2.2. What was the nature of the Provisional Government

What were the main characteristics of the Provisional Government?

• It was elected and fully represented the Russian populace.
• It effectively addressed major issues such as land and war.
• It established a completely new political framework for Russia.
• It was unelected and largely viewed as a continuation of the old regime.

Answer explanation

The Provisional Government was seen as unelected, unrepresentative, and essentially the old guard in disguise.

What was the intended purpose of the Provisional Government?

• To enact immediate reforms in the peasant land distribution.
• To strengthen the authority of Nicholas II.
• To serve as a temporary arrangement until the election of a Constituent Assembly.
• To permanently change the autocratic system in Russia.

Answer explanation

The Provisional Government was established as a temporary arrangement until the Constituent Assembly could be elected.

What was Kerensky's intention behind his final actions as part of the Provisional Government?

• To eliminate the influence of the Soviets in local elections
• To strengthen the governance of Russia until the Constituent Assembly elections
• To dissolve the Provisional Government and bring about immediate elections
• To ensure military support for the Bolsheviks

Answer explanation

Kerensky aimed to maintain support for his government until elections could take place.

How did the Provisional Government handle domestic policies?

• They introduced policies that favored only the wealthy elites.
• They focused solely on military issues and neglected civilian needs.
• They offered some revolutionary freedoms but failed to solve major problems.
• They made significant changes that effectively resolved all domestic issues.

Answer explanation

While the Provisional Government's domestic policies were revolutionary in some respects, they did not adequately address major issues like the war and land.

What was the political context in Russia prior to World War One?

• Russia was a fully democratic state with a balanced political system.
• Political opposition was completely eradicated and non-existent.
• The autocratic rule of Nicholas II created a stable political framework.
• The Duma operated within an autocratic system under Nicholas II's control.

Answer explanation

Before World War One, Russia was an autocratic state where political bodies like the Duma were heavily controlled by Nicholas II.

What factor contributed significantly to the decline of support for the Provisional Government during its rule?

• Bolshevik electoral gains in local elections
• The Provisional Government's unity and stability
• Successful implementation of land reforms
• Widespread public disapproval of the Soviets

Answer explanation

The Bolsheviks gained ground in Petrograd and Moscow elections, leading to diminishing support for the Provisional Government.

Which event was a result of the Provisional Government's weakened position?

• The establishment of the All Russian Congress of the Soviets
• The successful conclusion of peace negotiations with Germany
• An overwhelming public uprising in favor of the Provisional Government
• The immediate withdrawal of troops from World War I

Answer explanation

The approaching elections and the Congress of the Soviets pressured the Provisional Government into action.

What event primarily contributed to the power vacuum in Petrograd in 1916?

• Nicholas II’s decision to lead the army at the front.
• The success of the Bolshevik Revolution.
• The establishment of the Petrograd Soviet.
• The resignation of Tsarina from her position.

Answer explanation

Nicholas II's decision to take command of the army left Tsarina in charge, which created a power vacuum in Petrograd.

What did Trotsky's restored leadership in the Petrograd Soviet indicate about the political landscape?

• The Provisional Government maintained strong control over local governance
• All factions were united under the Provisional Government
• The Bolsheviks were gaining strength and popularity
• The Soviets were losing influence among the populace

Answer explanation

Trotsky's return to leadership signified that the Bolsheviks were solidifying their influence during this tumultuous time.

How did war contribute to the instability of the Russian political system?

• It unified various factions under the leadership of the Tsar.
• It resulted in the complete collapse of the Russian military.
• It reinforced the authority of the Tsar over the populace.
• It exposed the weaknesses of the existing government and exacerbated underlying issues.

Answer explanation

World War One revealed the vulnerabilities of autocratic control and worsened existing social and political problems.