The February revolution Flashcards
Introduction background
The vast, diverse Russian empire was ruled by a series of autocratic tsars. As the 19th century progressed as did the influence of Marxism and the desire for an end to autocratic rule.
Introduction Factors
Tsar Nicholas II, WW1, Working class discontent
Tsar Nicholas II - Knowledge
The tsar was seen as a weak ruler as not only was he too easily influenced by the Tsarina, Rasputin and his ministers but he was constantly seen to be more focused on his family than on the issues facing Russia.
Tsar Nicholas II - Analysis
by ignoring the issues this led to an increase in criticism for the tsars govt. which was evidenced by the progressive bloc which was formed in order to urge political reform.
Tsar Nicholas II - OTOH
the tsar was not the most important factor in causing the February revolution.
The tsar played a larger role in taking control of the army in Sept. 1915 which was important as this made him personally liable for each defeat and so destroyed the illusions (especially amongst the peasants) of his infallibility and so made his opposition stronger.
Tsar Nicholas II - Analysis +
The tsar was personally identified with each military defeat from that point on which led to the Russian people having a greater reason for wanting a more effective govt with out the tsar as autocrat.
Tsar Nicholas II - Evaluation
In evaluation, had there not been an outbreak of war, the February revolution may not have taken place when it did. After all, this was not the first time the tsar had faced opposition as he had faced the 1905 revolution and had still come out of it an autocrat. The difference in 1917 was the general discontent regarding poor conditions and lack of rights combined with the additional strains of war such as lack of food and fuel. Therefore, WW1 was the spark that pushed an already discontented country into successful revolution.
WW1 - Knowledge
As volkognov argues, WW1 was a chief cause of the February revolution. This essay argues that this is only the case as it hit Russia in terms of military defeat and economic hardship.
The army was poorly trained and ill equipped and despite earlier victories, Russia was tactically weak. This was evidenced by disastrous battles such as Tannenberg in 1914. Also, Russia lost control of Poland in 1915 which was a severe blow to Russian pride and also led to an increased no. of Russian fatalities which impacted morale at home.
WW1 - Analysis
It lead to an increase in frustration amongst Russia’s leaders and gave rise to calls for an end to the war.
WW1 - OTOH
The army made significant improvements by 1917 however contemporaries were more focused on the financial repercussions of war which affected them daily and increased working class discontent.
Indeed, the war was costing Russia 17m roubles per day which led to them taking loans from other countries such as GB and France. This meant heavy taxation, high inflation and price increases. And as a result of financial constraints- food was in short supply which was evidenced when women qued 24 hours for bread.
WW1 - Analysis +
discontent stemming from financial problems of WW1 did lead to a successful revolution. Indeed, in the absence of political leaders (Lenin was in exile) this gave the working class a forum of discussion and demonstrations grew quickly over a number of days.
WW1 - Evaluation
In evaluation, poverty created by WW1 was significant in causing the February revolution as it gave rise to discontent amongst all classes of people. Due to the amount Russia was spending on the war, it led to them taking loans from other countries. As such, supporting Figes in arguing that additional problems caused by WW1 increased political discussion amongst the working classes which in turn drove them to actively seek an end to tsarism.
Working class discontent - Knowledge
The working class began organising a series of strikes and demonstrations in 1917.
They were starving as grain was being diverted to soldiers and much of the grain wasn’t reaching the city as trains had been requisitioned by use of the army. It can be argued that this lack of food led to bread riots which culminated during international women’s day protests in the Petrograd.
Working class discontent - Analysis
quickly joined by putilov workers who were protesting against inflation and shortages of food and supplies caused by the war. By day 2, protest consisted of 150 000 people and so it can be argued that had WW1 not exacerbated the situation to such an extent then the working class may not have taken to the streets when they did.
Working class discontent - OTOH
industrial workers were not alone as peasant discontent over the land issues had not abated during the war years and when order began to break down, land seizures became more common.
