February/March 1917 Revolution

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  • Created by: Natalie
  • Created on: 20-04-19 20:13

February/March 1917 Revolution

Causes

  • World War One: Caused a lack of resources, everything became focused on the war effort leading to starvation in the cities. This caused social unrest throughout. Russia was losing this war, and there were high number of casualties and deserters in the army. To counter the lack of resources and reduced work force, tax and inflation increased, which angered many. Poor transportation throughout Russia as it was being used for the army.
  • The Tsar: He had very little military experience, and it was therefore a poor decision to make himself commander-in-chief in September 1915. He was therefore directly responsible for the high number of war casualties and battle losses. When visiting the front, he left the Tsarina in charge who was heavily influenced by Rasputin and further damaged the Tsar's authority and reputation. He was doing very little to help the war casualties and this was shown through Zemgor's help provided and the union of Zemta.
  • Rasputin: He was a self-ordened holy man who had a very poor reputation. His bad reputation overall damaged the Tsar's reputation  and made it hard for people to defend the Tsarist system. Like the Tsar, he had no real training or experience and was notorious for sexual excesses.
  • Starvation in the cities which caused social unrest. It was further announced that there would be bread rationing which led to panic buying in an already poor area. Continuing poor living conditions in the country, and specifically for the workers.

Effects

  • Tsar abdicated, ending a 304 Romanov rule and leaving the Provisional Government in charge, made up of mainly the DUMA.
  • Provisional Government set up: It was meant to be temporary and was under the authority of Prince Lvov. They were accepted as legitimate by old Tsarist civil service, army officers and police officers. Their members represented Liberals, Moderate Socialists and Kadets.
  • Establishment of the Petrograd Soviets: They were deemed a more democratic organisation by the mass of workers, soldiers and peasants. It composed of radical socialist intellectuals, Mensheviks, SR's and a few Bolsheviks. Their establishment laid the foundations for the working of dual authority.
  • World War One continued to be fought until a 'peace' was won. This left many still angry at the PG.
  • It could be seen as a indirect cause of the October/November 1917 Revolution.

Overall summary

There can be shown to be three main causes of the February/March Revolution which are the Tsar, WW1 and Rasputin. Overall it led to a change in authority in Russia, which eventually led to even more disruption and overall the October/November 1917 Revolution which saw the Bolsheviks come to power. 

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