1917 was a very difficult and responsible year for Russia. The events unfolding in Petrograd were of great importance for the further future of the country. Bread riots, demonstrations, rallies against military operations, and as a result, Emperor Nicholas II was overthrown, or rather, he himself abdicated. Thus ended the reign of the Romanov dynasty. The first Provisional Government was formed. Prince Georgy Lvov became its chairman. The Provisional Government presented Russia with a Declaration, according to which political prisoners received an amnesty, a reform of local self-government was carried out, but the most important thing is civil liberties.
This article will consider the crises of the Provisional Government of 1917, a table for a better understanding of the material will also be presented. The fact is that, despite all its efforts, the new government could not cope with the discontent of the people. People were determined to change their lives, the process was launched, and it just couldn't be stopped. This topic is taught to students in history lessons in the 9th grade, so it will be useful for them to study, and for adults to refresh the memory of the events of those years.
All actions took place indistant 1917. In total there were 3 crises of the Provisional Government. It should be remembered that the cause of all crises was the influence of the Bolshevik Party, as well as the government's refusal to solve the pressing problems of society (social and agrarian). In general, it is difficult to independently understand such a topic as the crises of the Provisional Government-1917, the table will be of undeniable benefit in understanding the material. Consider the successful and unsuccessful moments in the policy of the Provisional Government - in the table below.
Table on the history of grade 9: crises of the Provisional Government. Policy of the new government.
| Success | Failures |
| Establishing an exhaustive list of democratic freedoms | Russia's participation in the war |
| Proclamation of the Republic | Agrarian issue |
| Democratic Electoral Law | No Constituent Assembly elections |
| Abolition of the death pen alty | Return of the death pen alty |
We see that the new government tried to change something, but it was not enough.
The First Crisis of the Provisional Government
April 18 note of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (it was Milyukov) gave rise to the first crisis. The document spoke of the need to be true to allied obligations, but nothing was said about indemnities and annexations. At that time, it appeared that democratic Russia and its democratic government were waging an aggressive and imperialistwar, although for a year and a half the war had been going on in Russia. This was Milyukov's main mistake. The Bolsheviks took advantage of it and provoked the masses into demonstrations with their thoughts and teachings.
On March 22, thousands of people took to the streets in Petrograd. Several demonstrations were held at the same time. The slogan of the first demonstration was: "We support the Provisional Government!" The slogans of the second demonstration: "Down with Guchkov and Milyukov!", "A world without annexations and indemnities!" And also the third, separate rally was the Bolsheviks with the slogan: "Power to the Soviets!" All participants in the demonstrations were given ten rubles each (very reminiscent of modern rallies), and later the Bolsheviks tried to claim that they were not responsible for the rallies, which became supposedly a free expression of the opinion of the masses. It is very sad that there were armed clashes and even casu alties at the demonstrations.
There were hard times in Russia. Members of the Provisional Government had several alternative ways out of the current situation.
First way
The idea was to retire and transfer power to the Soviets. Most of the Provisional Government felt that this was too dangerous, as it could lead to a Civil War, and this simply could not be allowed.
Second way
This path was proposed by Kornilov. According to his plan, it was required to take advantage of the current situation, using the Bolshevik slogan "Down with the legitimate government!" as a reason to disperseTips to kill or imprison extreme left radicals. Let strict discipline finally reign in the country, both in the army and in production. The duality had to be eliminated. The crisis of the Provisional Government (March-July 1917) can be considered indefinitely, this is a curious and vivid topic. Despite the fact that in March 1917 the death pen alty was abolished, it was proposed to reintroduce it to establish a strict rule. Liberals were horrified by such proposals. Kornilov went to the front.
First coalition government
The turn of the provisional coalition governments of Russia in 1917 has come. They created the first coalition government, in which there were six socialist ministers. The post of Minister of War was taken by Kerensky.
The crises of the Provisional Government of 1917, the table of which is presented in the article, were intensified by the economic crisis. It was not possible for the Provisional Government to restore order in the country, to raise transport, industry to the proper level, and the supply of food to the army and cities was also not established. At this time, the authority of the Bolsheviks grew, as did their numbers.
Crisis of the Provisional Government of 1917 (table)
| Events of 1917 and alternatives. |
| 1. April is the first crisis. |
| 2. May - creation of the 1st coalition government. |
| 3. June - First Congress of Soviets of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies. |
The First All-Russian Congress of Peasants' Deputies
This congress was held in May1917, Lenin called for the division of the land of the landowners, to give it to the people. Lenin's words aroused support among ordinary people, but Chernov's speech, who spoke about the long preparation and issuance of the law on land, did not produce the proper stir.
The First All-Russian Congress of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies
This congress was held in June 1917, at which the Bolsheviks received only 105 seats out of 777. However, their leader Lenin clearly declared himself. He promised that thanks to the party, order would reign in the country, agrarian and labor issues would be resolved without a civil war.
Scheme: crises of the Provisional Government in 1917
The second crisis of the Provisional Government is brewing
On June 10, the Bolsheviks decided to hold a demonstration under their slogan to strengthen their authority. However, this decision was forbidden at the congress, and a general demonstration took place in support of the Provisional Government. They supported the offensive at the front, scheduled for June 18, 1917. The crisis of the Provisional Government came again, as most of the demonstrators carried the slogans of the Bolsheviks. It became clear that the Bolsheviks would soon try to seize power. Everything was aggravated by the fact that the offensive at the front failed, inflation grew. The national question began the collapse of Russia. Ukrainians, Finns, etc. demanded independence and autonomy.
