Summary
Highlights
On March 4, 1917, Emperor Nicholas II abdicated, followed by Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovitch's refusal to accept the throne until a Constituent Assembly decided the form of government. This led to the formation of the Provisional Government, the highest executive and legislative body in Russia after the February Revolution.
The Provisional Government functioned under diarchy, sharing power with the Petrograd Council of Workers and Soldiers' Deputies. While many celebrated the newfound freedom, chaos ensued with the disappearance of order and cleanliness. Revolutionary fervor was evident in widespread meetings, parades, and even destructive acts against monuments, reflecting a climate of fear and distraction from war and hunger.
The Provisional Government, led by Prince Georgiy Lvov, faced immense challenges. French Ambassador Maurice Paleologue observed that the new rulers lacked the political foresight and decisiveness needed. Despite implementing liberal reforms like freedom of speech and assembly, the government struggled to maintain order and authority, especially against the growing influence of the Petrograd Council.
The Petrograd Council's 'Order No. 1' severely undermined military discipline by establishing soldier committees and removing weapons from officers. This led to widespread insubordination, refusing orders, and a mass purge of senior military command, including 60% of top officers, exacerbating the already dire situation of the Russian army in World War I.
Initially, the Bolsheviks had limited influence, but their situation changed with the return of exiled leaders, notably Vladimir Lenin from Switzerland. Lenin immediately aimed to overthrow the Provisional Government, employing aggressive tactics of criticism and agitation. Some historians suggest that German funding played a significant role in empowering the Bolsheviks through extensive propaganda, seen as a strategy to remove Russia from the war.
Lev Trotsky returned to Russia from the USA, aligning himself with Lenin and the Bolsheviks. He declared the Russian revolution a 'prologue to the world revolution,' openly challenging the Provisional Government. Amidst growing Bolshevik influence, an investigation was launched into their suspected ties with German secret services, but arrests threatened all leading Bolsheviks.
The Provisional Government faced its first major crisis after Foreign Affairs Minister Pavel Milyukov reaffirmed Russia's commitment to its allies in World War I. This triggered mass protests by soldiers and deserters fearful of returning to the front, culminating in armed clashes and the end of the 'bloodless period' of the revolution. Milyukov and War Minister Guchkov were forced to resign, leading to a new government formation.
Concurrently, separatist movements gained momentum across the former Empire, with various national organizations demanding autonomy and rights. The Central Rada in Kiev, striving for Ukrainian autonomy, challenged the Provisional Government's central authority, but their demands were initially refused.
Despite the Petrograd Council's initial trust in the Provisional Government, a massive demonstration on June 18 showed the growing influence of the Bolsheviks. People marched with Bolshevik slogans demanding an end to the war and 'all power to the Soviets,' indicating a significant shift in public sentiment towards Lenin's party and their populist promises.
The chaotic political environment was further complicated by anarchist groups, who, despite denouncing any state power, gained popularity among workers with their radical ideas. Their illegal seizure of a typography and subsequent clashes with authorities highlighted the government's struggle to enforce order and its appeasement of revolutionary elements.
Amidst political turmoil, a major military offensive, known as the Kerensky Offensive, was launched against Austro-Hungarian and German forces. Despite initial successes, the demoralized Russian army, plagued by poor discipline and a lack of will to fight, suffered a complete defeat. Mass desertions and widespread chaos marked the end of any effective military action, further destabilizing the country.