2. The Milyukov crisis

Question 1

Did Milyukov oppose ‘revolutionary defencism’?

Did the other ministers in the PG?

Answer 1

Yes - the other ministers, including Prince Love, favoured compromise with PS

Question 2

Declaration of War Aims

Answer 2

March 1917:

- Carefully worded by PG - affirmed Russia’s commitment to war - insisted it wouldn’t forcibly seize territory

Question 3

How did PS respond to the Declaration of War Aims?

Answer 3

PS accepted this formula - but were determined to hold PG to its promises
- pressed for it to be sent to Russia’s allies as a formal diplomatic note - PG yielded to this demand

Question 4

How did Milyukov show his pro-war stance?

What did this lead to?

Answer 4

• Insisted, in a telegram, that Russia would fight on until a ‘conclusive victory’ had been won
• Led to uproar - Soviet supporters took to the streets accusing Milyukov of betrayal and demanding resignation - clashed with pro Milyukov demonstrators in which people were killed

Question 5

How did Lvov respond to the uproar of Milyukov?

Answer 5

• Clashes in April - convinced him that, in the interests of stability - battle between PG and PS had to be brought to an end
• Appealed to PS leadership to take office in a reconstructed PG - threatened to resign if they refused

PS leaders answered the call, fearing anarchy

Question 6

New reconstructed PG

Answer 6

• Tsereteli came into govt as minister of posts and telegraph
• Victory Chernov, SR leader - minister for agriculture
• Milyukov unacceptable to incoming socialists - forced to resign
• Guchkov also left - replaced by Kerensky as war minister

Question 7

For what reasons was the Milyukov (or April) crisis significant?

Answer 7

1. Demonstrated extent of Soviet power and weakness of PG
2. Brought ‘dual power’ in its original form to an end
3. Consigned Russia’s liberal to what Trotsky called ‘the dustbin of history’ - even though 4 of the new PG’s 16 ministers were Kadets
4. Ended the buoyant, optimistic mood evident in Petrograd in weeks after Feb. Rev.

Question 8

Timeline of Milyukov crisis

Answer 8

14 March 1917 - PS’s ‘Appeal to All the Peoples of the World’
27 March 1917 - PG’s ‘Declaration of War Aims’
18 April 1917 - ‘Milyukov Note’ sent privately to Russia’s allies
20 April 1917 - ‘Milyukov Note’ made public as a result of a leak to the press
20-21 April 1917 - Street demonstrations in Petrograd
4 May 1917 - Milyukov forced to resign
5 May 1917 - Announcement of formation of reconstructed PG