Reasons for the February Revolution 1917

Question 1

Describe the casualties suffered by Russia in WW1.

Answer 1

Russians suffered huge casualties - by end of war, 1.7 men were killed, over 5 million wounded and 2.5 million missing or captured.

Question 2

Describe the shortages faced by the Russian army in WW1.

Answer 2

The Russian army was short of artillery, communications equipment and medical supplies.

Question 3

Describe the impact of war on cities in Russia.

Answer 3

Shortage of transport, led to food and fuel shortages in cities.
Refugee crisis - refugees flooded into cities escaping from occupied territory

Question 4

Explain the reasons why WW1 led to the February Revolution.

Answer 4

Losses in war were blamed on Tsar Nicholas II who had gone to the front line to lead the army.
Shortages in cities created anger and unrest, protests and strikes which led to the revolution.

Question 5

Limitation of the impact of World War One

Answer 5

Protests and strikes were economic in nature rather than political - calling for better conditions rather than the removal of the Tsar.

Question 6

Describe working class discontent during World War One.

Answer 6

Lived and worked in poor conditions, low pay, poor housing, lack of safety regulations.
Angry at food shortages in cities, long food queues.
Rising unemployment due to shortage of raw materials causing the factories to close.