Alexander Kerensky vs Georges Clemenceau

After the February Revolution, Kerensky was appointed Minister of Justice in the Provisional Government. He was the only socialist in the cabinet and became a key figure in the government, advocating for continued war effort and gradual reforms.

Kerensky, as Prime Minister, accused General Lavr Kornilov of attempting a coup and dismissed him. Kornilov then marched troops toward Petrograd. Kerensky armed the Bolshevik Red Guards to defend the city, which strengthened the Bolsheviks' position and undermined the Provisional Government.

During the October Revolution, Bolshevik forces led by Lenin seized key points in Petrograd and stormed the Winter Palace. Kerensky fled the city in a car provided by the American embassy, leaving the Provisional Government to collapse. He later went into exile.

After fleeing Russia, Kerensky settled in Paris and later the United States. He wrote memoirs and continued to advocate for democratic socialism, but failed to gain significant support. He remained a controversial figure, blamed by both the left and right for the failure of the Provisional Government.

Clemenceau was appointed premier during a critical phase of World War I, after the failure of the Nivelle Offensive and mutinies in the French army. He formed a war government and vowed to pursue the war to victory, restoring morale and discipline.

Clemenceau took a hard line against mutineers, ordering arrests and courts-martial. He also improved soldiers' conditions and leave. His actions restored order in the French army, allowing it to continue fighting effectively for the remainder of the war.

Clemenceau chaired the Paris Peace Conference and was a key figure in drafting the Treaty of Versailles. He insisted on harsh terms for Germany, including reparations, territorial losses, and military restrictions, to ensure French security.

Clemenceau lost the presidential election to Paul Deschanel and subsequently resigned as prime minister. His departure marked the end of his wartime leadership. He retired from politics, having achieved his goal of victory and a punitive peace.