Constitutional revolution of the cadet party: from theory to practice (April – July, 1906)

The article analyses the tactics and activities of the Constitutional-Democratic Party (Cadets) at the time of the First Duma. It is based on archival documents, political essays, and memoirs. The author focuses on the negotiations between the leaders of the Duma, opposition, and government officials regarding the formation of parliamentary government, as well as on the political mood of the top Russian officials in April–July 1906. It is concluded that the public opinion, which was formed by the Cadets, had a large influence on the government. As a result, the government became more amenable to compromise with the Duma, and made the constitutional revolution in June, 1906 possible.