ABSTRACT
The revolutionary spirit was growing visibly; revolution and counter-revolution were mustering their forces without making any secret about it. The rapidity with which the Soviet came into being is simply marvellous, considering the complete absence of any kind of open and legal political organisation of workers up to the Revolution. The other organisation formed in the first days of the Revolution was the Provisional Committee of the Duma. But while the workers were bearing the whole weight of responsibility of revolutionary leadership, and running all the risks, the Duma, as chapter already mentioned, wavered and hesitated. The successful formation of this Provisional Government was the surprise, and at the same time the great misfortune, of the Revolution. The Government were beginning to be frightened by the defiant spirit of the Petrograd garrison, and had already begun to climb down.
