2.1.2

Social & Economic Problems

Test yourself

Social Problems

Kerensky and the Provisional Government had problems keeping the peasants under control.

Illustrative background for The government and the old regimeIllustrative background for The government and the old regime ?? "content

The government and the old regime

  • The fundamental problem for the Provisional Government was that it seemed similar to the members of the 1912 AD Duma and the tsar's old regime.
  • The Provisional Government was not representative like the Soviets, which held elections.
    • Although the Provisional Government intended to hold an election, the turmoil of 1917 AD at home and at the front meant that this was impossible.
Illustrative background for The peasantryIllustrative background for The peasantry ?? "content

The peasantry

  • The Provisional Government failed to satisfy the peasants.
  • Most peasants just wanted to be left to get on with their own lives.
  • Many peasants supported the Socialist Revolutionaries, although usually peasants did not have a clear political agenda or ideology.
Illustrative background for The redistribution of landIllustrative background for The redistribution of land ?? "content

The redistribution of land

  • Many peasants wanted land. Some suggested that they should seize land from their former masters.
  • The government wanted to wait for an election before making sweeping changes.
  • But many peasants seized land anyway. When the Bolsheviks were looking for support, they played on the peasants’ thirst for land by promising it to them during the October Revolution.

Economic Problems

Russia was on the verge of economic collapse in 1917 AD. The Provisional Government was unable to solve these issues.

Illustrative background for IndustryIllustrative background for Industry ?? "content

Industry

  • Basic materials for industry could not reach Russia because of the war.
  • This shortage worsened through 1917 AD, and the army was unable to fight effectively because of a lack of weapons.
Illustrative background for FarmingIllustrative background for Farming ?? "content

Farming

  • Peasant farmers were forced to join the military.
  • This led to weaker agricultural production.
  • This led to price rises because of shortages of food.
Illustrative background for TransportIllustrative background for Transport ?? "content

Transport

  • Russia's railway system was unable to supply the cities effectively.
  • The system was full taking troops and supplies to the front line.
Illustrative background for InflationIllustrative background for Inflation ?? "content

Inflation

  • The value of the rouble also fell because of the war.
  • This contributed to even higher prices for food and other goods.

Jump to other topics

1The End of Tsardom

1.1Russia's Economy & Society

1.1.1Industrialisation

1.1.2Living & Working Conditions

1.2Nicholas II's Autocracy & the Court

1.2.1Growth of Revolutionary Opposition

1.2.2The 1905 Revolution & the October Manifesto

1.2.3Reforming Russia Before 1914 - Stolypin

1.2.4The Duma & Political Stalemate

1.3The First World War

1.3.1The Impact of Military Defeats

1.3.2Social & Economic Effects of WW1

1.3.3Romanov Unpopularity

1.3.4The Tsar's Abdication

1.3.5Top Grade AO2/3 - The End of Tsardom

2Lenin's New Society

2.1The Provisional Government

2.1.1The Failure of the Government

2.1.2Social & Economic Problems

2.1.3Lenin & Trotsky

2.1.4The Growth of the Bolsheviks

2.1.5The October / November Revolution

2.1.6Top Grade AO2/3 - The Provisional Government

2.2The Impact of Lenin's Dictatorship

2.2.1The End of the First World War

2.2.2The Cheka

2.2.3Red Terror & Centralisation

2.2.4The Civil War & The Red Army

2.2.5Propaganda

2.2.6Top Grade AO2/3 - Early Bolshevism & the Civil War

2.3Social & Economic Developments

2.3.1War Communism

2.3.2The Kronstadt Rising

2.3.3The New Economic Policy (NEP)

2.3.4The Achievements of Lenin & Trotsky

2.3.5Top Grade AO2/3 - Social & Economic Developments

3Stalin's USSR

3.1Stalin the Dictator

3.1.1The Power Struggle to Succeed Lenin

3.1.2The Communist Party & Government

3.1.3The Terror & the Purges

3.1.4The Secret Police

3.1.5Cult of Personality

3.1.6Propaganda & Censorship under Stalin

3.1.7Top Grade AO2/3 - Stalin's Dictatorship

3.2Stalin's Modernisation of the USSR

3.2.1Collectivisation

3.2.2Five Year Plans

3.2.3Social & Economic Consequences

3.2.4Social & Economic Consequences 2

3.2.5The Extent of Modernisation

3.3Impact of the Second World War

3.3.1Stalin's Wartime Leadership

3.3.2Political, Economic & Social Consequences of War

3.3.3Top Grade AO2/3 - Modernisation of the USSR

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson

The Failure of the Government

Lenin & Trotsky