Provisional Government

• Inherited political authority after the abdication of Nicholas II
• Was designed to set up elections to the Assembly while maintaining essential Government services.
• It’s power was limited by the Petrograd Soviet‘s growing authority.
• Was established after the Prime Minister was forced to resign, 24 commissars of the Duma were appointed.
• Was in cooperation with the Petrograd Soviet (despite Bolshevik protests) and this led to dual authority.
• Reforms made:

  • Freedom of religion
  • Amnesty for political prisoners
  • Equal rights for women
  • Recognition of trade unions
  • Freedom of speech
  • Secret police abolished
  • Promise of an elected parliament
  • Universal vote
  • Introduction of an 8 hour working day for industrial workers