February Revolution Causes, Key Events, and Outcomes in Russian History

On what date did the February Revolution begin, and what was the occasion?

23 February 1917; it was International Women's Day.

What specific news triggered the initial bread riots in Petrograd?

News that bread would be rationed starting 1 March.

How many workers were locked out of the Putilov Steel Works on 22 February?

20,000 workers.

By 25 February, how much of the Petrograd workforce was on strike?

250,000 people, over half the capital's workforce.

What was the temperature in Petrograd during the winter of 1916-17?

35 degrees below zero, worsening the food and fuel crisis.

How did Tsar Nicholas II respond to Duma President Rodzianko's warning of anarchy on 26 February?

He dismissed it as 'nonsense' and ordered the Duma to dissolve.

What was the decisive turning point on 27 February?

The mutiny of the Petrograd garrison, starting with the Volynskii regiment.

How many soldiers mutinied and joined the protestors on 27 February?

66,000 soldiers, who armed the crowds with 40,000 rifles.

Which two bodies were formed on 27 February to take control of the city?

The Provisional Committee (from the Duma) and the Petrograd Soviet.

Where was the Tsar's train forced to stop before he abdicated?

Pskov, 200 miles south of Petrograd.

On what date did Nicholas II abdicate the throne?

2 March 1917.

Who did Nicholas II name as his successor, and what was the result?

Grand Duke Mikhail; he refused the throne, ending 304 years of Romanov rule.

What was the system of 'Dual Power' (dvoevlastie)?

Shared authority between the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet.

Who was the first Prime Minister of the Provisional Government?

Prince Lvov.

What was Order No. 1, issued on 1 March?

A charter giving the Soviet control over weapons and stating soldiers should only obey the government if the Soviet agreed.

Who was the only person to hold a high position in both the Provisional Government and the Soviet?

Alexander Kerensky.

What major civil rights were granted in the first decree of the new government?

Political amnesty, freedom of speech/press, and the abolition of the death penalty.

What happened to the Okhrana (secret police) immediately after the revolution?

They were disbanded.

What was the primary goal of the Provisional Government?

To run the country until an elected Constituent Assembly could determine a new constitution.