1.1 The February Revolution and the Collapse of Tsarism

The February Revolution of 1917 marked the end of Tsarist rule in Russia. Sparked by food shortages, war fatigue, and political discontent, it began with protests in Petrograd and quickly spread. The Tsar's abdication led to a power struggle between the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet.

This pivotal event set the stage for the Bolshevik takeover in October. It highlighted the deep-rooted issues in Russian society and the failure of the Tsarist system to address them. The revolution's aftermath would shape the course of Russian and world history for decades to come.

Causes of the February Revolution

Long-term Political Factors

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• Lack of representation in the government led to growing discontent among the Russian population
• Autocratic rule of the Tsars suppressed opposition movements and fueled resentment
• The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) exposed weaknesses of the Tsarist regime
  • Military defeats and high casualties undermined the government's authority
• The Revolution of 1905 led to calls for political reform that were largely unmet by the Tsarist government
  • Failure to address demands for change further eroded support for the regime

Economic and Social Factors

• World War I exacerbated existing economic problems in Russia
  • Food shortages and inflation caused widespread poverty and hardship
  • Disruption of trade due to the war effort led to scarcity of essential goods
• The war led to massive casualties and military defeats, weakening the Tsar's authority
• Growing gap between the wealthy elite and the impoverished masses increased social tensions
  • Rapid industrialization contributed to the rise of an urban working class
• Emergence of a small but vocal educated class, the intelligentsia, spread revolutionary ideas
  • Influence of Marxism and socialism fueled anti-Tsarist sentiments among intellectuals and workers

Timeline of the February Revolution

Mass Protests and Strikes

• The February Revolution began on February 23, 1917 (March 8 in the Gregorian calendar) in Petrograd (St. Petersburg)
  • Workers demonstrated and went on strike to protest food shortages and the war
• Protests escalated over the following days as more people joined the demonstrations
  • Clashes between protesters and police/military forces intensified

Collapse of Government Authority

• On February 27, the Petrograd Garrison mutinied and sided with the protesters
  • Soldiers and officers joined the revolutionary movement, leading to the collapse of government authority in the capital
• The Duma, Russia's parliament, established a Provisional Committee to restore order
  • The Provisional Government was formed, initially led by Prince Georgy Lvov

Dual Power and Abdication

• The Petrograd Soviet of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies was formed simultaneously
  • Represented the interests of the working class and soldiers
  • Created a system of "dual power" alongside the Provisional Government
• Tsar Nicholas II abdicated the throne on March 2, 1917, faced with growing unrest and lack of support
  • The Romanov dynasty's 300-year rule came to an end

Actors in the February Revolution

The Petrograd Soviet

• Composed of elected representatives from factories and military units
• Played a crucial role in organizing and leading the revolutionary movement
  • Issued orders and decrees that challenged the authority of the Provisional Government
• "Order No. 1" called for the democratization of the military
  • Granted soldiers the right to form committees and elect representatives
  • Undermined traditional hierarchy and discipline within the armed forces

The Provisional Government

• Formed by the Duma in an attempt to establish a liberal democratic system
• Sought to continue Russia's participation in World War I
  • Put the government at odds with the more radical demands of the Petrograd Soviet and the population
• Failed to address pressing issues such as land redistribution, ending the war, and convening a Constituent Assembly
  • Eroded support and legitimacy of the Provisional Government

The Duma

• Served as a forum for limited political opposition during the Tsarist era
• Played a role in the formation of the Provisional Government
  • Eventually sidelined as power shifted to the Petrograd Soviet and the Provisional Government

Impacts of the February Revolution

Political Instability and Competing Powers

• Establishment of a dual power system between the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet
  • Competition for authority and legitimacy created a volatile political situation
• Greater political freedom emerged, with the lifting of censorship and release of political prisoners
  • Growth of political parties and organizations increased political activity and debate

Social and Economic Unrest

• The Provisional Government's decision to continue Russia's participation in World War I led to growing discontent
  • Inability to address social and economic issues fueled disillusionment among the population
• Empowerment of the working class and peasantry led to assertive demands
  • Calls for better working conditions, land redistribution, and greater political representation intensified

Power Vacuum and Further Upheaval

• Collapse of the Tsarist regime created a power vacuum that various political factions sought to fill
  • Bolsheviks, Mensheviks, and Socialist Revolutionaries vied for control
  • Set the stage for further political upheaval and ultimately the October Revolution
• Implications for Russia's role in World War I
  • New government's wavering commitment to the war effort and deteriorating military discipline affected the course of the conflict