What occurred during the Kornilov Affair in September 1917?

The Kornilov Affair, which took place in September 1917 during a tumultuous period in Russian history, was characterized by General Kornilov's attempt to seize power and the provincial government’s response to this coup. The affair involved a poorly coordinated and ultimately unsuccessful military movement wherein Kornilov, who was the commander-in-chief of the Russian army, sought to assert control over Petrograd and restore order amid the chaos of the Russian Revolution.

Kerensky, who was the Prime Minister at the time, initially supported Kornilov, hoping to stabilize the situation. However, the situation quickly escalated as Kornilov's intentions became apparent, leading Kerensky to see him as a threat. This led to a weak and ineffective offensive that did not manage to achieve its aims, showcasing the disintegration of authority and the lack of cohesion within the government and military.

Thus, the affair is correctly characterized as a feeble attack against the provincial government, highlighting the increasing instability of the provisional government and setting the stage for the rise of the Bolsheviks in the ensuing power struggles.