Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 1: The revolutions of 1917 - 3 The Provisional Government: The…
Full specification wording
Option 30: Key topic 1: The revolutions of 1917 - 3 The Provisional Government: The establishment of the Provisional Government and the problems it faced, including ‘Dual Control’ and Soviet Order Number 1. The role of Kerensky.
Following the Tsar's abdication, the Provisional Government was established to run Russia temporarily.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Following the Tsar's abdication, the Provisional Government was established to run Russia temporarily. It immediately faced severe problems, most notably 'Dual Control' shared with the Petrograd Soviet. The Soviet's power was cemented by Order Number 1, instructing soldiers to obey the Provisional Government only if orders did not contradict the Soviet, effectively stripping the government of military control. The government also struggled with insurmountable issues: continuing the unpopular war, solving the land crisis, and managing a collapsing economy. Alexander Kerensky, a member of both bodies and later Prime Minister, played a pivotal role in attempting to bridge the divide, but ultimately failed to resolve these fundamental crises.
What earns the marks
- Define the Provisional Government and its temporary, unelected nature.
- Explain the concept of 'Dual Control' and how power was divided with the Petrograd Soviet.
- Analyse the impact of Soviet Order Number 1 on the Provisional Government's authority over the armed forces.
- Evaluate the role of Alexander Kerensky in managing the relationship between the government and the Soviet.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming the Provisional Government was elected.
Put it right: Emphasise that it was a temporary committee formed from the old Duma, lacking democratic legitimacy.
Misunderstanding Order Number 1.
Put it right: Clarify that it didn't give the Soviet direct command, but gave them veto power over military orders.
Blaming Kerensky for everything from the start.
Put it right: Note that he initially helped hold the dual system together before his later failures as Prime Minister.
Exam tips
- Use 'Dual Control' to explain why the Provisional Government was inherently weak from its inception.
- When discussing the problems faced, always mention the decision to continue the First World War as their most fatal error.
- Highlight Kerensky's unique position as a member of both the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option 30: Key topic 1: The revolutions of 1917 - 3 The Provisional Government: The establishment of the Provisional Government and the problems it faced, including ‘Dual Control’ and Soviet Order Number 1. The role of Kerensky. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What was the system of 'Dual Control' established in Russia following the February Revolution of 1917?
Listen
Following the Tsar's abdication, the Provisional Government was established to run Russia temporarily. It immediately faced severe problems, most notably 'Dual Control' shared with the Petrograd Soviet. The Soviet's power was cemented by Order Number 1, instructing soldiers to obey the Provisional Government only if orders did not contradict the Soviet, effectively stripping the government of military control. The government also struggled with insurmountable issues: continuing the unpopular war, solving the land crisis, and managing a collapsing economy. Alexander Kerensky, a member of both bodies and later Prime Minister, played a pivotal role in attempting to bridge the divide, but ultimately failed to resolve these fundamental crises. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Define the Provisional Government and its temporary, unelected nature. Explain the concept of 'Dual Control' and how power was divided with the Petrograd Soviet. Analyse the impact of Soviet Order Number 1 on the Provisional Government's authority over the armed forces. Evaluate the role of Alexander Kerensky in managing the relationship between the government and the Soviet. A common slip: Assuming the Provisional Government was elected. Instead, emphasise that it was a temporary committee formed from the old Duma, lacking democratic legitimacy. Exam tip: Use 'Dual Control' to explain why the Provisional Government was inherently weak from its inception.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Provisional Government
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Dual Control
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Soviet Order Number 1
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Kerensky
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See every definition
- Provisional Government
- A temporary, unelected committee formed from the old Duma to run Russia following the Tsar's abdication, lacking democratic legitimacy.
- Dual Control
- The sharing of power between the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet, which made the government inherently weak from its inception.
- Soviet Order Number 1
- An order instructing soldiers to obey the Provisional Government only if orders did not contradict the Soviet, giving the Soviet veto power over military orders.
- Kerensky
- A member of both the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet, and later Prime Minister, who attempted to bridge the divide between them.
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