their support to the Bolsheviks. Key Terms July Days Events in that took place in Petrograd, Russia, between July 3 and 7 when soldiers and industrial workers engaged in spontaneous armed demonstrations against the Russian Provisional Government.

The Bolsheviks initially attempted to prevent the demonstrations and then decided to support them. February Revolution The first of two Russian revolutions in In June a new Russian offensive failed with heavy casualties. Desertion quickly increased and the lack of discipline resulted in its disintegration.

The Government wanted to leave discussion of this issue until after elections. This caused the peasants to become unhappy with the authorities.

It also ignored reality. After February the peasant had simply taken the land. The land seizures also encouraged many peasants to desert from the army. They were afraid they would miss out. There were continued shortages of food in the cities throughout Food riots were common as the price of food rose much faster than wages.

The failure to tackle the major problems meant that the Provisional Government lost support. The Kornilov revolt meant it was relying on its enemies, the Red Guards, to defend it. By the autumn of few people were prepared to fight to defend Kerensky and his minsters. It failed for a number of reasons: Reforms The Provisional Government issued a number of reforms after February: they abolished the Okhrana they removed Tsarist Governors they also allowed freedom of speech they abolished the death penalty they released political prisoners they gave an amnesty to opponents of the Tsar Although many of these changes were popular, they also made it easier for enemies of the provisional government to criticise them.

Authority As a provisional government it was only supposed to be a temporary measure until elections could be held for a Constituent Assembly. Dual power The Provisional Government could not make decisions on their own. It stated: committees were to be elected to replace officers and control weapons and equipment officers were not to be saluted all soldiers and sailors were to obey the Soviet This had an impact on the discipline of the army.

Soon Soviets had been elected in Moscow and other cities. They were usually chaotic, rowdy, and disorganised. But they were elected - unlike the Provisional Government. Lenin declared "All power to the Soviets", implying that the Soviets should govern Russia in place of the Provisional Government. This became an extremely effective Bolshevik rallying cry. The existence of both the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet meant that power was shared.

The Petrograd Soviet accepted that the Provisional Government would make decisions for Russia until elections could be held. The existence of two political bodies increased the potential for political disagreement.