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 134 they consented to the adoption of their programme without this point.

The successful formation of this Provisional Government was the surprise, and at the same time the great misfortune, of the Revolution. The Revolution had certain clear and definite issues to solve. If they were not solved, it had missed its purpose. First it had to solve the political question: to abolish the autocracy and create a democratic republic. This task was entrusted to a Government which had no connection with Republican traditions, which consisted in the main of convinced partisans of the monarchist principle. Then the Revolution had to solve the land question. Without opening the land to the peasantry and satisfying the peasants' "hunger for land," the Revolution would be in vain. This great reform was to be carried out by a Government of landowners and politicians who were the avowed enemies of nationalisation of land. Similarly the Revolution had the great task of democratising the foreign policy of Russia and of abolishing all Imperialistic aims. And for the post of Foreign Minister was chosen Miliukov, the most consistent Imperialist of Russia. Finally the Revolution had the task of democratising the army, a task which was of vital importance to the success of the Revolution and the stability of the State. This task was entrusted to the new War Minister, Guchkov, who was the last person, to think of carrying out such a policy.

In a few days the wonderful atmosphere of revolution which led to this extraordinary union between the revolutionary and moderate elements had passed by. The Provisional Government honestly tried to fulfil their obligations and to carry out their adopted programme, but it went against the grain. Their real feelings and opinions asserted themselves more and more, and one point after another was shelved or indefinitely postponed. Then began the fatal disagreements and the still more fatal compromises between the Provisional Government and the revolutionary democracy.