5.1 The February Revolution and the Fall of the Romanovs

The February Revolution of 1917 marked a pivotal moment in Russian history, ending centuries of Romanov rule. Sparked by economic hardships, food shortages, and political repression, it saw widespread protests in Petrograd escalate into a full-scale revolution against Tsar Nicholas II's autocratic regime.

World War I played a crucial role, exposing Russia's military and economic weaknesses. The Tsar's decision to personally lead the army backfired, linking him directly to military failures. This, combined with domestic unrest, led to his abdication and the formation of a Provisional Government.

Causes of the February Revolution

Economic and Social Factors

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• Widespread discontent among Russian populace stemmed from economic hardships, food shortages, and political repression under Tsar Nicholas II's autocratic rule
• Rapid industrialization and urbanization in late 19th and early 20th centuries led to poor working conditions and social inequality
  • Fueled worker unrest and growth of revolutionary movements
• Strikes and demonstrations in Petrograd (St. Petersburg) in February 1917 escalated into full-scale revolution
  • Initially triggered by food shortages and deteriorating living conditions
• Influence of socialist and liberal political ideologies mobilized opposition to Tsarist regime
  • Propagated by parties such as Bolsheviks, Mensheviks, and Constitutional Democrats

Political Catalysts

• Bloody Sunday massacre of 1905 eroded public trust in Tsarist government
  • Peaceful protesters fired upon by Imperial Guard (over 1000 killed or wounded)
• Failed reforms of October Manifesto intensified revolutionary sentiments
  • Promised civil liberties and elected parliament, but Tsar retained autocratic power
• Defection of military units to protesters' side shifted balance of power away from Tsar
  • Particularly significant was the Petrograd garrison joining the revolution
• Growth of underground revolutionary organizations spread anti-Tsarist ideas
  • (Social Democratic Labor Party, Socialist Revolutionary Party)

World War I and the Romanov Dynasty

Military and Economic Strain

• World War I exposed inefficiencies and weaknesses of Russian military and economic systems
  • Led to significant losses on battlefield (Battle of Tannenberg, Masurian Lakes)
  • Caused economic strain on home front (inflation, resource shortages)
• Wartime inflation, food shortages, and disruption of trade routes exacerbated existing economic problems
  • Led to increased civilian hardship and discontent
• War effort diverted resources from addressing domestic issues
  • Allowed social and political tensions to escalate unchecked
• Mobilization of millions of peasants into army weakened agricultural production
  • Exposed rural conscripts to revolutionary ideas, undermining traditional support for monarchy

Political Consequences

• Tsar Nicholas II's decision to personally take command of armed forces in 1915 damaged his reputation
  • Directly associated him with military failures
  • Left domestic governance in hands of Tsarina Alexandra and Rasputin, further eroding public trust
• German propaganda and support for revolutionary groups destabilized Tsarist regime
  • Particularly supported Bolsheviks, contributing to anti-war sentiment
• War highlighted incompetence of Tsarist bureaucracy and military leadership
  • (Shortages of rifles and ammunition, inadequate medical care for soldiers)

February Revolution's Impact

Political Transformation

• Formation of Provisional Government marked shift from autocracy to more democratic governance
  • Led by liberal politicians (Prince Lvov, Alexander Kerensky)
• Abolition of Tsarist secret police and censorship led to unprecedented political freedom
  • Allowed for open debate and criticism of government
• Petrograd Soviet emerged as powerful parallel authority to Provisional Government
  • Created system of dual power, challenging Provisional Government's legitimacy
• Land reform became central issue, though major decisions were postponed
  • Peasants began seizing estates and demanding redistribution

Social and Economic Changes

• Wave of strikes and factory committee formations empowered workers
  • Challenged traditional economic hierarchies and management structures
• Women's rights advanced significantly
  • Russia became one of first countries to grant women right to vote
• Liberalization of society led to flourishing of cultural and artistic expression
  • (Avant-garde art movements, experimental theater)
• Economic instability continued due to ongoing war effort and political uncertainty
  • Inflation accelerated, further straining civilian population

Abdication of Tsar Nicholas II

Internal Factors

• Tsar's leadership style contributed to inability to address mounting crises
  • Characterized by indecisiveness and reliance on small circle of advisors
• Influence of Rasputin on imperial family severely damaged monarchy's reputation
  • Created perception of corruption and mystical influence at heart of government
• Tsar's isolation from political realities made him unable to gauge severity of revolutionary situation
  • Resistance to constitutional reforms further alienated potential supporters
• Nicholas II's concern for family's safety influenced decision to abdicate
  • Hoped abdication would protect dynasty and allow for peaceful resolution

External Pressures

• Military leaders and members of Duma (parliament) withdrew support for Tsar
  • Left him without significant power base to resist revolutionary forces
• Spread of revolution to Moscow and other major cities made Tsar's position untenable
  • Demonstrated nationwide scale of uprising
• Army's refusal to suppress uprising removed Tsar's last means of maintaining power
  • (Petrograd garrison, key military commanders like General Alekseev)
• International pressure, particularly from Allied powers, for political reform
  • Feared Russia's potential withdrawal from World War I