1.6 - Provisional Government & Petrograd Soviet
Key facts and dates
The aftermath of the February Revolution in 1917 led to the emergence of two competing centres of authority in Russia: the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet. This timeline captures the critical events surrounding their establishment and the resulting dual power structure.
Timeline of key events
- 27 February 1917 – Petrograd Soviet formed, representing workers and soldiers.
- 1 March 1917 – Soviet Order No. 1 issued, asserting Soviet control over military forces.
- 2 March 1917 – Provisional Government established, emerging from the Duma's Progressive Bloc.
- March 1917 onwards – Dual power structure creates tensions between the two authorities.
Origins and formation of the Provisional Government
In the chaotic days following the February Revolution of 1917, which forced the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, a power vacuum emerged in Russia. The Provisional Government was established to fill this gap and provide interim governance until a permanent system could be created.
How the Provisional Government came into being
- Emergence from the Duma - On 2 March 1917, members of the State Duma, a legislative body under the Tsarist regime, formed the Provisional Government. It originated from the Progressive Bloc, a coalition of liberal and moderate political factions within the Duma.
- Initial leadership - The government was initially led by Prince Georgy Lvov, a liberal nobleman. Key figures included Pavel Milyukov as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alexander Guchkov as Minister of War, and Alexander Kerensky as Minister of Justice, who later became a pivotal figure linking liberal and socialist elements.
- Purpose of establishment - The Provisional Government aimed to maintain order, continue Russia's involvement in the First World War, and prepare for the election of a Constituent Assembly, a body intended to draft a new constitution and establish a permanent government.
Composition and aims of the Provisional Government
The Provisional Government was shaped by the social and political backgrounds of its members, reflecting the interests of Russia's elite. Its policies and priorities often clashed with the needs and demands of the broader population.
Social composition and key objectives
- Dominance of elites - The government was primarily composed of liberal nobles, landowners, and industrialists, representing the upper and middle classes. This narrow social base limited its connection to the working classes and peasantry.
- Commitment to the war - A major policy was to continue Russia's participation in the First World War, believing that honouring alliances and securing victory were essential for national stability and international standing.
- Delay of major reforms - The government postponed significant social and economic reforms, such as land redistribution, until the Constituent Assembly could be elected. This decision frustrated many who sought immediate change after the Tsarist regime's collapse.
- Focus on interim governance - Its primary aim was to act as a temporary authority, maintaining law and order while transitioning Russia towards a democratic system through future elections.
Origins and structure of the Petrograd Soviet
Simultaneously with the Provisional Government, another centre of power emerged in the form of the Petrograd Soviet. This body represented a more radical and grassroots voice, reflecting the revolutionary spirit of the time.
Formation and composition of the Petrograd Soviet
- Creation on 27 February 1917 - The Petrograd Soviet was established in the capital city (then called Petrograd, now St Petersburg) during the February Revolution. It was a council of workers' and soldiers' deputies, elected directly by factory workers and military units.
- Initial political dominance - The Soviet was initially led by Mensheviks and Socialist Revolutionaries, two socialist factions. The Mensheviks believed in a gradual transition to socialism, while the Socialist Revolutionaries focused on peasant issues and land reform.
- Radical social base - Unlike the Provisional Government, the Soviet drew its support from workers and soldiers, representing the lower classes who demanded immediate improvements in living conditions, an end to the war, and radical political change.
- Reluctance to take power - Influenced by Marxist theory, many in the Soviet believed Russia needed to pass through a 'bourgeois democratic' phase before achieving socialism. As a result, they initially hesitated to seize full control, preferring to exert influence rather than govern directly.
Role and impact of Soviet Order No. 1
One of the Petrograd Soviet's earliest and most significant actions was the issuance of Soviet Order No. 1. This directive fundamentally altered the balance of power and created a complex dynamic with the Provisional Government.
Significance of Soviet Order No. 1
- Issuance on 1 March 1917 - This order was published just days after the Soviet's formation, targeting military units in Petrograd and beyond.
- Assertion of military control - Soviet Order No. 1 declared that military units should obey the Soviet's authority rather than the Provisional Government's in matters of political significance. Soldiers were instructed to form committees and only follow government orders if they did not contradict Soviet directives.
- Creation of dual authority - By asserting control over the military, the Soviet established a system of dual power where both it and the Provisional Government claimed legitimacy and influence over key decisions, particularly regarding the war effort and political reforms.
Tensions and contradictions of dual power in 1917
The coexistence of the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet created a dual power structure that was inherently unstable. This arrangement led to significant tensions, as each body had different priorities, social bases, and visions for Russia's future.
Challenges of dual power
- Conflicting aims - The Provisional Government prioritised continuing the war and delaying reforms, while the Petrograd Soviet pushed for peace, workers' rights, and immediate social change. This fundamental disagreement undermined coordinated governance.
- Divided authority - Soviet Order No. 1 split military loyalty, with soldiers often looking to the Soviet for guidance rather than the government, weakening the latter's ability to enforce policies.
- Social and political divide - The Provisional Government represented the interests of the bourgeoisie and elite classes, whereas the Soviet embodied the revolutionary aspirations of workers and soldiers. This class divide intensified mutual distrust.
- Fragility of cooperation - Although the two bodies initially cooperated to avoid complete chaos, their uneasy alliance was marked by constant friction. The Soviet's growing influence among the masses often overshadowed the government's formal authority, setting the stage for further revolutionary upheaval later in 1917.