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The February Revolution. What were the causes, key events and results of the first revolution of 1917?. Long term causes of the February Revolution Pre 1917. World war 1 – Increased discontent amongst public and army because of heavy losses and various shortages.
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The February Revolution What were the causes, key events and results of the first revolution of 1917?
Long term causes of the February Revolution Pre 1917 World war 1 – Increased discontent amongst public and army because of heavy losses and various shortages. The Tsar – poor decisions and lack of leadership ability. Criticised for taking command of Armed Forces during WW1. Rasputin and the Tsarina – the power the Tsar gave them was criticised – Rasputin’s bad reputation hurt the position of the Tsar. Long term causes Problems with the Duma – Issues of 1905 Revolution Not fully resolved – Duma Unhappy about being ignored – Formation of Progressive Bloc. • Growing opposition groups – • Traditional opposition (SDs, SRs etc) • Now also opposition from some • People who had been pro-Tsar because • of mistakes made in WW1
The Revolution – ‘a collapse from within’? • Rodzyanko (Duma president) predicted that there would be ‘very serious’ unrest if the Tsar failed to act to recognise the concerns of his people – the Tsar did not act – so his people did!! • Outbreaks of industrial unrest had been occurring since the beginning of 1917 on a regular basis.
18 Feb – Putilov workers go on strike – over the following days they are joined by others. 23 Feb – International Women’s Day – female demonstrators join those already protesting. Demands included an end to bread rationing, better wages and an end to the first world war. 25 Feb – A General strike paralyses Petrograd – a wide range of opposition now showing their discontent. The police do little – in fact many have sympathy with the protestors. The Tsar remains 400 miles from Petrograd – relies on his advisors and the Tsarina for information. Tells his General in Petrograd to end the problems quickly. 18th to the 25th of February
26 Feb – Khabalov (Petrograd army commander) fails to put down the demonstrators. Majority of Petrograd army garrison deserts and some join the protestors. 27 Feb – Tsar dissolves the Duma. 12 Duma members refuse to be dismissed and form the Provisional Committee – open defiance to the Tsar – Kerensky calls for the Tsar to quit. The Petrograd Soviet is set up. The Provisional Committee and the Soviet form a Dual Authority and become a ‘de facto’ government. Real Revolution 26th February – 3rd March
The Tsar is advised by Rodzyanko to abdicate but instead he decided to return to Petrograd – as he hopes it will calm the situation. His train is intercepted by anti-Tsar protestors and he finally decides to abdicate. 2 March – Tsar Nicholas II officially abdicates in favour of his brother but his brother turns down the throne – The Romanov dynasty is over!!!
3 March – The Provisional Committee supported by the Petrograd Soviet announced to the world that a revolution had occurred and that the Tsar had abdicated. Russia was now to be ruled by the Dual Authority – Centuries of Tsarist rule were over!!!!! Kerensky (centre in white) A meeting at the Soviet
Was the February Revolution an ‘overthrow from without or a collapse from within’?
