Problems in the Provisional Government

The Provisional Government , which took over control of Russia in February 1917 faced several problems in its short rule.

Urban Discontent

Poverty

• Poverty was spreading in Russia. Inflation shot up in 1917. Wages were insufficient in supporting the Russian citizens in coping with the inflation, despite actions taken by unions and factory committees. The economy was in ruins, unemployment ran high and they had low morale.
• Cost of living rose dramatically. Government could not collect tax.
• Russian industry suffered a crisis led to factory closures rising unemployment, class conflict accelerated.
• The Provisional Government granted the people an eight-hour work day , attempting to appease the workers. This did not solve any of the problems experienced by the workers, nor did it earn them more money. As a result the need for a new government was felt.

The People's interests

• The provisional government not only tried to limit the activities of the worker’s committees, but also failed to address the peasant's demands for land. The peasants started to demand along to the Bolshevik's call for "Power to the Soviets" and an end to the imperialist war, which had left Russia in poverty. Vladmir Lenin rose in popularity.
• In response, the Provisional Government labelled him a German.
• The PG also had no attractive policies which served to help the Russians.

Composition of the Provisional Government

• Consisted of self-appointed candidates, who were mostly made of Bourgeois
• Elections delayed

These two reasons made the PG seem weak and uncaring about the Russians' interests.

• Cautious about Revolution: The PG took measures to eliminate the opposition, for instance by hanging them (supposedly).

Blunders

• Refer to post on "Bolsheviks gaining power".