April to August 1917 Soviet History TIMELINE (Phoenix Che-Lai)

  • Growing unrest in Petrograd

    Due to growing unrest in Petrograd, Bolsheviks begin to win support in factories, army units, and among workers' councils
  • Publication of the April Thesis

    Lenin published the April Theses, demanding 'All Power to the Soviets', immediate peace, land to the peasants and nationalization of banks.
  • Lenin's return

    Lenin returns to Petrograd from exile, energizing the Bolshevik movement and challenging moderate socialists and the Proviional Government
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    Dual power intensifies

    Soviets and the Provisional Government both claim authority. Bolshevik agitation continues to grow, especially in Petrograd.
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    First ARCS meeting

    First All-Russian Congress of Soviets meets in Petrograd, Bolsheviks are still a minority but gain influence through speeches and agitation
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    June Offensive

    The June Offensive (Kerensky Offensive) launched by the Provisional Government against Austro-German forces, it fails disastrously demoralizing troops and the public
  • Mass desertions

    Mass desertions from the army increase, economic crisis worsens, food shortages in cities
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    July Days uprising

    Spontaneous armed demonstrations by workers and soldiers in Petrograd. Bolsheviks are implicated, but leadership is divided. Kerensky cracks down, arrests Bolsheviks and Lenin flees to Finland
  • Kerensky appointment

    Kerensky becomes the Prime Minister of the Provisional Government, replacing Prince Lvov
  • Bolshevik arrests

    Bolshevik leaders, including Trotstky, are arrested, party is temporartily weakened, but continues underground agitation.
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    Moscow State Conference

    Kerensky attempt to rally support for the Provisional Government, but is met with skepticism and protest
  • Russia proclaimed as republic

    The Provisional Government proclaims Russia as a republic, but its authority is fatally weakened
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    Kornilov Affair

    General Kornilov attempts a coup, marching troops toward Petrograd to 'restore order'. Kerensky arms the Petrograd Soviet including Bolsheviks to defend the city
  • Kornilov's coup failure

    Kornilov's coup fails and he is arrested. Bolsheviks gain prestige for their role in defending Petrograd and many are released from prison