1.1 The February Revolution and the Collapse of Tsarism
4 min read•august 13, 2024
The February Revolution of 1917 marked the end of Tsarist rule in Russia. Sparked by food shortages, war fatigue, and political discontent, it began with protests in Petrograd and quickly spread. The Tsar's abdication led to a power struggle between the and the .
This pivotal event set the stage for the Bolshevik takeover in October. It highlighted the deep-rooted issues in Russian society and the failure of the Tsarist system to address them. The revolution's aftermath would shape the course of Russian and world history for decades to come.
Causes of the February Revolution
Long-term Political Factors
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Lack of representation in the government led to growing discontent among the Russian population
Autocratic rule of the Tsars suppressed opposition movements and fueled resentment
The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) exposed weaknesses of the Tsarist regime
Military defeats and high casualties undermined the government's authority
The Revolution of 1905 led to calls for political reform that were largely unmet by the Tsarist government
Failure to address demands for change further eroded support for the regime
Economic and Social Factors
World War I exacerbated existing economic problems in Russia
Food shortages and inflation caused widespread poverty and hardship
Disruption of trade due to the war effort led to scarcity of essential goods
The war led to massive casualties and military defeats, weakening the Tsar's authority
Growing gap between the wealthy elite and the impoverished masses increased social tensions
Rapid industrialization contributed to the rise of an urban working class
Emergence of a small but vocal educated class, the intelligentsia, spread revolutionary ideas
Influence of Marxism and socialism fueled anti-Tsarist sentiments among intellectuals and workers
Timeline of the February Revolution
Mass Protests and Strikes
The February Revolution began on February 23, 1917 (March 8 in the Gregorian calendar) in Petrograd (St. Petersburg)
Workers demonstrated and went on strike to protest food shortages and the war
Protests escalated over the following days as more people joined the demonstrations
Clashes between protesters and police/military forces intensified
Collapse of Government Authority
On February 27, the mutinied and sided with the protesters
Soldiers and officers joined the revolutionary movement, leading to the collapse of government authority in the capital
The , Russia's parliament, established a Provisional Committee to restore order
The Provisional Government was formed, initially led by
Dual Power and Abdication
The Petrograd Soviet of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies was formed simultaneously
Represented the interests of the working class and soldiers
Created a system of "" alongside the Provisional Government
abdicated the throne on March 2, 1917, faced with growing unrest and lack of support
The 's 300-year rule came to an end
Actors in the February Revolution
The Petrograd Soviet
Composed of elected representatives from factories and military units
Played a crucial role in organizing and leading the revolutionary movement
Issued orders and decrees that challenged the authority of the Provisional Government
"" called for the democratization of the military
Granted soldiers the right to form committees and elect representatives
Undermined traditional hierarchy and discipline within the armed forces
The Provisional Government
Formed by the Duma in an attempt to establish a liberal democratic system
Sought to continue Russia's participation in World War I
Put the government at odds with the more radical demands of the Petrograd Soviet and the population
Failed to address pressing issues such as land redistribution, ending the war, and convening a Constituent Assembly
Eroded support and legitimacy of the Provisional Government
The Duma
Served as a forum for limited political opposition during the Tsarist era
Played a role in the formation of the Provisional Government
Eventually sidelined as power shifted to the Petrograd Soviet and the Provisional Government
Impacts of the February Revolution
Political Instability and Competing Powers
Establishment of a dual power system between the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet
Competition for authority and legitimacy created a volatile political situation
Greater political freedom emerged, with the lifting of censorship and release of political prisoners
Growth of political parties and organizations increased political activity and debate
Social and Economic Unrest
The Provisional Government's decision to continue Russia's participation in World War I led to growing discontent
Inability to address social and economic issues fueled disillusionment among the population
Empowerment of the working class and peasantry led to assertive demands
Calls for better working conditions, land redistribution, and greater political representation intensified
Power Vacuum and Further Upheaval
Collapse of the Tsarist regime created a power vacuum that various political factions sought to fill
Bolsheviks, Mensheviks, and Socialist Revolutionaries vied for control
Set the stage for further political upheaval and ultimately the October Revolution
Implications for Russia's role in World War I
New government's wavering commitment to the war effort and deteriorating military discipline affected the course of the conflict
Key Terms to Review (22)
April Theses: The April Theses were a series of directives issued by Vladimir Lenin in April 1917 that called for the Bolshevik Party to reject any support for the Provisional Government and to focus instead on transferring power to the Soviets. This document outlined Lenin's vision for a socialist revolution and emphasized key ideas such as 'peace, land, and bread' which resonated with the disillusioned masses. The theses played a crucial role in mobilizing support for the Bolsheviks during the revolutionary period that followed the February Revolution.
Autocracy: Autocracy is a system of government in which a single person or entity holds absolute power and authority over the state. This form of governance allows for little to no input from the populace or other political entities, often leading to a lack of democratic processes and freedoms. In the context of Russian history, autocracy was a defining characteristic of Tsarist rule, where the tsar exercised unchallenged control, significantly impacting political stability and social conditions in the country leading up to significant upheaval such as the February Revolution.
