Reasons for Russia’s Continued Participation in World War I Under the Provisional Government

Following the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in February 1917, the newly formed Provisional Government (PG) faced a critical dilemma: whether to continue Russia's participation in World War I. While popular sentiment favored peace, several factors compelled the PG to keep Russia in the war, a decision that ultimately contributed to its downfall.

Honour and Commitment to the Allied Cause

The PG, particularly Alexander Kerensky, felt a strong sense of obligation to honor Russia's commitments to its Western allies. France, in particular, had fulfilled its obligation to support Russia in 1914, and withdrawing from the war would be seen as a betrayal. This sense of honor resonated with the ideals of the February Revolution, which emphasized democratic values and international cooperation. As Figes points out, "The PG was acutely aware that its democratic legitimacy in the eyes of the world depended on its loyalty to the Allied cause." (Figes, 1996, p. 254)

Kerensky’s Personal Ambition

Kerensky, as Minister for War, harbored ambitions of military glory and saw continued participation in the war as a means to bolster his prestige and consolidate his power. A decisive Russian victory, however unlikely, would solidify his position and potentially silence his critics. This ambition blinded him to the realities on the ground, where the Russian army was plagued by desertions and low morale. As Pipes argues, "Kerensky's decision to launch the June offensive was a tragic example of personal ambition trumping national interest." (Pipes, 1994, p. 452)

Political Calculation and Fear of Reprisal

The PG was acutely aware of the potential political repercussions of seeking a separate peace with Germany. The Germans were likely to demand harsh terms, potentially involving territorial concessions, which would be viewed as a betrayal of the sacrifices made by Russian soldiers. This would severely undermine the PG's already tenuous authority and potentially trigger widespread unrest. As Smith notes, "The political costs of a separate peace, in terms of both domestic and international legitimacy, were simply too high for the PG to bear." (Smith, 1996, p. 112)

Economic Dependence on the Allies

Perhaps the most pressing reason for remaining in the war was Russia's dire economic situation. The Tsarist regime had left the country financially crippled, and the PG was heavily reliant on loans and supplies from its Western allies. Withdrawing from the war would jeopardize this vital economic lifeline, further destabilizing the already precarious situation. The PG hoped that by remaining a loyal ally, it could secure the financial assistance needed to rebuild the nation.

Conclusion

The Provisional Government's decision to keep Russia in World War I was a complex one, driven by a combination of idealistic notions of honour, personal ambition, political calculation, and economic necessity. The decision, while understandable given the circumstances, proved to be a fatal miscalculation. The continuation of the war exacerbated Russia's internal problems, leading to economic collapse, social unrest, and ultimately, the Bolshevik Revolution. The PG’s inability to extricate Russia from the conflict highlights the powerful forces that can compel a nation to pursue a course of action even when it is clearly not in its best interests.

References

Figes, O. (1996). A People's Tragedy: The Russian Revolution 1891-1924. London: Pimlico.

Pipes, R. (1994). A Concise History of the Russian Revolution. New York: Vintage Books.

Smith, S. A. (1996). Russia in Revolution: An Empire in Collapse. Oxford: Oxford University Press.