The February Revolution Flashcards
What was a long term cause of the February Revolution?
There were shortages of food, fuel, and other materials and wages were cut as a result of WW1 which caused a cold winter and workers unrest
Why was there a peasant unrest?
Peasants and horses were being sent to the frontline and this led in a drop in standards of living for the people left in rural areas
What was an immediate cause of the February Revolution?
The International Women’s day protest
When did the International Women’s day protest begin?
Thursday 23rd February 1917
What was the International Women’s day protest?
Textile workers took the lead in the march where women protested against the bread rationing that was to begin on March 1st. They marched into factories where men worked, taunting them, calling them “cowards” if they wouldn’t support them. Women persuaded the men of the Putilov factory to join them.
What sort of atmosphere was there when the huge crowds of people gathered in Petrograd?
Holiday
What was the organisation of the Women’s international protest like?
There was no general organisation, no political party in charge but socialist cells from the Bolshevik party were active in spreading protest and giving out red flags and banners
What happened on 25th February?
Soldiers joined the demonstration as they didn’t want to be sent to the frontline. Instead they handed out bread and rifles
How many people protested in the main street of Petrograd?
200,000
What happened on 26th February?
Some regiments opened fire on the crowds killing a number of regiments
What was the main struggle after the 26th?
The main struggle took place between the soldiers and the police
What was the main role of the police during the revolution?
Attacking the demonstrators e.g. by putting snipers on rooftops and firing at people
What was the consequences of the police role in the revolution?
Police stations were attacked and police records destroyed. Prisons were thrown open and prisoners released
What was the death toll of the revolution?
1500
What date did the Tsar abdicate?
2nd March
