How Did Lenin Criticize The Provisional Government

The Tsar had made an enemy of his people while simultaneously entangling Russia in a war that they were unequipped to handle. World War 1 appeared to be a complete disaster for Russia in 1917. The Great Retreat of 1915 brought the Austrian-Hungarian Army to Russia’s doorstep and Nicholas II decides to abandon the home front to command the Russian army in the borderlands. This left the unpopular Tsarina in charge of the country contributing to the anger and discontent of the autocracy. 1916 brought widespread demonstrations, strikes, and conflicts with police as the people desperately expressed “calls for bread” and continued to openly express their hatred for the autocracy’s authority. Soldiers begin taking the side of the Russian people, often standing in
This full blown political revolt leads to the occupation of the Duma in which the people elect their own deputies who establish the “dual power” arrangement with workers. They take control of the state and establish Order #1 which consolidates power in the Duma between elected deputies and the Soviet workers, essentially forcing Nicholas II to abdicate the throne. Order #1 becomes a source of contention under the Provisional Government. Lenin returns to Russia in 1917 and immediately criticizes the Provisional government and focuses his efforts on arming the proletariat and poor peasantry. In his April Thesis, Lenin articulates the goals of the Soviets which includes the abolition of “dual power” in favor of full Soviet control along with proposing for an end to the World War I by making peace with Germany. The Provisional Government, headed by Alexander Kerensky, responds to Lenin’s April Thesis through a new coalition with the Mensheviks along with continued commitments to their World War I allies. As the provisional government begins taking similar stances as the monarchy which preceded it, as increasing distrust of the government leads to increasing political polarization. A