February Revolution

Question 1

Long Term Causes of Feb Revolution

Answer 1

▪ Suffering caused by involvement in the First World War
▪ Failure to modernise economically and politically
▪ Political failure of tsar to deliver upon promised reform of October Manifesto
▪ Oppression of the working classes
▪ Efforts of political activists calling for change - moderate to revolutionary discontent
tangible
▪ Military humiliation, stepping back to defeat in the Crimean, Russo-Japanese and
First World wars.
▪ Major socio-economic challenges faced by the Russian Empire pre-1914

Question 2

Short Term Causes of Feb Revolution

Answer 2

▪ Famine and suffering on the Home Front
▪ Industry strained and trade stifled by blocked communication to West – lack of
raw materials and supplies.
▪ Soaring inflation, wages failing to match. Money worthless- the cost of living risen by 300%
▪ Reluctance of tsar to heed progressive political advice
▪ Influence of Rasputin at court; ineffective rule of Tsarina Alexandra
▪ War-weariness, soaring casualties and desertions
▪ Willingness of lowest in society to act directly upon discontent

Question 3

14th Feb

Answer 3

100,000 workers from over 50 factories go on strike in Petrograd. News of bread
rationing led to the crowd attacking police as they struggled to keep order.

Question 4

22nd Feb

Answer 4

Talks with the Putilov Steel Works collapse and 20,000 workers are locked out.
Others go on strike to express solidarity.

Question 5

23rd Feb

Answer 5

Striking workers join the traditional march of women to celebration International
Women’s Day – around 240,000 in total take to the streets. Order is just about
maintained by the police.

Question 6

24th Feb

Answer 6

Over 200,000 workers go on strike and overturn Tsarist statues and sing the French
revolutionary anthem – there is little obvious organisation from the more radical parties

Question 7

25th Feb

Answer 7

Over half the capital’s workforce (250,000) are on strike with Petrograd at a
standstill. All factories and shops are closed. The chief of the mounted police is killed
but local Cossacks refuse to attack a procession when ordered to do so.

Question 8

26th Feb

Answer 8

Rodzianko, Duma President, telegrams Nicholas to warn of a dangerous situation –Nicholas ignores the words and orders the dissolution of the Duma. The Duma largely complies, but a Provisional Committee is established to monitor events.

Question 9

27th Feb

Answer 9

The Tsar orders the restore of order using force – 40 demonstrators are killed. A
mutiny of 66,000 soldiers begins. The Duma meets without the Tsar’s authority and
sets up a 12-man Provisional Committee. The High Command of the Army orders
its troops to support the committee. Revolutionaries set up the Petrograd Soviet
intended to take over the government.

Question 10

28th Feb

Answer 10

Nicholas makes preparations to return to Petrograd but is told by Rodzianko “the
measures you propose are too late.”

Question 11

1st March

Answer 11

The Soviet issues ‘Order Number 1’ – a charter of soldiers’ rights and took the title
‘Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies.’ The Petrograd Soviet pledges to
recognise a provisional government formed by members of the Duma in return for
the Tsar’s abdication.
Nicholas’ train is diverted by rebellious workers and stopped at Pskov.

Question 12

2nd March

Answer 12

Nicholas agrees to abdicate and named Grand Duke Mikhail his successor – who
delays and ultimately refuses. The tsar and his family were placed under house arrest
at Tsarkoe Selo. 304 years of the Romanov dynasty were at an end.