People’s Socialists in the Interim Government (1917)

Abstract

The paper considers the activity of representatives of the Labor People’s Socialist Party in the institutions of state power in Russia in the spring and autumn of 1917, primarily in the Provisional Government. The main directions of the work of the People’s Socialists within the Ministries of Food and Justice are characterized. The attitude of Labor People’s Socialist Party members to revolutionary changes in the country, interaction with colleagues – like-minded people and rivals is highlighted; attention is drawn to some aspects of interpersonal relationships of participants in the revolutionary events of 1917, which previously remained in the shadows. A general description of the initiatives of People's Socialists at key state posts is given, the reasons for their successes and failures in the context of the socio-economic and political situation of that time are revealed. It is shown that from a professional point of view, the activity of Labor People’s Socialist Party representatives in the executive branch deserves mainly a positive assessment, as it was characterized by energy, responsibility, competence and dedication.