still in process of formation in 1917, not unified and quickly willing to abandon the PG
constant change in cabinet, parties resigned constantly
largely control of one individual, Kerensky
Kerensky was seen as politically weak (feminine, which was against the patriarchal vision of Russian politics)
Allyship w. Kornilov, plot to move Korn's troops into the capital and shut down the Soviet
Plot failed because Kerensky was nervous that Kornilov was going to take power instead of him
So Kerensky went to the Soviet for help thus the authority of the PG was diminished
Failure of Kerensky's plot taught Trotsky to unite all Soviets in Northern region and defensive circle
PG was still committed to War
Huge resources needed for over 10 mill soldiers to prevent rebellion
In popular govt, peace was demanded, but not prepared for a dishonourable peace
PG had no honourable way out, Central powers were still solely committed, and Allies did nothing to relieve the Eastern front
Nationalities that wanted complete independence: Poland, Finland
Ukraine wanted increased autonomy, Russia lost control over grain and industry in Ukraine
PG could not assert its authority over the empire, couldn't guarantee its resources from provinces
Post Feb 1917 marked the Social Rural Revolution signifying the end of Stolypin's land reforms
Rural violence reintegrated 'separator' lands into communes
Breakdown of govt authority
Disrupted production in the countryside as lawlessness increased
Peasants lacked the civilisation to put law above self interest
Peasant soldiers returning to the countryside were young and armed, transformed with experience and discipline
therefore capable to assert their own authority
Causedgenerational conflict as the soldiers demanded their own home states outside of their elders
Peasants were only willing to sell grain if the price was in their favour, inflation was high so they could not buy consumer goods with the profit earned from selling grain
wanted industrial capital to advance production
BUT PG was not able to provide this because of the war effort
attempted to set a minimum price for grain but peasants rejected
Urban workers were discontented that they weren't getting sufficient food
Soviets undermined the power of PG b/c they passed their own legislation about democratisation of the army and other areas of govt