Provisional Government

Definition

A provisional government is a temporary government set up to manage the affairs of a state during a transitional period, often after a regime change or during times of crisis. This type of government typically lacks the full legitimacy and authority of a permanent government, as its primary role is to stabilize the situation until elections or a more permanent form of governance can be established.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The provisional government in Russia was established in March 1917 following the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II during World War I.
2. It was primarily composed of liberal and moderate socialist members from the Duma, but it struggled to gain widespread support among the populace.
3. The provisional government continued Russia's involvement in World War I, which led to growing dissatisfaction and protests among soldiers and civilians alike.
4. Key decisions made by the provisional government, such as failing to redistribute land and meet workers' demands, contributed to its eventual downfall.
5. In October 1917, the Bolsheviks led a successful coup against the provisional government, marking the beginning of communist rule in Russia.

Review Questions

• What were the main challenges faced by the provisional government in maintaining stability in Russia after its formation?
  • The provisional government faced numerous challenges that undermined its authority and stability. One major issue was its decision to continue fighting in World War I, which led to widespread discontent among soldiers and civilians. Additionally, it struggled with internal divisions between various political factions and failed to implement key reforms such as land redistribution. This failure to address pressing social and economic issues fueled public discontent and weakened support for the provisional government.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the provisional government's policies regarding land reform and war efforts during its time in power.
  • The policies of the provisional government regarding land reform and war efforts were largely ineffective. The government did not take decisive action to redistribute land to peasants, leading to frustration and anger among the rural population. Moreover, its decision to continue participating in World War I only exacerbated problems at home, as military defeats and casualties contributed to unrest. The lack of concrete action on these issues significantly diminished its legitimacy and ultimately led to its downfall.
• Analyze how the failure of the provisional government set the stage for the rise of Bolshevism in Russia.
  • The failure of the provisional government created a power vacuum that facilitated the rise of Bolshevism. By not addressing critical issues such as land distribution, workers' rights, and continued involvement in World War I, it alienated key segments of society who felt their needs were being ignored. This discontentment provided fertile ground for Bolshevik propaganda, which promised peace, land, and bread. The Bolsheviks capitalized on this dissatisfaction during the October Revolution, ultimately overthrowing the provisional government and establishing a communist regime.

Related terms

Duma: The legislative body in Russia, which played a key role in the establishment of the provisional government after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.

Bolsheviks:

A faction of the Marxist Russian Social Democratic Labour Party, they played a crucial role in the October Revolution and opposed the provisional government.

October Revolution:

The 1917 revolution in Russia where the Bolsheviks overthrew the provisional government, leading to the establishment of a communist regime.