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The Provisional Government and the Bolshevik Revolution
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The Provisional Government lasted only eight months. Lenin's Bolsheviks then seized power in October 1917.
Dual Power
The Provisional Government shared power with the Petrograd Soviet of workers' and soldiers' deputies. This is called Dual Power (or Dual Control).
The Soviet's Order Number 1 said soldiers should obey the Soviet if its orders conflicted with the government's.
The Soviet's Order Number 1 said soldiers should obey the Soviet if its orders conflicted with the government's.
Weaknesses and failures
The government kept fighting the war, and the June offensive failed.
It delayed land reform and elections until a Constituent Assembly could meet.
Shortages continued. Kerensky became its leader in July 1917.
In the Kornilov Revolt (August 1917) Kerensky armed the Bolshevik Red Guards to defend Petrograd, which made the Bolsheviks look like heroes.
It delayed land reform and elections until a Constituent Assembly could meet.
Shortages continued. Kerensky became its leader in July 1917.
In the Kornilov Revolt (August 1917) Kerensky armed the Bolshevik Red Guards to defend Petrograd, which made the Bolsheviks look like heroes.
The Bolshevik Revolution
Lenin returned in April 1917 and issued the April Theses: "Peace, Bread, Land" and "All power to the Soviets". Party membership grew.
The July Days protests failed and Lenin fled to Finland.
On 24 to 25 October 1917, the Military Revolutionary Committee, organised by Trotsky, seized key points in Petrograd and the Winter Palace. Lenin provided the leadership and timing.
The July Days protests failed and Lenin fled to Finland.
On 24 to 25 October 1917, the Military Revolutionary Committee, organised by Trotsky, seized key points in Petrograd and the Winter Palace. Lenin provided the leadership and timing.
Explain why the Kornilov Revolt helped the Bolsheviks.
- Kerensky feared General Kornilov's troops would take Petrograd.
- He released Bolshevik prisoners and armed the Red Guards.
- The Bolsheviks gained weapons and popularity as defenders of the revolution.
Answer: It armed the Bolsheviks and made them look like the defenders of Petrograd.
Dual Power and Order Number 1 weakened the Provisional Government. It kept fighting, delayed land reform, and was damaged by the Kornilov Revolt. Lenin's April Theses and Trotsky's organisation led to the October seizure of power.
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