Revolutions constitute a structural and ideological schism from the previous regime. They encompass changes to both the political and socioeconomic structures of a polity. They involve an often violent popular movement to repeal the previous regime. Revolutions change the political leadership and the policy orientations of the state. Moreover, revolutionary regimes bring with them a new conception of time, a notion that they are beginning a new era in the history of the state and its society. In February 1917, the autocracy disintegrated. Russia stood in limbo, and the Provisional Government along with the Petrograd Soviet would speak for the revolution of the people.
'Dual Power,' was an alliance between the Provisional Government and Petrograd Soviet between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. It was perceived that this was only an interim arrangement, waiting on the Constituent Assembly to assemble. Meanwhile, the Bolsheviks spoke to the crowds and asserted the eagerness to take power in the name of the proletarian revolution. 'Dual Power,' concept was forced on the government, causing a concern. The Provisional government feared that the February Revolution had produced only two self-constituted authorities to the national role. Furthermore, the Petrograd Soviet was formulated from the 1905 Petersburg Soviet, which constituted socialist politicians, workers, and soldiers. Germany's decisive role in bringing back many of the Bolsheviks that were in exile was a determinant in Lenin's ability to create instability and sway the outcome of the revolt.
Alexander Fyodorovich Kerensky, a Russian lawyer, and revolutionary, was a key political figure in the Russian Revolution of 1917. After the February Revolution of 1917, he joined the Russian Provisional Government. In mid-June, he advocated for the Russian government to take a major offensive on the Gallatian Front. During the turmoil, Petrograd erupted with demonstrations known as the July Days. Many Russian workers felt they had been sold short – they had expected that the February Revolution and the overthrow of the tsar would bring about the end of Russia’s participation in the war. However, instead, the government was intent on continuing the fight. The provisional government, it seemed, was no less bourgeois than the Romanovs.
‘All power to the Soviets!’
Workers and soldiers took to the streets brandishing the slogan, ‘All power to the Soviets!’ meaning abolition of the dual power. From 16–20 July, half a million workers and soldiers rebelled demanding an immediate end to the war. The demonstration became known as the ‘July Days.’ Fitzpatrick distinguishes that the July Days was a vindication of Lenin's intransigent stand since April. Bolsheviks were to blame for the July Days, and it seemed as though they were heading for trouble, but the Provisional Government was also facing its unrest.
The October Revolution
Using the Bolsheviks, Lenin, from Finland, described the urgency for an uprising. He felt that the Bolsheviks must act before the Second Congress of Soviets met. Lenin obtained his objective, on October 10, the Bolsheviks agreed on an uprising.
The provisional government’s grip on power was tenuous and Lenin, sensing the time was ripe for a takeover, urged immediate action and on November 6, 1917, he wrote:
‘The situation is critical in the extreme. It is absolutely clear that to delay the insurrection now will be inevitably fatal. I exhort my comrades with all my heart and strength to realize that everything now hangs by a thread, that we are being confronted by problems that cannot be solved by conferences and congresses but exclusively by the people, the masses, by the struggle of the armed masses. We must at all costs, this very evening, this very night, arrest the Government… We must not wait! We will lose everything! History will not forgive revolutionaries for procrastinating when they can be victorious today, while they risk losing much, in fact, everything, tomorrow.’
Lenin joined the Bolsheviks, and the February regime had been overthrown, and power had passed to the victors of October.
So who won? What was the purpose of the 'Dual Power?'
Fitzpatrick, Sheila. The Russian Revolution. Oxford University Press, 2008.