Kornilov Affair: Failed Coup in WWI Russia.

Amid the turmoil and chaos of World War I, the Russian Provisional Government in Petrograd faced increasing instability. General Lavr Kornilov, head of the Russian Army, perceived this instability as detrimental to Russia's war efforts and internal security. He concluded that the Provisional Government's inability to manage the growing disorder necessitated decisive military intervention. Kornilov's core objective was to re-establish order by transferring power from the civilian Provisional Government to the military. Kornilov believed that the Provisional Government's failure to curb the Bolshevik influence and address the concerns of soldiers and workers was exacerbating the crisis. His plan, widely known as the Kornilov Affair, aimed to march his troops into Petrograd and take control of the capital. He sought to dissolve the Soviets, implement military rule, and restore discipline in the army. However, the coup attempt was unsuccessful due to several factors. Prime Minister Alexander Kerensky, fearing a military dictatorship, took measures to counteract Kornilov. He called upon workers and soldiers, including the Bolsheviks, to defend the city, successfully mobilizing a united front against Kornilov's forces. This coalition managed to halt the General's progress before he could seize control. The impact of Kornilov's failed coup was profound. It significantly weakened the authority of the Provisional Government, exposing its inability to maintain stability and command the support of the military. Moreover, it greatly empowered the Bolsheviks, who had played a key role in defending Petrograd. This event demonstrated the fragility of the existing government and paved the way for the Bolshevik Revolution later that same year. The Kornilov Affair remains a critical episode in Russian history, illustrating the volatility and complexities of power struggles during wartime and the political fragility of temporary governance structures. #KornilovAffair #RussianHistory #WorldWarI #MilitaryCoup #ProvisionalGovernment #MoofLife