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The First Congress of Soviets
Throughout the month of June, the First All-Russia Congress of Soviets was held in Petrograd. Out of 784 delegates who had a full vote, the Bolsheviks numbered only 105, but their voice was loud and clear. As the Congress discussed the future of Russia, doubt was expressed as to whether any existing party was actually willing to accept the responsibility of leading the nation. As if on cue, Lenin promptly stood up and announced, “There is such a party!” Laughter was reportedly heard following Lenin’s pronouncement, and few took him seriously. To Lenin, however, it was no joke.
Bolshevik-Incited Demonstrations
On June 9, the Bolsheviks made an open proclamation calling for civilians and soldiers alike to fill the streets of the capital, condemn the provisional government, and demand an immediate end to the war. Though the proclamation called on demonstrators to state their demands calmly, the Bolsheviks’ true intention, as always, was to sponsor a violent uprising that would topple the government. That evening, the Congress of Soviets, anticipating the potential for violence, prohibited demonstrations for a period of several days. The Bolsheviks gave in and called off the demonstration, realizing that they still lacked adequate support to carry off a revolution.
The July Putsch
In June, the Russian army began a renewed offensive along the Austrian front in World War I. It was initially successful, but within a few days, German reinforcements appeared, and the Russian troops fled in a general panic, leading to another complete military failure. Following this, on June 30, the Petrograd Machine Gun Regiment, one of the largest and most politically volatile military regiments in the city, was ordered to report for duty on the front. Members of the regiment immediately began to protest, and the ever-watchful Bolsheviks lost no time in whipping the soldiers’ discontent into a frenzy.
On July 3, Bolshevik leaders decided to try to use the regiment, in combination with their own armed forces and 20,000 sailors from a nearby naval base, to take over the Petrograd Soviet. The next day, an armed mob began to assemble outside the Tauride Palace, where the Petrograd Soviet had its headquarters. However, the mob had little organization, and as rumors circulated that troops were being called to put down the demonstrations and that Bolsheviks were colluding with Germany, many began to leave. By the end of the day, the mob had dissipated, and arrest warrants were issued for all of the Bolshevik leaders. Most were caught, but were not prosecuted, and Lenin escaped to Finland.
Political Fallout from the July Putsch
The events of June and July proved conclusively to Lenin that he could not carry out a revolution simply by manipulating crowds of demonstrators. The July Putsch, as it came to be called, was a disaster for the Bolsheviks on many levels. The failed coup made them appear reckless and incompetent. The accusations of their collusion with Germany further damaged their reputation, especially among the military, and Lenin was unusually ineffective in countering the charges. At the same time, Kerensky and the provisional government received a brief boost in popularity. Worst of all for the Bolsheviks, most of their leadership were now in jail, including the crucial figure Leon Trotsky, and Lenin was once more in hiding.
The Kornilov Affair
In July, Prime Minister Kerensky appointed General Lavr Kornilov commander in chief of the Russian army. However, Kerensky soon began to fear that Kornilov was plotting to set up a military dictatorship. Kornilov had his own doubts about Kerensky as well, and a mutual lack of trust grew quickly between them. This tenuous relationship quickly fell apart due to a possible misunderstanding or conspiracy, depending on the account, that resulted in Kornilov marching on Petrograd with his troops to “restore order,” with Kerensky believing that this was a coup attempt and asking the Bolsheviks for aid.
While historians do not agree on the exact nature of events, including whether or not the failed coup was genuine, the Kornilov affair weakened Kerensky and provided Lenin with the opportunity he had been waiting for. Not only did it destroy Kerensky’s credibility in the eyes of both the military and the rest of the country, but it also strengthened the Bolsheviks, who used the incident to boost their own platform and greatly increase their store of weapons. Altogether, the affair finally set the stage for the Bolsheviks to make a real attempt at revolution that autumn.
Events Timeline
June 3, 1917
First Congress of Soviets opens in Petrograd
June 9
Bolsheviks call for demonstrations by civilians and soldiers; Congress of Soviets votes to ban all demonstrations; Bolsheviks desist
June 16
Final Russian offensive of World War I begins
June 30
Petrograd Machine Gun Regiment is ordered to the front
July 3
Bolsheviks plan massive demonstration against the Petrograd Soviet and the provisional government
July 4
Bolsheviks’ July Putsch fails; many Bolsheviks are arrested, but Lenin escapes and goes into hiding
August 27
Kerensky dismisses Kornilov and accuses him of treason; Kornilov calls on his troops to mutiny
Key People
Vladimir Lenin
Bolshevik leader; made numerous attempts to start second revolution during the summer of 1917
Alexander Kerensky
Minister of war and later prime minister of the provisional government; lost credibility during Kornilov affair
Lavr Kornilov
Commander in chief of the Russian army; became embroiled in misunderstanding with Kerensky
