Kornilov revolt is a failed attempt to introduce a military dictatorship in Russia, undertaken at the end of August 1917, General Lavr Georgievich Kornilov, who at the time headed the Russian army.
Kornilov: Causes
In July 1917 Russia sharply escalated the struggle of the "right" and "left" political forces for power.The right-wing forces, which included the nobility, the clergy and the officers believed that the established in the country of "revolutionary anarchy" time to finish, so welcomed the introduction of the military dictatorship and the elimination of the Soviets.And the "left" - the Bolshevik Party - have a strong commitment to the overthrow of the Provisional Government and the final establishment of its power in the country.
overall situation is constantly deteriorating.Farmers never received the promised land, growing dissatisfaction among workers.Ukraine and Finland moved towards full autonomy.Soldiers and sailors were massively keen on the idea of the class revolution.Country threatened famine.
In these conditions, Russian society was like a powder keg that could explode at any time.The Provisional Government was aware that only a strong government and a new military dictatorship can save the state of complete collapse.On the role of elected dictator General Kornilov.He enjoyed great respect among the soldiers and officers, was a man of powerful, determined and tough.In terms of danger, he showed absolute honesty, dedication home and all the best qualities of his strong will.
Being appointed commander in chief in place of General Brusilov, he imposed a ban on rallies at the front, set the execution for desertion, significantly limited the rights and powers of the Committees of Soldiers.From the government, he demanded the militarization of the railways and defense enterprises.
August 12, 1917 the head of the Provisional Government of Kerensky convened a meeting of the State, which was attended by landowners, representatives of the bourgeoisie, the officers, the clergy and the top of the Cossacks, generals.At the meeting discussed the introduction of the death penalty, the massacre of peasants who illegally seized the land of the landlords, the prohibition of work interfere in the affairs of production, banning rallies and meetings.
General Kornilov demanded the establishment of an iron discipline, permission to enter the death penalty and the total abolition of the Soviets.Somewhat veiled, he said that to fight against the revolution and the Bolsheviks, he will hand over the German troops Riga, so as to open the way for them to Petrograd - a stronghold of the revolutionary forces.
majority of participants strongly supported the general statements.Kornilov evolved full confidence that it will support the troops, if he starts a revolution.On the eve of the meeting of the publicly expressed their support for the General Union of Knights of St. George, the Union of Cossack troops and many other associations.
August 21, German troops occupied Riga, as warned Kornilov.It seems that the situation for the coup and the establishment of the dictatorship of the most favorable.
Kornilov: events 27-31 August 1917
After the meeting of the State General Kornilov returned to rates and, guided by the decision of the Provisional Government and Kerensky's consent, started illegally to send their troops to Petrograd.He sent to the capital of the third cavalry corps and the "wild" (native) Division, headed by Lieutenant-General Krymov.
At this time Kerensky had played his part.On August 27, he told Kornilov commander in chief to resign, and after law-failure to submit to the General announced that a rebel.Actually, Kerensky did not count on the fact that Kornilov obey him.In fact, it was a huge provocation, which had the aim to strengthen the power of Kerensky himself.
So confused Kerensky starts to negotiate with the rate which acts as an intermediary in Prince Lvov.He is trying to discredit Kornilov, but the interim government still refuses to recognize that a rebel.In response, the Kerensky government and dissolve appropriates emergency dictatorial powers.He removes his own Kornilov from office, though it is absolutely illegal.At the same time he is trying to stop the advance of "Wild Division" Kornilov on Petrograd.
Kornilov refusing to obey Kerensky, assumes power in its entirety and starts issuing appeals to the people and the army.In particular, he promises to "save the Great Russia", the convening of the Constituent Assembly, accusing the Bolsheviks in cahoots with Germany, calls on people not to obey the government.Speeches Kornilov was supported by many organizations and military associations.But because they were not previously involved in the fight against Kornilov, the support may have only moral.
Kerensky at that time frantically trying by any means to stop Kornilov.He sends a telegram ordering to urgently go to St. Petersburg, but refuses to obey Kerensky Kornilov.In response, he openly exposes his demands: those excluded from government ministers who, according to the most Kornilov are traitors, and to establish in the country a firm and strong power.
Wildlife Division is moving ever closer to Petrograd.The station Antropshino they arrange a gunfight with the Petrograd garrison, finishing in front of this Meadow and disarmed the local garrison.The interim government realizes that it is not able to cope with Kornilov, so seeking help from the Bolsheviks.Those are sending their agitators to the troops of Kornilov, the Petrograd workers and officially handed out weapons that would play a decisive role in the victory of the Bolsheviks in the October Revolution.
Stop Kornilov troops succeeded on 29 August.Saboteurs dismantled railway track and the agitators have convinced the soldiers to lay down their arms and surrender.Krymov had left his army and went to Petrograd.He felt cheated, so on the same day after talks with Kerensky fatally shot himself shot in the chest.
Kornilov refused to flee the Bids, although such a possibility had been provided.September 1 General and closest people to him were arrested.The revolt was suppressed by General Kornilov.
Kornilov: Implications
in Russian history this event has played a very important role.Kerensky was trying to consolidate his power, and instead played into the hands of the Bolsheviks.They got totally legal opportunity to arm themselves.It began increased formation of new units of the Red Guard.The camp is the "right" is essentially divided against itself, and thus lost the ability to keep and strengthen their power.
After these events, the Soviets began a new chapter in the history that led to the failure of the Provisional Government and the Bolshevik victory in the October Revolution.
