RUSSIAN PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT Meaning and
Definition
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The Russian Provisional Government refers to the temporary governing body established in Russia following the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II during the tumultuous period of the Russian Revolution in 1917. This transitional government was formed with the aim of maintaining law and order until a fully-fledged constitutional assembly could be established.
The Russian Provisional Government was composed of liberal politicians and intellectuals from various parties who sought to implement political reforms and address the grievances of the populace. It was led initially by Prince Georgy Lvov, followed by Alexander Kerensky. The government, headquartered in Petrograd (modern-day Saint Petersburg), faced numerous challenges, including political instability, socio-economic turmoil, and pressure from revolutionary organizations such as the Bolsheviks.
The Provisional Government passed several significant reforms, including the abolition of the death penalty, freedom of speech, and press, as well as the formation of local self-governing bodies. However, it failed to address critical issues such as land redistribution and continues participation in World War I, which led to increased discontent among the masses. Ultimately, the Provisional Government's authority and influence began to erode as it struggled to address the country's complex problems.
The Russian Provisional Government was overthrown in October 1917 by the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, in the event known as the October Revolution. This marked the end of the Provisional Government's brief existence and the subsequent rise of the Soviet regime in Russia.
