Russia's 1917 Provisional Government: A Quick Guide

The Provisional Government of Russia in 1917 emerged from the chaotic aftermath of the February Revolution, stepping into the power vacuum left by the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II. This period marked a pivotal moment in Russian history, a brief window of opportunity for democratic reform before the Bolsheviks seized control in the October Revolution. Understanding this government is crucial to grasping the complexities of the Russian Revolution and its lasting impact on the 20th century. So, let's dive into what this government was all about, its key players, challenges, and ultimate downfall.

Genesis of the Provisional Government

The roots of the Provisional Government can be traced back to the mounting discontent with the Tsarist regime. World War I had placed immense strain on Russia's economy and military, leading to widespread shortages, inflation, and battlefield defeats. This fueled popular anger and distrust towards Tsar Nicholas II and his government. Strikes and protests erupted in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) in February 1917, quickly escalating into a full-blown revolution. Faced with the collapse of his authority, the Tsar abdicated, bringing an end to centuries of Romanov rule.

In the wake of the Tsar's abdication, two main power centers emerged: the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies. The Provisional Government, composed largely of members of the former Duma (parliament), aimed to establish a constitutional democracy and continue the war effort. Its initial leader was Prince Georgy Lvov, a liberal aristocrat. However, the Petrograd Soviet, representing workers and soldiers, held considerable influence, particularly among the working class and the military. This dual power dynamic, known as "dual power" (dvoevlastie), would prove to be a major source of instability and conflict.

The Provisional Government, initially greeted with enthusiasm by many, faced a multitude of challenges from the outset. Its legitimacy was questioned by radical factions, particularly the Bolsheviks, who advocated for an immediate socialist revolution. The government's decision to continue fighting in World War I proved deeply unpopular, as the war-weary population yearned for peace. Economic problems persisted, with food shortages and inflation continuing to plague the country. These challenges, combined with the government's own internal divisions and missteps, would ultimately pave the way for its downfall.

Key Players and Political Landscape

The Provisional Government was a coalition of various political factions, reflecting the diverse political landscape of Russia at the time. Key figures included:

• Prince Georgy Lvov: The first Prime Minister of the Provisional Government, a liberal aristocrat who sought to establish a constitutional democracy.
• Alexander Kerensky: A prominent member of the Socialist-Revolutionary Party, Kerensky served as Minister of Justice, Minister of War, and eventually Prime Minister. He became the most recognizable figure of the Provisional Government.
• Pavel Milyukov: The Foreign Minister in the initial Provisional Government, a leader of the Kadet (Constitutional Democratic) party, advocating for a constitutional monarchy.

The political landscape was further complicated by the presence of various socialist parties, including the Mensheviks and the Bolsheviks. The Mensheviks favored a gradual transition to socialism through parliamentary means, while the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, advocated for an immediate socialist revolution. The Petrograd Soviet, dominated by socialist parties, acted as a check on the Provisional Government's power, often issuing its own decrees and directives. This constant tension and competition between the government and the Soviet created a climate of political instability and uncertainty.

Policies and Actions

The Provisional Government implemented a series of reforms aimed at establishing a more democratic and liberal society. These included:

• Granting civil liberties: Freedom of speech, assembly, and the press were guaranteed.
• Amnesty for political prisoners: Many political prisoners, including Bolsheviks, were released from jail and exile.
• Abolition of social restrictions: Legal restrictions based on class, religion, and nationality were abolished.
• Introduction of an eight-hour workday: This was a significant victory for workers' rights.

However, the Provisional Government's most consequential decision was its commitment to continue fighting in World War I. This decision was driven by a combination of factors, including treaty obligations to the Allies, a belief that Russia had a duty to defend its territory, and a desire to maintain Russia's status as a great power. However, the war was deeply unpopular among the Russian people, who were tired of the sacrifices and suffering it entailed. The government's insistence on continuing the war eroded its popular support and fueled opposition from socialist parties and the Petrograd Soviet.

Another major challenge facing the Provisional Government was the land question. Peasants, who made up the vast majority of the Russian population, had long demanded land redistribution. The government, however, hesitated to take decisive action, fearing that it would disrupt the economy and alienate landowners. This inaction further fueled peasant unrest and contributed to the growing sense of dissatisfaction with the government.

The July Days and the Kornilov Affair

The summer of 1917 saw a series of crises that further weakened the Provisional Government. In July, a series of spontaneous demonstrations erupted in Petrograd, demanding the transfer of power to the Soviets. These demonstrations, known as the July Days, were fueled by popular discontent with the war, economic hardship, and the government's perceived weakness. Although the Bolsheviks initially hesitated to support the demonstrations, they eventually joined in, hoping to capitalize on the unrest. The government responded by cracking down on the Bolsheviks, arresting some of their leaders and forcing Lenin into hiding.

Shortly after the July Days, the Provisional Government faced another crisis in the form of the Kornilov Affair. General Lavr Kornilov, the commander-in-chief of the Russian army, ordered troops to march on Petrograd, ostensibly to restore order and suppress the Soviets. Kerensky, fearing a military coup, declared Kornilov a traitor and called on the Petrograd Soviet to defend the city. The Bolsheviks, despite their recent suppression, played a key role in organizing the defense of Petrograd, mobilizing workers and soldiers to resist Kornilov's advance. The Kornilov Affair ultimately failed, but it further weakened the Provisional Government and enhanced the power and prestige of the Bolsheviks.

The October Revolution and the Fall of the Provisional Government

By October 1917, the Provisional Government was teetering on the brink of collapse. Its authority had been undermined by its failure to address the key issues facing the country: the war, land redistribution, and economic hardship. The Bolsheviks, under Lenin's leadership, had capitalized on this discontent, gaining increasing support among workers, soldiers, and peasants. On October 25 (November 7, New Style), the Bolsheviks launched an armed uprising in Petrograd, seizing key government buildings and infrastructure. The Provisional Government, weakened and isolated, offered little resistance. Kerensky fled the city, and the remaining members of the government were arrested.

The October Revolution marked the end of the Provisional Government and the beginning of Bolshevik rule in Russia. The Bolsheviks established a new government, the Council of People's Commissars, with Lenin as its chairman. They immediately implemented a series of radical policies, including nationalization of land and industry, withdrawal from World War I, and the establishment of a one-party state. The Russian Revolution had profound and lasting consequences, transforming Russia into the world's first communist state and setting the stage for decades of Cold War conflict.

Legacy and Significance

The Provisional Government, despite its short existence, holds a significant place in Russian history. It represented a brief attempt to establish a democratic and liberal society in a country with a long history of autocracy. Its failure highlights the challenges of transitioning from authoritarian rule to democracy, particularly in times of war and social upheaval. The Provisional Government's inability to address the key issues facing the country, its internal divisions, and the rise of the Bolsheviks all contributed to its downfall. The legacy of the Provisional Government serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy and the importance of strong leadership, effective governance, and addressing the needs of the people.

In conclusion, the Provisional Government of Russia in 1917 was a crucial yet short-lived chapter in Russian history. Born out of revolution and facing immense challenges, it ultimately failed to establish a stable democratic order. Its story provides valuable insights into the complexities of revolution, the challenges of political transition, and the enduring power of social and economic factors in shaping historical outcomes. Understanding the Provisional Government is essential for anyone seeking to comprehend the Russian Revolution and its lasting impact on the world.