The February Revolution And Entente Policy In The South Caucasus (march — December, 1917)

Abstract

This study maintains that the events in the South Caucasus after the February Revolution developed under the influence of several factors, among them the desire for political freedoms and autonomy, the presence of three governments, confusion and chaos in the region and the struggle of the two competing blocs for access to the resources of the region. The main goals of the Entente countries were not to restore the overthrown Provisional government, but to overthrow the Bolshevik government, break up Russia and to gain access to its natural resources. The Entente countries, strengthening their military, political and economic presence in the South Caucasus and cooperating with anti-Bolshevik elements, sought to ensure control over the Caspian and Baku ports. Thus, these countries had to control not only the Baku oil trade, but all routes leading to Central Asia and the Indian Ocean.

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