The Role of Alexander Kerensky in the Russian Revolution

Introduction

• The Russian Revolution is a pivotal event of the 20th century, led by Lenin and the Bolsheviks.
• Common narratives blame the Tsarist autocracy for the revolution.
• The lecture argues that the real cause was Kerensky's decisions, not the Tsar.

Background on Alexander Kerensky

• Kerensky was a leading figure post-February Revolution, emerging from the Duma as an opponent of the monarchy.
• He held high positions in the provisional government and Petrograd Soviet.
• Initially served as Minister of Justice, later became Minister of War.

Key Decisions and Their Consequences

Order Number One

• Granted soldiers' rights to express opinions, abolished mandatory saluting.
• Met with opposition from army officers, led to political agitation at the front.
• Enabled Bolshevik agitators to spread ideology among soldiers.

Kerensky Offensive

• Targeted Galicia in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, aimed to gain support for the provisional government.
• Reinforcements came from Bolshevik-influenced Petrograd, worsening the situation.
• Offensive failed, demoralizing troops and increasing Bolshevik influence.

July Days and Kerensky’s Rise

• Bolshevik coup attempt in July 1917 failed.
• Kerensky became Prime Minister after Georgy Lvov's resignation.
• Despite military unpopularity, Kerensky moved into the Winter Palace.

The Kornilov Affair

• Kerensky appointed Kornilov as Chief of Staff, who demanded military reforms.
• A misunderstanding led Kerensky to falsely believe in a counter-revolutionary plot by Kornilov.
• Kerensky arrested Kornilov and released Bolsheviks, inadvertently empowering them.

The Collapse of Military Support

• The army's loyalty to Kerensky faded due to constant changes and misunderstandings.
• Generals refused to support him, seeing his decisions as disastrous.

Bolshevik Rise to Power

• Kerensky dismissed counterintelligence that unearthed Bolshevik plots.
• Allowed Bolsheviks to re-arm, leading to their successful October Revolution.

Conclusion

• The Bolshevik takeover was due to Kerensky's mismanagement, not a popular uprising.
• Kerensky's actions inadvertently paved the way for the Bolsheviks' rise.
• His role in the February Revolution and subsequent failures highlight his significant blame in the Bolshevik seizure of power.