Discuss the view that the Provisional Government collapsed because of the power of the Soviets.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the factors that led to the collapse of the Provisional Government in October/November 1917. Some may argue that the Provisional Government was weakened initially because of Dual Power, but that its overthrow was the result of a coup carried out by the Bolsheviks. Other factors that may have undermined the Provisional Government were its lack of legitimacy (it was self-appointed). Additionally, its failure to implement popular policies, such as dealing with the land question and the decision to continue with the war, was in contrast to Bolshevik policies of Peace, Land and Bread. There may be consideration of the extent of popular support for the Provisional Government by October 1917; it was only able to survive the Kornilov affair with the help of the Red Guards, whereas the Bolsheviks had majorities on the Petrograd and Moscow Soviets.