The Soviet creates a Contact Commission

Nicholas II attempted to transfer the crown to his brother Michael, but Michael refused to rule without approval from a future representative assembly. The source date is 3/2/1917 Old Style.

Liberal Duma politicians formed a government headed by Prince Georgy Lvov while the Petrograd Soviet remained an independent centre of power. The source date is 3/2/1917 Old Style.

The Soviet Executive Committee demanded the detention of the former tsar to prevent restoration of imperial authority. The source date is 3/3/1917 Old Style.

The Bolshevik newspaper returned after its suppression under the monarchy and became an important platform in the struggle over the revolution’s direction. The source date is 3/5/1917 Old Style.

A general amnesty freed political prisoners and allowed exiles and underground activists to return openly to political life. The source date is 3/6/1917 Old Style.

Despite overthrowing the monarchy, the new government refused Finland’s demand for full national independence. The source date is 3/8/1917 Old Style.

The United States became the first foreign government to recognize the new Russian administration after receiving assurances about continued participation in the war. The source date is 3/9/1917 Old...

Released from Siberian exile after the amnesty, Joseph Stalin arrived in the capital and soon joined Pravda’s editorial leadership. The source date is 3/12/1917 Old Style.

The government repealed capital punishment as part of its first liberal reforms, although it would later restore it at the front. The source date is 3/12/1917 Old Style.

The Soviet addressed workers and peoples internationally, calling for peace without annexations or indemnities. The source date is 3/14/1917 Old Style.