2.9. How and why was the Provisional Government overthrown?

What was a significant factor that contributed to the discontent with Tsar Nicholas II leading to the formation of the Provisional Government?

• His support for the Progressive Bloc
• His appointment of military leaders
• His suspension of the Duma in 1915
• His reforms in response to public demands

Answer explanation

Nicholas II's decision to suspend the Duma increased political discontent and set the stage for revolution.

What event marked the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II?

• The dissolution of the fourth Duma
• The agreement to hand over authority to the Temporary Committee
• The takeover of the Winter Palace
• The formation of the Provisional Government

Answer explanation

Nicholas II agreed to hand over authority to the Temporary Committee before officially abdicating.

What was one of the main aims of the newly formed Provisional Government?

• To prepare for elections to a Constituent Assembly
• To establish a monarchy
• To increase support from the Bolsheviks
• To expand the military forces

Answer explanation

The Provisional Government's primary aim was to prepare for elections to create a new Constituent Assembly.

Why was the Provisional Government seen as lacking legitimacy?

• It lacked public approval from the start
• It failed to gain military support
• It was led by Tsarist loyalists
• It was made up of unelected members from the Progressive Bloc

Answer explanation

The Provisional Government lacked legitimacy because it was an unelected body formed by members of the Progressive Bloc.

Which two historians have characterized the Provisional Government as initially 'popularly accepted'?

• Ian Thatcher and Vladimir Lenin
• J.N. Westwood and Ian Thatcher
• J.N. Westwood and Leon Trotsky
• Maxim Gorky and George Orwell

Answer explanation

Historians J.N. Westwood and Ian Thatcher noted that the Provisional Government was initially accepted by the public.

What overarching themes characterize the arguments about the collapse of the Provisional Government?

• Cultural transformation and social justice
• Foreign intervention and economic prosperity
• Political stability and civil rights
• Long-term issues and immediate events

Answer explanation

The arguments about the Provisional Government's collapse revolve primarily around long-term issues and immediate events during its rule.

Which of the following factors is identified as a longer-term issue faced by the Provisional Government?

• Bolshevik propaganda
• Economic problems
• The Kornilov Affair
• The July Days events

Answer explanation

Economic problems are among the long-term issues that undermined the Provisional Government's ability to effectively respond to challenges.

What factor do some historians argue contributed to the Provisional Government's failure?

• Too strong support from the Bolsheviks
• Its military alliances
• A lack of effective leadership
• Poor decision-making

Answer explanation

Some historians argue that poor decision-making contributed significantly to the failure of the Provisional Government.

Which event significantly marked the response of the Provisional Government in its challenges with the Bolsheviks?

• Treaty of Brest-Litovsk
• Formation of the Soviet Council
• The October Revolution
• July Days

Answer explanation

The July Days represent a critical event that highlighted the Provisional Government's struggle against the Bolsheviks.

What perception does the involvement of masons in the Provisional Government raise among historians?

• It led to diminished trust and legitimacy among the public
• It ensured broad support from the working class
• It strengthened relationships with foreign governments
• It was widely accepted as a political strategy

Answer explanation

The involvement of masons in the Provisional Government raised questions about its legitimacy and trust among the public.