2.8. Impact of continuing the war on the Provisional Government

What was one of the Provisional Government's primary concerns in continuing the war?

• To maintain economic support from western allies.
• To prevent civil war within Russia.
• To gain international popularity.
• To expand Russia's territory.

Answer explanation

The Provisional Government continued the war largely to keep economic support from the western allies.

What was a significant factor that contributed to the disintegration of the empire before the First World War?

• Demands for autonomy from major agricultural areas
• Economic prosperity in the regions
• Support from the Provisional Government
• Strong leadership from Kerensky

Answer explanation

Demands for autonomy from areas like Finland, Poland, and Ukraine posed significant threats to the integrity of the empire.

What were the implications of ending the war for the Provisional Government?

• They would have likely gained international recognition.
• They would risk losing territory and face reparations to Germany.
• The public would immediately support their decision.
• The Russian army would become more powerful.

Answer explanation

Ending the war would likely result in territorial losses and reparations, which were significant concerns for the Provisional Government.

What was the nature of the alliance formed by the Provisional Government in 1917?

• An exclusive partnership with the peasants
• A coalition with the Bolsheviks
• A unified government with the tsar
• A Dual Authority with the Soviets

Answer explanation

The Provisional Government allied with the Soviets to create a Dual Authority reflecting the influence of popular protest.

How did the war influence the situation in Russia?

• It resolved all pre-existing issues
• It created new pressures alongside existing ones
• It caused an immediate economic boom
• It led to a strengthened monarchy

Answer explanation

The war exacerbated longstanding issues in Russia while introducing new challenges for any governing body.

Which demand did the Petrograd Soviet emphasize regarding the war?

• A peace agreement that involved territorial gains.
• A declaration of total war against Germany.
• A continuation of the war with greater resources.
• Peace with honor and without loss of territory.

Answer explanation

The Petrograd Soviet demanded peace without loss of territory or reparations, highlighting the public's desire for a favorable conclusion to the war.

How did the public sentiment affect the Provisional Government's decision to continue the war?

• Public opinion unanimously supported the war effort.
• The populace was indifferent to the war's outcome.
• The public had conflicting desires for peace without losses.
• All sectors of society demanded immediate withdrawal from the war.

Answer explanation

Public sentiment included demands for peace without losses, creating tension around the decision to continue the war.

What was Kerensky’s relationship with the workers and peasants?

• He had unanimous support from all classes
• He was suspect and lacked their trust
• He was a popular leader among the soldiers
• He was fully trusted by them

Answer explanation

Kerensky was viewed with suspicion by workers and peasants despite his socialist background.

What was a significant paradox faced by the Provisional Government regarding the war?

• They could only negotiate a peace deal by continuing the war.
• Failure in the war would solidify their power.
• Continuing the war had no impact on public dissent.
• They were supported by the Bolsheviks in their war efforts.

Answer explanation

The Provisional Government believed that continuing the war was necessary to position the Russian army for a viable peace negotiation.

What does the statement about Bolsheviks rising to power indicate?

• Their power was largely based on military strength
• They had a large and stable governing structure
• Their rise was due to unprecedented support from the monarch
• They took advantage of the war-affected situation

Answer explanation

The Bolsheviks' rise to power was significantly influenced by their ability to manipulate the pressures created by the war.