Causes of the Feb Revolution because of WW1

Socio-Economic

• Money virtually worthless by 1917, prices rose quicker than wages

• Railway system collapsed. food left to rot by railway stations for lack of transport

• Unemployment soareed in the cities, 300% rise in cost of living

• Exarcebated by treatment of striking workers by the regime e.g. Lena Goldfields

Opposition from soldiers

• Around 12 million men mobilised 1914-1917

• Not provided warm clothing or waterproof footwear, lack of weaponry

• 1 rifle for every 2 soldiers

• Winter of 1916/17 was -35 degrees

• Cutting the period of service to 3 years brought the army into closer contant with stresses of civilian society

Opposition from the generals

• Lost confidence of their men but remained loyal to the Tsar

Opposition from politicians 

Liberal politicals had offered support through the Zemgor but the Tsar rejected these offers and demands from the Progressive bloc were ignored

• Lost faith in Tsar’s ability to reform after 1905 revolution

Mistakes made by the tsar

• Ignored offers from liberal politicians, turning their forums into a focus of liberal discontent

• Takes personal control September 1915, made him appear more responsible for failing war effort

• Ill-equipped to rule, long-term inability to make concessions