July crisis of the Provisional Government
These events unfolded from 3 to 4 July. In this periodCadets left the government, refusing to consider the issue of Ukraine's independence. The question of sending the machine-gun regiment of the Petrograd garrison to the front became controversial, the fighters took to the streets of the city. The sailors who sailed from Kronstadt supported the armed workers. The performance was commanded by the Bolsheviks. The demonstration was bright, loud, with sonorous slogans. The demonstrators demanded the end of the war, they wanted the power of the Soviets, the peasants demanded land.
Loyal to the government troops tried to stop the Bolsheviks, but to no avail. Power gradually passed into their hands. Armed soldiers, workers, sailors were led by the Bolshevik Party.
The meeting of the Council was held in the Tauride Palace, which was surrounded by demonstrators. The Minister of Agriculture tried to explain himself to the people, but he was simply taken prisoner. The Bolsheviks almost seized power, but Lenin refused to go through with it, as he was afraid that he would not be able to control the process and keep this relish for a long time. The July crisis of the Provisional Government was quite serious.
Outcome of the July demonstration
Loyal to the government troops started hunting for the Bolsheviks. Many have gone underground. Members of the Provisional Government were seriously opposed to the Bolsheviks. Vyshinsky signed an order for the arrest of the head of the Bolsheviks. It was officially announced that he was suspected of having links with the Germans.
It was not an easy time when the crises of the Provisionalgovernment. Additional materials, various historical studies allow today to boldly assert that the accusation of Lenin was legitimate, since the Bolsheviks really took money from the Germans. Only the question of time remains open, that is, when exactly did they start taking them - at the beginning of the war or from 1916. The amount received from the Germans is also unknown. How many millions of German marks the Bolsheviks received for their revolution, whether Lenin personally accepted them, what conditions for receiving funds - is unknown. Until now, they argue whether the Brest peace is connected with the receipt of this money or not. However, it is clear that in any case the money was serious. The accusation against Lenin was never considered, he managed to hide first in Petrograd, and then in Finland. The rebel regiments were disbanded and disarmed. The death pen alty for disobedience at the front has been restored.
Power of the Bolsheviks. Third Crisis
The August crisis of the Provisional Government was the last. The Bolsheviks perked up and, in spite of everything, again organized an uprising and seized power by force of arms. This decision was taken at the 4th Party Congress. It was at the beginning of August 1917, Stalin was one of the main speakers. Let's take a closer look at how it all happened.
Kornilov's Mutiny
August 27, Kornilov spoke out against the provisional government, in response he was recognizedrebel. Martial law was introduced in Petrograd. The Bolsheviks called on the people to repulse the rebels, and detachments of the Red Guard were created. It all ended on September 2nd. Kornilov and his followers were arrested.
Arrest of the Provisional Government
However, Kornilov's speech showed a split in the ruling circles, from which the Bolsheviks benefited. They took advantage of the war to gain power. On October 24, a Decree was issued to close all newspapers of the Bolsheviks, at 5.00 they were closed, several hours passed, and they again returned to the rule of the Bolsheviks. On October 25, the rebels occupy the Nikolaevsky (Moskovsky) Station, at 6.00 - the State Bank, an hour later - the Central Telephone Exchange, at 13.00 - the Mariinsky Palace.
At 18.00 all the forces gathered at the Winter Palace, an hour later they announced an ultimatum to the government, then they started firing from the Aurora. At 2 a.m. members of the Provisional Government were arrested, power passed to the Soviets.
Thus, we see that there were 3 crises of the Provisional Government. Pay attention to the table below, it will help you understand the material.
Crisis of the Provisional Government of 1917. Chart-table: reasons for the victory of the Bolsheviks
| 1. The government has not solved the social and agrarian problems. |
| 2. Constituent Assembly not convened. |
| 3. Loss of respect for the Provisional Government. |
| 4. Lenin's promise to solve all problems. |
Scheme for the Bolsheviks to come to power
| 1. The interim government does not solve the problems of Russian society | 2. Dissatisfaction with the authorities grows | 3. The Bolsheviks promise to solve all problems by coming to power | 4. Rebellion | 5. Victory of the Bolsheviks |
The year 1917 was difficult for the people. The provisional government made many mistakes, which helped the Bolsheviks to take its place. Lenin, on the other hand, correctly kept the course for victory, knew how to motivate the people and tactfully present information. The path of the Bolsheviks was difficult and thorny, but they had their own convictions and goals. The situation in 1917 once again shows that ideology is a very great force, the main thing is that it be in the reliable hands of literate and honest people acting out of good intentions.
Let's note once again what helped the Bolsheviks to win: this is a difficult social situation in the country, the wrong policy of the government, as a result of which its authority fell, competent and beautiful public speeches of the leader of the proletariat, the ability to convince and motivate the people. If the Provisional Government tried to solve the problems of the people, did not tighten its policy, would not return the death pen alty, would not get involved in the war, would solve the agrarian and social problems, there would be no Kornilov uprising, then perhaps the Bolsheviks would not have succeeded in carrying out a coup.
