Causes of the February Revolution Flashcards
Name the 5 main causes of the revolution
Impact of WW1 on the Russian Army
The economic and social impact of the war on Russia
Nicholas II weaknesses and mistakes leading to growing discontent
Formation of the Progressive Bloc
The breakdown or order in Petrograd
What made Russian arms production less efficient?
Russian industry was still undeveloped relative to other European nations
What were short term failures from the First World War ?
Initial victories short lived. Russian defeat at the battle of Tannenberg led to the ‘Great Retreat’ of 1915
Attempts to regain the initiative through the ‘Brusilov Offensive’ of 1916 also ended in failure
What happened by mid 1915?
The munitions crisis was so bad that the Russian artillery units were limited to three shells per day
What were the effects of inflation ?
Major problem. Reached 200% by 1917, price of flour rose by 500%
1914-1916 average earnings doubled, price of food and fuel quadrupled
What was the issue with food supplies?
By January 1917, Petrograd only received 48% or it’s total grain requirements. The army was also forced to reduce rations from 4000 to 2000 calories
What did the growth of the war economy mean?
More workers were employed in factories in the cities. Between 1914-1917, Petrograd’s population rose from 2.1 to 2.7 million
What effect did the transport system have on Russia?
Struggled to keep up with the demands of war. Less than two years after the war had began, the Thssian railway system virtually collapsed
What did Nicholas II do in August 1915?
Took personal charge of the Russian Army, becoming Commander in chief
What rumours were circulated regarding Nicholas II and discontent ?
Rumours circulated that the Tsarina was as a German agent as she had been born in Germany
Rumours circulated that the Tsar and Tsarina were under the influence of the Grigori Rasputin, severely damaging the reputation of the Romanovs
Who’s request to deal with the increasing discontent in Petrograd in 1916 was ignored?
Rodzianko
What did the Tsar and his ministers fail to do?
Co-operate with non-governmental organisations such as Union of Zemstvos (rural councils) and the Union of Municipal Councils (urban councils)
How many deputies formed the Progressive Bloc?
236 out of 422
Why did the Tsar refuse to collaborate with the Progressive Bloc ?
He believed they had no right to play a role in government
What did Vasily Shelton point out?
How short-sighted the Tsar was in viewing the Bloc as an enemy not a friend
What are the statistics for the increasing strikes in Petrograd ?
10,000 workers on strike in 1914 compared to 880,000 in 1916
What did Rodzianko warn the Tsar in Feb 1917?
‘Very serious outbreaks of unrest’ were imminent
What happened on 23rd Feb 1917?
International Women’s Dat, female workers from major textile factories joined strikers from the Putilov Engineering works
How many of the Petrograd garrison deserted on the 26th Feb 1917?
150,000
What did Rodzianko inform the Tsar about concessions?
Only major concessions would stop the revolution, he instead dissolve the duma. 12 members disobeyed and formed as a ‘Providional Committee’
What became the start of the ‘dual authority’ ?
First meeting of the Petrograd Soviet who provided protection for soldiers, sailors and workers.
What was signed on the 2nd March?
Decree or Abdication was signed. His brother did not wish to take the throne so by default the Provisional Committee renamed itself the ‘Provisional Government’
When was Nicholas II’s formal abdication publicly announced ?
March 1917
Define ‘Autocracy’
The absolute rule of one person
