Russia's Provisional Government

“The Soviet had power without authority and the Provisional Government had authority without power.” (Kerensky, Minister of Justice March 1917) Is this the case? [250-300 words]

Following the abdication of Nicholas II (15 March 1917), Russia had a power vacuum between two political bodies: the Provisional Government; and the Petrograd Soviet. Hence, Russia entered a period where a dual government ruled, with the Provisional Government possessing the authority, while the Soviet retained the power.

The Provisional Government – established immediately after the Tsar’s abdication, 15 March 1917 – were the official authority with formal power. They immediately enacted new policies permitting: full amnesty of political prisoners; freedom of speech, the press and assembly; election of local councils; the replacement of Tsarist police with an elected people’s militia; and immediate preparation for a vote to elect a Constituent Assembly – when formed, the Provisional Government would cease to exist. Although they aimed to introduce major reforms, the lacked the support to do so. Hence, majority of their policies were not successfully executed. They lacked the support because they were not elected, but were privileged members of society from the fourth Duma who had gained power by default through triple abdication (Nicholas, Alex and Michael). They also chose to continue the war even though it was crippling their economy and food and fuel supplies. The war had essentially bankrupted Russia. Internal issues concerning food and fuel shortages, inflation and government instability heightened the public’s discontent towards the Provisional Government. Hence, the Provisional Government could initiate as many policies as they wanted, but it did not ensure the public’s support.

At the beginning, the Petrograd Soviet – established 12 March 1917 – consisted of 600 soldiers and workers. At its peak, they had over 3,000 members. In the eyes of the people, the Petrograd Soviet were the political body who possessed genuine power. They controlled the army, railways, communications, employers and employees. Through Soviet Order No. 1 (passed 14 March 1917), it decreed that no military orders by the Provisional Government were to be obeyed unless approved by the Soviet, severely undermining the power of the Provisional Government. The order included the election of a Soviet person for every district, which meant that the Soviet had a far closer connection with the sentiments of the people compared to the Provisional Government. Therefore, since the Soviet was a far better representation of ordinary Russians that the Provisional Government, they possessed genuine power, but lacked the authority to establish legislation.