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Explore the pivotal moments of the March Revolution 1917 in Russia, from the initial outbreak and Tsar's abdication to the rise of the Provisional Government and the eventual Bolshevik takeover. Discover the power struggles, weaknesses, and the key players involved in this historic event.
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The March Revolution 1917 – the first of two
The Initial Outbreak • Increasing strikes • Widespread food shortages • 200 000 strikers in Petrograd called for overthrow of the Tsar
Moscow Fallen • March 14, 1917 • Tsar abdicates • March 16 – the Soviet (radicals) and the Duma declare a Provisional Government
Provisional Government • Promised a Constituent Assembly with universal secret ballot • to legalize strikes Power Struggle Begins…
Weaknesses/Shortcomings 1. Did not recognize the catastrophic condition of Russia
Weaknesses/Shortcomings 2. Most leaders saw themselves as illegitimate because they had not been elected
Weaknesses/Shortcomings 3. The leaders wished to continue fighting in the Great War
“Peace, Bread, and Land” • Proletariat + peasantry must bring about communist revolution
“Peace, Bread, and Land” • Immediate end to war
“Peace, Bread, and Land” • All power to the Soviets
“Peace, Bread, and Land” • Seizure of the gentry land
“Peace, Bread, and Land” • Seizure of factories
The Last Stages of the Prov Gov’t Alexander Kerensky
Kornilov Affair • A loose alliance of two groups now ran Russia • Socialists (not commies) led by Kerensky • Constitutional Democrats led by General Kornilov
Kornilov Affair • A disturbance in Petrograd threatened the government • Kerensky & Kornilov sent troops to protect • Kornilov betrayed Kerensky - attempted a coup
The November Revolution 1917 – the second of two
Bolsheviks take power • By October, they had gained a majority in the Petrograd & Moscow Soviets
November Revolution • Lenin returned on October 23rd and the Bolsheviks arrested the Provisional Government by the 7th of November Peace, Bread, Land!