The dual power in Russia refers to the period immediately following the February Revolution of 1917, when two parallel governing bodies emerged: the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet.
The Provisional Government was established by the Duma, the legislative body of the Russian Empire, and consisted of moderate liberals and socialists. It aimed to establish a constitutional democracy in Russia, continuing the war effort and implementing reforms.
On the other hand, the Petrograd Soviet was a council of workers, soldiers, and peasants that emerged spontaneously from the mass protests during the revolution. It claimed to represent the interests of the working class and aimed to establish a socialist society, ending the war and implementing radical social and economic reforms.
The dual power meant that both the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet had overlapping authority and shared power. However, in reality, the Petrograd Soviet had more influence over the masses, as it had the backing of workers and soldiers who were represented in the council.
The dual power arrangement led to a period of political instability and conflicting policies. The Provisional Government attempted to maintain the war effort and stabilize the country, while the Petrograd Soviet pushed for more radical changes and democratic control of the country. This ultimately led to the Bolshevik Revolution in October 1917, when the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, seized power and established a one-party communist regime.