key term - February Revolution

Definition

The February Revolution was a pivotal event in 1917 that led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the end of the Romanov dynasty in Russia. Triggered by widespread discontent with food shortages, military failures, and social inequality, this uprising saw the working class and soldiers revolt against the autocratic regime, paving the way for a provisional government and the eventual rise of the Bolsheviks.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The February Revolution began on International Women's Day, March 8 (February 23 on the Julian calendar), when women marched for bread and peace, inspiring workers and soldiers to join.
2. The revolution resulted in the establishment of Soviet councils known as 'soviets,' which represented workers and soldiers and became influential in Russian politics.
3. Mass protests in Petrograd were fueled by discontent over food shortages and the hardships caused by World War I, leading to strikes and demonstrations across the city.
4. Tsar Nicholas II attempted to suppress the uprising by ordering troops to fire on protesters, but many soldiers sided with the revolutionaries instead.
5. The abdication of Nicholas II marked the end of over three centuries of Romanov rule, creating a power vacuum that ultimately facilitated the rise of radical factions like the Bolsheviks.

Review Questions

• How did social conditions contribute to the outbreak of the February Revolution?
  • Social conditions in Russia during this time were dire, marked by food shortages, inflation, and dissatisfaction with the ongoing hardships of World War I. The working class faced extreme poverty, and there was widespread anger toward the autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II. These frustrations culminated in mass protests and strikes, particularly initiated by women demanding bread on International Women's Day, which galvanized broader participation from workers and soldiers.
• Discuss the role of the Provisional Government after the February Revolution and its challenges.
  • After the February Revolution, the Provisional Government took charge with hopes of guiding Russia towards democracy. However, it faced significant challenges such as continuing involvement in World War I, which was unpopular among many Russians. The government's decision to maintain war efforts alienated vital support from soldiers and workers. Additionally, rival groups like the Bolsheviks gained momentum and popularity among those who desired immediate reforms, undermining the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Provisional Government.
• Evaluate how the February Revolution set the stage for subsequent events leading to Bolshevik control in October 1917.
  • The February Revolution dismantled the autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II, creating an unstable political environment characterized by competing authorities. The power vacuum left by the abdication fostered rapid political shifts, with soviets emerging as influential bodies representing workers and soldiers. The dissatisfaction with the Provisional Government's inability to address pressing issues like land reform and peace negotiations intensified public support for radical factions like the Bolsheviks. This context ultimately paved the way for their successful seizure of power in October 1917, leading to a communist regime.

Related terms

Provisional Government:

The temporary government established after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, intended to lead Russia until a Constituent Assembly could be elected.

Duma:

The legislative assembly in Russia that emerged after the 1905 revolution, which played a role in the political changes during the February Revolution.

Bolsheviks:

A revolutionary socialist faction led by Vladimir Lenin that seized power in October 1917, following the February Revolution's initial changes.