Question by AudreyBaby.: What event in late August 1917 caused Karensky to release Trotsky and other Bolsheviks from prison?
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Answer by Spellbound
It was the Commander-in-chief of the army – Lavr Kornilov – marching on Petrograd. Kornilov was probably (there is some debate) trying to remove the Provisional Government and establish a military government.
Kerensky released the Bolsheviks from prison and asked Lenin to return from exile in order that they might use their influence in the army to halt Kornilov. They succeeded and gained enormous boost as they were seen as the only political party that could stand up to the army – the Provisional Government was fatally wounded by the action.
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rose k says
Timeline of the Russian Revolutions: 1917
• August 25-30: The Kornilov affair. Believing Russia to be at the mercy of the Soviet, right wing hero Kornilov marches to Petrograd to restore 'strong' government and crush the socialists. He has the support of many but not, as he believes, Kerensky, who turns against the coup and denounces the General.
• August 29-30: The PS forms a committee to act against the 'counter-revolution'; Bolsheviks are given equal power. Over 40,000 workers and soldiers form 'Red Guards' and disarm the approaching army; this new militia remains active.
• September 1: Kerensky responds to events by declaring Russia a republic and creating a 5 man Directory as government; he controls the new body, but it's weak.