Russia7

Ans) The Provisional Government was designed to set up elections to the Assembly while maintaining
essential government services, but its power was effectively limited by the Petrograd Soviet's growing
authority. Many Historians believe problems in agriculture were the main reason why the Provisional
Government lost power in 1917 due to the fact that agricultural methods remained backward and still
relied on many peasants being able to work the land. Millions of peasant farmers were conscripted into
the army. This led to a major shortage of manpower on the farms and a corresponding fall in production.
During the time of 1917 “Dual power” meant that The Provisional Government could not make decisions
on their own. They had to share power with the Soviet. Indeed, the assembly of workers and soldier’s
deputies had more influence over many areas of everyday life. They controlled the railway, postal and
telegraph services. This meant the Provisional Government had to listen to the Soviet.

The main reasons for discontent with the Provisional Government were its failures to tackle three main
issues which were the demands for land, economic and social issues facing the population and the
demands for land.

The Provisional Government felt it had to continue the war. It relied on loans and investment from
Britain and France. It was afraid this would be withdrawn if Russia pulled out of the war. The
Government was afraid of the demands that the Germans might make if Russia asked for peace. Some
such as Alexander Kerensky (Prime Minister July to October 1917) believed that a victorious war would
unite the people behind the Government. The decision to continue the war was unpopular. In April 1917
the Government sent a note to the allies telling them they would continue in the war. The note
suggested that Russia should be rewarded with land from Turkey in the event of a victory. This led to
demonstrations and disorder. Many were unhappy because it appeared that the Provisional Government
was no different to the Tsar's Government. The Foreign Minister who sent the note was forced to resign
and order was restored by the Soviet. In June 1917 a new Russian offensive failed with heavy casualties.
Desertion quickly increased and the lack of discipline resulted in its disintegration.

The Government wanted to leave discussion of this issue until after elections. This caused the peasants
to become unhappy with the authorities. It also ignored reality. After February 1917 the peasant had
simply taken the land. The land seizures also encouraged many peasants to desert from the army. They
were afraid they would miss out. Peasants demanding land reforms and the redistribution of land from
the wealthy landowners. The provisional government failed to address these demands adequately, and
its attempts at land reform were insufficient and ineffective. This led to widespread disillusionment and
unrest among the peasants, who made up the majority of the population. At the same time, the
Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, capitalized on this discontent and promised radical land reforms and
the redistribution of land to the peasants. This message resonated with the peasants, and the Bolsheviks
gained significant support as a result.

There were continued shortages of food in the cities throughout 1917. Food riots were common as the
price of food rose much faster than wages. The failure to tackle the major problems meant that the
Provisional Government lost support. The Kornilov revolt meant it was relying on its enemies, the Red
Guards, to defend it. By the autumn of 1917 few people were prepared to fight to defend Kerensky and
his minsters.

However, For the Provisional Government of Russia in 1917, the failure to address agricultural problems
was a significant factor in its downfall. Most Russians at the time were farmers, and the majority of the
land was owned by a small elite of nobles. The peasants, who made up the majority of the population,
were unhappy with their situation and demanded land reform.

The Provisional Government promised to address this issue, but its efforts were too slow and too
cautious for the peasants. The government was unable to implement land reform effectively, and the
peasants became increasingly frustrated and disillusioned with the government. This led to a rise in
social unrest and the formation of local councils known as Soviets, which were largely outside the
control of the Provisional Government.

The Provisional Government's inability to address agricultural problems and implement meaningful land
reform weakened its legitimacy and authority. This made it difficult for the government to carry out
much-needed reforms and maintain order, ultimately contributing to its downfall in the October
Revolution later that year. In summary, the Provisional Government's failure to address agricultural
problems played a significant role in its inability to retain power and maintain social stability in Russia in
1917.

In conclusion, while agricultural problems were a factor in the Provisional governments failure, it is not
the sole reasons as there were many other factors, the main one being the decision to continue the war
which brough humiliation and discontent towards fthem.