Causes: – Long Term o The Tzar’s deliberate flouting of his 1905 promises o Stolypin’s Reforms – increases awareness among the people and made them demand for more freedom. o Increasing influence of Rasputin o Oppositional parties critical to the Tzar were increasing & reviving. Offered the Peasants something better. o Autocracy – nearby Europe transformed into liberalism & republicanism. o The Tzar was a weak man Easily influenced by his officers Did not actually witness the People’s Hardships (Only read it on paper) Short Term o The Tzar expected World War 1 to be a quick and resounding victory for the Russians which would restore the people’s faith in the government o Series of Defeats o Mass Desertions o Tzar made a mistake in appointing himself Commander in Chief. Not a good military leader People could now blame the Tzar personally Left control to Alexandra, his wife o Under the influence of Rasputin o Rumored to have supported Germany.
o Unpopular o War lasted till 1918 – 9 million People Died o The war was straining a badly integrated economy, exposing the weak spots of agriculture, industry & transport system o Food and fuel shortages Lack of trains The cold caused trains boilers bursting. o The winter of 1917 was exceptionally cold o No supports from the Army & police (Cossacks open fire) o No support from DUMA Did not listen to the DUMA when there was still time o Anti – War propaganda by opposition Events 7 th March The managers of the Putilov Steel Works locked out their 20, 000 workers after pay talks broke down. Workers were now in mood of trouble. 8 th March 50 Factories, 90 000 workers on strike. International Woman’s Day ? Women on streets, demonstrating. 9 th March 200 000 workers on strike 10 th March No public transport & Newspapers Cossacks refused to attack a procession of strikers 11 th March Duma sends a telegram to tell the Tzar that the situation is serious.
The Tzar’s response ? Duma to stop meeting. 12 th March Evening – Duma holds a meeting. It sets up a 12 man committee called the Provisional Government to take over. 14 th March Leading army generals send a telegram informing Nicholas that none of the army supported him. Nicholas, 500 km away from headquarters, now made a desperate attempt to return to Petrograd. 15 th March Nicholas, now 250 km away from Petrograd where revolutionaries had halted his train to abdicate.
Nature o Spontaneous reaction to the chaotic situation. o Outburst of anger. o Mass uprising o Developed a political undertone. o Worker’s revolt o Mutiny of peasants Results o The royal family was taken prisoner and the Tsar was forced to abdicate. o Rivals for power – Duma & Petrograd Soviets. o Duma comes to power and sets up a 12-man committee called the Provisional Government To have a constituent assembly in November.