How did the Provisional Government fail to maintain control?

The Provisional Government failed to maintain control due to weak leadership, internal divisions, and inability to address key issues.

The Provisional Government, established after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in March 1917, struggled with weak leadership. Alexander Kerensky, who became the most prominent leader, was unable to unite the various factions within the government. This lack of unity made it difficult to make decisive decisions and implement effective policies. The government was also a coalition of different political groups, including liberals and socialists, who often had conflicting goals and priorities. This internal division further weakened their ability to govern effectively.

One of the major issues the Provisional Government faced was its decision to continue fighting in World War I. This was highly unpopular among the Russian people, who were exhausted by the war and suffering from severe economic hardships. The continuation of the war effort led to widespread discontent and further eroded the government's support. Additionally, the government failed to address the pressing issues of land reform and workers' rights, which were crucial to gaining the support of the peasantry and the working class.

The Provisional Government also faced significant opposition from the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin. The Bolsheviks capitalised on the government's weaknesses and promised "peace, land, and bread" to the war-weary and impoverished population. They were able to gain significant support, particularly in the major cities and among the soldiers. The Bolsheviks' ability to organise and mobilise the masses culminated in the October Revolution, where they successfully overthrew the Provisional Government.

In summary, the Provisional Government's failure to maintain control was due to its weak leadership, internal divisions, and inability to address the critical issues of war, land reform, and workers' rights, which ultimately led to its downfall at the hands of the Bolsheviks.