Why did the Russian Provisional Government fail?
Alex Neumann
Grade 11 March 2014
History Essay
The Russian Provisional Government was formed in the aftermath of the abdication of the Tsar in February 1917. By this time, Russia was less advanced than the rest of Europe is all social, political and economic aspects. There was little infrastructure and industry. The Provisional Government failed to meet the expectations of the workers and peasants, and did not function efficiently. Because of the weaknesses, Lenin and the Bolsheviks were able to overthrow them easily in October later that year.
The Provisional Government did not have the support of the masses. They had not been elected and were comprised of intelligentsia and the middle class. They made some liberal reforms, such as freedom of speech, press and religion as well as returning exiled revolutionary leaders. The middle class themselves only really wanted a say in the government, and once they had that, they did not do much else. They did not redistribute any land or address the issues of wages and unemployment with urban workers. There was continued social unrest and support for the Provisional Government decreased.
The decision of the Provisional Government to not end the country’s involvement with World War One was one of its major downfalls. The war had devastated the country; all money was going to the war front and there were massive shortages of food supplies and fuel. The majority of the soldiers were peasants, whose problems were only further exacerbated. Due to the government’s preoccupation with the war, almost all social and economic problems were overlooked or ignored. These problems made the people angry and dislike the government, further reducing their support.
In April, Lenin, leader of the Bolsheviks returned from exile wanting a revolutions and exploited the weaknesses of the Provisional Government to gain popularity. His tactic was absolutely no support of the new government, primarily because of they were continuing
Grade 11 March 2014
History Essay
The Russian Provisional Government was formed in the aftermath of the abdication of the Tsar in February 1917. By this time, Russia was less advanced than the rest of Europe is all social, political and economic aspects. There was little infrastructure and industry. The Provisional Government failed to meet the expectations of the workers and peasants, and did not function efficiently. Because of the weaknesses, Lenin and the Bolsheviks were able to overthrow them easily in October later that year.
The Provisional Government did not have the support of the masses. They had not been elected and were comprised of intelligentsia and the middle class. They made some liberal reforms, such as freedom of speech, press and religion as well as returning exiled revolutionary leaders. The middle class themselves only really wanted a say in the government, and once they had that, they did not do much else. They did not redistribute any land or address the issues of wages and unemployment with urban workers. There was continued social unrest and support for the Provisional Government decreased.
The decision of the Provisional Government to not end the country’s involvement with World War One was one of its major downfalls. The war had devastated the country; all money was going to the war front and there were massive shortages of food supplies and fuel. The majority of the soldiers were peasants, whose problems were only further exacerbated. Due to the government’s preoccupation with the war, almost all social and economic problems were overlooked or ignored. These problems made the people angry and dislike the government, further reducing their support.
In April, Lenin, leader of the Bolsheviks returned from exile wanting a revolutions and exploited the weaknesses of the Provisional Government to gain popularity. His tactic was absolutely no support of the new government, primarily because of they were continuing