Causes of the February Revolution

Question 1

Russian Army - failed offensives

Answer 1

• Initial victories short-lived: defeat at Tannenburg led to the “Great Retreat” in 1915
• Defeats over 1916 such as the Brusilov Offensive
• Many generals held positions due to their family connections rather than individual merits

Question 2

Population of Petrograd

Answer 2

Between 1914 and 1917, Petrograd’s population had rose from 2.1 million to 2.7 million

Question 3

Inflation

Answer 3

• Between 1914 and 1916 average earnings doubled while the price of food and fuel quadrupled
• By 1917, inflation had reached 200% - for example, the price of flour rose by 500%

Question 4

Tsar’s Mistakes

Answer 4

• August 1915 –names himself Commander-in-Chief of the army – all blame now falls on him
• Travels to the Eastern Front in 1916, leaving Rasputin and the Tsarina in charge – competent Duma ministers are soon sacked and replaced by Rasputin’s close friends
• The Tsarina had been born in Germany. Rumours circulated she was a German agent and under Rasputin’s control, severely damaging the image of the Romanovs
• Rodzianko sends Nicholas telegram on 14th Feb 1917, warning him of the growing unrest in Petrograd. Nicholas ignores it and doesn’t return

Question 5

Beginning of Petrograd protests

Answer 5

• Only 10,000 workers were on strike in 1914 compared to 880,000 in 1916
• 23rd Feb 1917 – International Women’s Day
• By 26th Feb, 150,000 men in the Petrograd Garrison had deserted

Question 6

Nicolas’ Abdication

Answer 6

• 28th Feb - Nicholas’ train is blocked on the route to Petrograd and he is forced to abdicate on March 2nd
• He passes the throne to his brother, Grand Duke Michael - however, Michael refuses the title
• 4th Mar - Nicholas’ abdication is formally announced to the public
• 11th Mar - Fourth Duma is closed

Question 7

Non-Governmental Organisations

Answer 7

• The Union of Zemstvos (rural councils) and the Union of Municipal Councils (urban councils)
• They formed a joint organisation together, Zemgor, devoted to helping the war wounded. It showed a workable alternative to tsardom for many
• Nicholas failed to co-operate with any of these groups

Question 8

Formation of the Progressive Bloc

Answer 8

• 236 out of 422 deputies formed the Progressive Bloc
• Nicholas II had ignored their appeal to replace his incompetent cabinet with a ‘ministry of national confidence’
• One of the Bloc’s members, Vasily Shulgin, pointed out how short-sighted the tsar was in viewing the Bloc as an enemy and not a friend

Question 9

The Dumas

Answer 9

• Oct 30 1905 - The first Duma is established by Tsar Nicholas II in his October Manifesto
• 1906 - First Duma made redundant by the Fundamental Laws
• 1907 - Stolypin restricts the parties allowed into the Duma, banning minority and radicalist groups
• The Duma had been closed and re-opened three times by 1917

Question 10

Russian army - munitions crisis

Answer 10

By mid-1915, the crisis had worsened to the point that Russian artillery units were limited to three shells per day

Question 11

Logistic issues and food shortages

Answer 11

• By 1916, 575 stations were incapable of handling freight
• January 1917 – Petrograd gains only 48% of grain requirements
• Army also forced to reduce rations from 4000 to 2000 calories

Question 12

International Women’s Day

Answer 12

• 23rd February

- Female workers in major textile factories protest in the streets against low wages and rising prices

Question 13

Deserters in the Petrograd Garrison

Answer 13

By 26th Feb, 150,000 men in the Petrograd Garrison had deserted

Question 14

Impact of Rasputin

Answer 14

• Nicolas travels to the Eastern Front in 1916, leaving Rasputin and the Tsarina in charge – competent Duma ministers are soon sacked and replaced by Rasputin’s close friends
• The Tsarina had been born in Germany. Rumours circulated she was a German agent and under Rasputin’s control, severely damaging the image of the Romanovs