Short term causes of the February Revolution

When did the Tsar take personal command of the army and what was the impact?

1915, the Tsarina was left in charge of government policy

How many different government ministers were appointed between 1915-1917? Why?

36, Rasputin often demanded replacement of ministers, and having a huge influence over the Tsarina, she listened to him.

Why did Rasputin have such a huge influence over the Tsarina?

He ‘healed’ her son, Alexei, who was suffering from haemophilia.

Why did Rasputin’s influence over the Tsarina damage the reputation of the Royal Family?

He was an ex-Monk who lived an immoral and degenerate life, and was also highly corrupt. Many aristocrats were jealous of the influence he had.

Why was the Tsarina suspected of being a German spy with pro-German sympathies?

She was a German princess, and in February 1916, she appointed Boris Sturmer (a rumoured pro-German) as prime minister.

Why was the fourth duma dismissed at the start of 1917? Why was this bad?

The Tsarina, like her husband, was determined to maintain autocratic rule. Dismissing the fourth duma was one of the grievances that brought about the February Revolution.

Opposition from the duma?

The duma had originally shown its support for the Tsar by voting to dissolve until after WW1, but after military defeats in 1914, it demanded to be recalled, and was in July 1915.

What was the zemgor?

A joint organisation of zemstvos and municipal councils. They highlighted government failures and suggested that there was a better alternative to the Tsarist regime.

What was the Progressive Bloc?

It was made up of Kadets, Octobrists, Nationalists and some industrialists. They opposed to how the war was being run, but ultimately were ignored by the Tsar.

The Tsar’s abdication

Pressure was growing on the Tsar in early 1917, and army leaders and duma representatives persuaded him to abdicate.

Why did Russia’s fragile economy collapse during WW1?

It was not prepared for the demands of a modern, industrial war.

How many industrial workers did Russia have?

3\.5 million, out of a population of 115 million.

Why did government policy not help?

It failed to coordinate food, fuel and transport. This was made worse by poor relations between the government, zemstvos and the duma.

How much did industrial output drop by during the war?

50% between 1914 and the start of 1917.

Why did industrial output drop by so much?

Industrial workers were conscripted by the army for war, and were replaced by illiterate, untrained peasants.

What was the result of the drop in industrial output?

Inflation increased rapidly-by 400% between 1914 and 1917.

Why did the Putilov steel works strike occur in Petrograd?

Industrial workers’ wages couldn’t keep up with the rising prices. This was one of the grievances that triggered the February Revolution.

Impact on agriculture?

Agriculture was also hit hard by the war. Area of land under cultivation fell by 20% because peasants were conscripted, as well as horses being seized for army use. Priority in food supply was given to the army rather than to workers.

Food shortages

Food shortages were a major contributor to the downfall of the Tsar because it caused discontent on international women’s day, which was a trigger event for the February Revolution.

Why wasn’t Russia prepared for war and what was the impact?

Russia’s reparations programme was not due to complete until 1917, and so Russia was not prepared for the demands of total war. Officers were poorly trained, one rifle was shared between 3, communications were poor.

How many casualties did Russia suffer?

8 million, either wounded, captured or killed. Russia had the highest number of casualties out of any country involved in the war.

Why was the Tsar’s takeover of army command bad?

He did not help the army improve. More than 1 million were killed in Galacia and other places in Poland after he took command in 1915. He was now held accountable for military defeats.