Under the strong leadership of Alexander Kerensky the Labor party soon took a decided stand in support of the war.  In the name of the entire group of the party’s representatives in the Duma, Kerensky read at an early session a statement which pledged the party to defend the fatherland.  “We firmly believe,” said Kerensky, “that the great flower of Russian democracy, together with all the other forces, will throw back the aggressive enemy and will defend their native land.”  The party had decided, he said, to support the war “in defense of the land of our birth and of our civilization created by the blood of our race....  We believe that through the agony of the battle-field the brotherhood of the Russian people will be strengthened and a common desire created to free the land from its terrible internal troubles.”  Kerensky declared that the workers would take no responsibility for the suicidal war into which the governments of Europe had plunged their peoples.  He strongly criticized the government, but ended, nevertheless, in calling upon the peasants and industrial workers to support the war: 

“The Socialists of England, Belgium, France, and Germany have tried to protest against rushing into war.  We Russian Socialists were not able at the last to raise our voices freely against the war.  But, deeply convinced of the brotherhood of the workers of all lands, we send our brotherly greetings to all who protested against the preparations for this fratricidal conflict of peoples.  Remember that Russian citizens have no enemies among the working classes of the belligerents! Protect your country to the end against aggression by the states whose governments are hostile to us, but remember that there would not have been this terrible war had the great ideals of democracy, freedom, equality, and brotherhood been directing the activities of those who control the destinies of Russia and other lands! As it is, our authorities, even in this terrible moment, show no desire to forget internal strife, grant no amnesty to those who have fought for freedom and the country’s happiness, show no desire for reconciliation with the non-Russian peoples of the Empire.

“And, instead of relieving the condition of the laboring classes of the people, the government puts on them especially the heaviest load of the war expenses, by tightening the yoke of indirect taxes.

“Peasants and workers, all who want the happiness and well-being of Russia in these great trials, harden your spirit!  Gather all your strength and, having defended your land, free it; and to you, our brothers, who are shedding blood for the fatherland, a profound obeisance and fraternal greetings.”

Kerensky’s statement was of tremendous significance.  Made on behalf of the entire group of which he was leader, it reflected the sober second thought of the representatives of the peasant Socialists and socialistically inclined radicals.  Their solemnly measured protest against the reactionary policy of the government was as significant as the announcement that they would support the war.  It was a fact that at the very time when national unity was of the most vital importance the government was already goading the people into despairing revolt.