Kornilov affair

Russian history

Also known as: Kornilov Rebellion

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June 30, 2026

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The Kornilov affair was a pivotal event in the Russian Revolution of 1917. General Lavr Kornilov, appointed commander in chief by the provisional government, was accused of attempting a military coup to establish a dictatorship.

In August 1917, following the German occupation of Riga, Kornilov sent troops toward Petrograd. Prime Minister Aleksandr Kerensky declared Kornilov a traitor, leading to Kornilov's arrest. The rebellion failed, partly due to the resistance organized by the soviets and workers, which significantly boosted the prestige of the Bolsheviks. This event marked a turning point, weakening the provisional government and paving the way for the Bolshevik seizure of power later that year.123

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Russian Provisional Government
Kornilov’s Rebellion
The most effective spokesman for the new right was Gen. Lavr Kornilov, an officer of humble origin. He was the son of poor Cossack parents, basically apolitical but certainly no admirer of Nicholas II. Impressed by Kornilov’s military record and his personal qualities,…
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The most effective spokesman for the new right was Gen. Lavr Kornilov, an officer of humble origin. He was the son of poor Cossack parents, basically apolitical but certainly no admirer of Nicholas II. Impressed by Kornilov’s military record and his personal qualities,…
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Soviet Union
Lenin and the Bolsheviks
…government was Kerensky’s conflict with Kornilov, which broke into the open in August (September, New Style). Although many aspects of the “Kornilov affair” remain obscure to this day, it appears that Kerensky deliberately provoked the confrontation in order to be rid of a suspected competitor and emerge as the saviour…
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…government was Kerensky’s conflict with Kornilov, which broke into the open in August (September, New Style). Although many aspects of the “Kornilov affair” remain obscure to this day, it appears that Kerensky deliberately provoked the confrontation in order to be rid of a suspected competitor and emerge as the saviour…
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Ryabushinsky Family
…that he helped organize the Kornilov Rebellion (of 1917) and other anti-Soviet military efforts. After the October Revolution he emigrated to Paris.
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…that he helped organize the Kornilov Rebellion (of 1917) and other anti-Soviet military efforts. After the October Revolution he emigrated to Paris.
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