Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
The second Provisional government, July–October: Kerensky as Prime…
Full specification wording
The Provisional government and its opponents, February– October 1917: The second Provisional government, July–October: Kerensky as Prime Minister; the membership of the new government; problems in industry and agriculture; the Kornilov affair and its impact on the government and the Bolsheviks.
After the July Days, the second Provisional government formed with Kerensky as Prime Minister.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 4
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
After the July Days, the second Provisional government formed with Kerensky as Prime Minister. It was a coalition including Kadets, SRs and Mensheviks, but its authority was fragile. Industrial problems persisted: workers faced low wages, food shortages and factory closures, leading to strikes and radicalisation. Agriculture suffered from land seizures, peasant unrest and food supply issues. The Kornilov affair in August, when General Kornilov appeared to move troops towards Petrograd, was seen by Kerensky as a coup attempt. Kerensky armed Bolsheviks and workers to defend the city, but the affair discredited the government and boosted Bolshevik support, as they were seen as defenders of the revolution. This period set the stage for the October Revolution.
What earns the marks
- Kerensky became Prime Minister in July 1917, leading a coalition government that included Kadets, SRs and Mensheviks.
- The government faced industrial unrest: strikes, low wages, food shortages and factory closures, which increased support for Bolsheviks.
- Agricultural problems included peasant land seizures, food supply disruptions and rural unrest, undermining government authority.
- The Kornilov affair in August 1917 involved General Kornilov's attempted move on Petrograd, which Kerensky perceived as a coup.
- Kerensky armed Bolsheviks and workers to defend Petrograd, but the affair discredited the government and enhanced Bolshevik credibility as defenders of the revolution.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing the first and second Provisional governments.
Put it right: The second government formed after the July Days with Kerensky as Prime Minister, while the first was led by Lvov.
Stating that the Kornilov affair was a successful coup.
Put it right: It was an attempted coup that failed, but it weakened the government and strengthened the Bolsheviks.
Overlooking the impact of industrial and agricultural problems on the government's stability.
Put it right: These problems fuelled unrest and contributed to the Bolsheviks' growing support.
Exam tips
- Use specific dates and names to show precise knowledge, such as July 1917 for Kerensky becoming Prime Minister and August 1917 for the Kornilov affair.
- Explain the connections between the Kornilov affair and the Bolsheviks' increased support, rather than just describing events.
- In essays, balance the problems in industry and agriculture with political developments to show a comprehensive understanding.
Try the lesson
The start of the The Provisional government and its opponents, February– October 1917: The second Provisional government, July–October: Kerensky as Prime Minister; the membership of the new government; problems in industry and agriculture; the Kornilov affair and its impact on the government and the Bolsheviks. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Who became Prime Minister of the second Provisional government in July 1917?
Listen
After the July Days, the second Provisional government formed with Kerensky as Prime Minister. It was a coalition including Kadets, SRs and Mensheviks, but its authority was fragile. Industrial problems persisted: workers faced low wages, food shortages and factory closures, leading to strikes and radicalisation. Agriculture suffered from land seizures, peasant unrest and food supply issues. The Kornilov affair in August, when General Kornilov appeared to move troops towards Petrograd, was seen by Kerensky as a coup attempt. Kerensky armed Bolsheviks and workers to defend the city, but the affair discredited the government and boosted Bolshevik support, as they were seen as defenders of the revolution. This period set the stage for the October Revolution. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Kerensky became Prime Minister in July 1917, leading a coalition government that included Kadets, SRs and Mensheviks. The government faced industrial unrest: strikes, low wages, food shortages and factory closures, which increased support for Bolsheviks. Agricultural problems included peasant land seizures, food supply disruptions and rural unrest, undermining government authority. The Kornilov affair in August 1917 involved General Kornilov's attempted move on Petrograd, which Kerensky perceived as a coup. A common slip: Confusing the first and second Provisional governments. Instead, The second government formed after the July Days with Kerensky as Prime Minister, while the first was led by Lvov. Exam tip: Use specific dates and names to show precise knowledge, such as July 1917 for Kerensky becoming Prime Minister and August 1917 for the Kornilov affair.
See it
Key words
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Kerensky
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Kornilov affair
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Bolshevik strategy and growth
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Economic and social unrest
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See every definition
- Kerensky
- He became Prime Minister in July 1917, leading a coalition government that included Kadets, SRs and Mensheviks.
- Kornilov affair
- In August 1917 General Kornilov appeared to move troops towards Petrograd, which Kerensky perceived as a coup attempt.
- Bolshevik strategy and growth
- Kerensky armed Bolsheviks and workers to defend Petrograd, and the affair enhanced their credibility as defenders of the revolution.
- Economic and social unrest
- Workers faced low wages, food shortages and factory closures, leading to strikes and radicalisation, while agriculture suffered from land seizures and peasant unrest.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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