Kornilov's mutiny: fatal consequences for Russia

The Kornilov revolt represents an unsuccessful attempt to introduce a military dictatorship in Russia, undertaken in late August 1917 by General Lavr Georgievich Kornilov, who at that time headed the Russian army.

The Kornilov revolt: reasons

In July 1917, the struggle of the "right" and "left" political forces for power sharply increased in Russia. The right-wing forces, which included nobility, officers and clergy, believed that the "revolutionary anarchy" that had been established in the country had to be completed, and therefore welcomed the introduction of a military dictatorship and the elimination of the Soviets. And the "Lefts"-the Bolshevik Party-took a firm line to overthrow the Provisional Government and finally establish their power in the country.

The overall situation was constantly deteriorating. The peasants did not wait for the promised land, and discontent was growing among the workers. Ukraine and Finland moved towards full autonomy. Soldiers and sailors were massively carried away by the idea of a class revolution. The country was threatened with hunger.

Under these conditions, Russian society resembled a powder keg that could explode at any time. The Provisional Government realized that only a new strong government and military dictatorship could save the state from the final collapse. General Kornilov was elected as dictator. He enjoyed great respect among soldiers and officers, he was a man of authority, determination and toughness. In the conditions of danger he showed absolute decency, devotion to the motherland and all the best qualities of his strong will.

Being appointed commander-in-chief instead of General Brusilov, he imposed a ban on rallies at the front, established a shooting for desertion, significantly limited the rights and authority of the soldiers' committees. From the government, he demanded the militarization of railways and defense enterprises.

On August 12, 1917, the head of the Provisional Government, Kerensky, convened a State Conference in which the landlords, representatives of the bourgeoisie, officers, leaders of the Cossacks and clergy, the generals took part. At this meeting, questions were discussed on the imposition of the death penalty, massacre against peasants who unauthorizedly seize the land of the landowners, prohibit workers from interfering in the affairs of production, and prohibiting rallies and gatherings.

General Kornilov demanded the establishment of iron discipline, permission to enter the death penalty and the complete abolition of the Soviets. He somewhat veiled that he would surrender Riga to the German troops in order to fight the revolution and the Bolsheviks in order to open the way to Petrograd - the bulwark of the revolutionary forces.

Most of the participants in the meeting enthusiastically supported the statements of the general. Kornilov was in complete confidence that his troops would support him if he launched a coup. On the eve of the meeting, the Union of Georgievsky Cavaliers, the Union of Cossack Forces and many other associations publicly expressed their support to the General.

And on August 21, German troops occupied Riga, as Kornilov had warned. It seemed that the situation for the coup and the establishment of a dictatorship was the most favorable.

The Kornilov insurrection: the events of August 27-31, 1917

After the State Conference, General Kornilov returned to GHQ and, guided by the decision of the Provisional Government and the consent of Kerensky, began to send troops illegally to Petrograd. He sent the 3rd Cavalry Corps and the "Wild" (Native) Division headed by Lieutenant-General Krymov to the capital.

At this time, Kerensky was playing his part. On August 27, he ordered Kornilov to relieve the commander-in-chief's authority, and after the regular refusal of the general to submit, he declared that he was a rebel. Actually, Kerensky did not expect that Kornilov would listen to him. In fact, it was a huge provocation, aimed at strengthening the power of Kerensky himself.

So, Kerensky begins to conduct confused negotiations with the Stavka, mediated by Prince Lvov. He is trying to smear Kornilov with all his strength, but the Provisional Government still refuses to recognize that rebel. In response, Kerensky dissolves the government and appropriates extraordinary dictatorial powers. He personally removes Kornilov from office, although this is an absolutely unlawful act. At the same time, he is trying to stop the offensive of the "Wild Division" Kornilov on Petrograd.

Kornilov, refusing to obey Kerensky, assumes full authority and begins to issue appeals to the people and the army. In particular, he promises to "save Great Russia," convoke the convocation of the Constituent Assembly, accuses the Bolsheviks of collusion with Germany, calls on the people not to submit to the government. Kornilov's speeches were supported by many organizations and military associations. But, since they were not involved in Kornilov's struggle in advance, only moral support could provide support.

At this time, Kerensky is feverishly trying to stop Kornilov by any means. He sends telegrams, ordering him to leave urgently for St. Petersburg, but Kornilov refuses to obey Kerensky. In response, he openly exposes his demands: to exclude from the government those ministers who, according to Kornilov, are traitors to the motherland, and establish a firm and strong government in the country.

The wild division is advancing ever closer to Petrograd. At the station Antropshino they arrange a skirmish with the Petrograd garrison, taking before it Lug and disarming the local garrison. The Provisional Government understands that it can not cope with Kornilov, so he seeks help from the Bolsheviks. Those send their agitators to Kornilov's troops, and the Petrograd workers are officially handed out weapons, which later will play one of the decisive roles in the victory of the Bolsheviks in the October Revolution.

Kornilov's forces managed to stop on August 29. The saboteurs dismantled the railway track, and agitators persuaded the soldiers to lay down their arms and surrender. Krymov left his army and went to Petrograd. He felt cheated, so that very day after the negotiations with Kerensky he fatally wounded himself with a shot in the chest.

Kornilov refused to flee the Stavka, although he was given such an opportunity. On September 1, the general and the people closest to him were arrested. The revolt of General Kornilov was suppressed.

The Kornilov revolt: consequences

In the history of Russia this event played a very important role. Kerensky tried to consolidate his power, and instead played into the hands of the Bolsheviks. They got an absolutely legal opportunity to arm themselves. The intensive formation of new detachments of the Red Guard began. The camp of the "right" in fact divided itself into itself, and therefore lost the ability to maintain and strengthen its power.

After these events, the Soviets began a new chapter in history that led to the failure of the Provisional Government and the victory of the Bolsheviks in the October Revolution.