Bolshevism: Bolshevism is a radical socialist ideology that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily associated with the Bolshevik Party led by Vladimir Lenin. It advocates for the overthrow of the capitalist system through a revolution led by the working class and aims to establish a dictatorship of the proletariat. This ideology became central to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and played a critical role in the subsequent establishment of the Soviet state.
Bread Riots: Bread riots were protests and violent uprisings that occurred in various parts of Russia during the early 20th century, primarily sparked by food shortages and rising bread prices. These riots were significant as they highlighted the widespread discontent among the population, especially among the urban working class and soldiers, with the Tsarist regime's failure to address basic needs, contributing to the collapse of Tsarism during the February Revolution.
Class struggle: Class struggle refers to the ongoing conflict between different social classes, primarily the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class), over control of economic resources and political power. This concept is central to Marxist theory, which posits that history is driven by these conflicts, ultimately leading to revolutionary changes in society. In various historical contexts, class struggle has manifested in revolutions, purges, and social transformations that aim to reshape the power dynamics between these groups.
Dual Power: Dual power refers to a political situation where two entities hold power simultaneously, often leading to conflict and competition for authority. In the context of early 20th-century Russia, this concept emerged after the February Revolution, as the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet coexisted, each claiming legitimacy and control over the state. The tension between these two powers set the stage for the eventual Bolshevik seizure of power during the October Revolution.
Duma: The Duma was a legislative assembly in Russia, established after the 1905 Revolution, that represented a significant shift towards a more parliamentary system of governance. It played a crucial role in Russian politics by providing a platform for public discussion and debate, although its powers were often limited by the Tsar's authority. The Duma's existence reflected the growing demand for political reform and was instrumental during the tumultuous period leading up to the February Revolution.
February Revolution 1917: The February Revolution of 1917 was a pivotal event that led to the overthrow of Tsar Nicholas II and the end of over three centuries of Romanov rule in Russia. This uprising, primarily driven by widespread discontent with food shortages, economic hardship, and the failures of World War I, marked a significant turning point in Russian history as it paved the way for the eventual rise of the Bolsheviks and the establishment of a socialist state.
International Women's Day: International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8, is a global day recognizing women's achievements and advocating for gender equality. Its roots can be traced back to early 20th-century labor movements and feminist activism, particularly in the context of the February Revolution in Russia, where women played a crucial role in demanding political and social rights.
Menshevism: Menshevism was a faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party that emerged in the early 20th century, advocating for a more gradual and democratic approach to socialism compared to its rival faction, Bolshevism. Mensheviks believed in collaborating with liberal and moderate groups to establish a parliamentary democracy before transitioning to socialism, which placed them at odds with the more radical strategies of the Bolsheviks. Their stance influenced political dynamics during pivotal moments like the February Revolution and the subsequent collapse of Tsarism.
Order No. 1: Order No. 1 was a directive issued by the Petrograd Soviet on March 1, 1917, during the early days of the February Revolution, which aimed to ensure that the military obeyed the revolutionary committees rather than the traditional chain of command. This order reflected the growing influence of the Soviets in Russia and marked a significant shift in power dynamics as soldiers were encouraged to organize and assert their rights, ultimately contributing to the collapse of Tsarism.
Petrograd Garrison: The Petrograd Garrison was a military force stationed in the capital of the Russian Empire, Petrograd (formerly St. Petersburg), during the early 20th century. This garrison played a crucial role in the February Revolution of 1917 as many soldiers joined the popular uprising against the Tsarist regime, significantly contributing to the collapse of Tsarism and the eventual rise of revolutionary movements.
Petrograd Soviet: The Petrograd Soviet was a powerful council representing workers and soldiers in Petrograd (formerly St. Petersburg) during the Russian Revolution of 1917. It emerged as a significant political force alongside the Provisional Government, playing a critical role in the revolutionary events leading to the Bolshevik takeover. The Soviet acted as a voice for the working class and soldiers, challenging the authority of the existing government and pushing for reforms.
Political Mobilization: Political mobilization refers to the process by which individuals or groups are encouraged to participate actively in political activities, including protests, voting, or supporting political parties and movements. It plays a crucial role in shaping collective action and can drive significant political changes, especially during times of social upheaval or crisis. The February Revolution in Russia exemplifies how political mobilization led to widespread protests against Tsarist rule, ultimately contributing to the collapse of the imperial government.
Prince Georgy Lvov: Prince Georgy Lvov was a prominent Russian political figure and a key leader during the February Revolution of 1917, serving as the first Prime Minister of the Russian Provisional Government. His leadership emerged during a time of great political upheaval as the Tsarist regime collapsed, and he aimed to establish a democratic government amid widespread social unrest and demands for reform.
Provisional Government: The Provisional Government was a temporary ruling body established in Russia following the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in March 1917, intended to govern until a Constituent Assembly could be convened. It aimed to create a liberal democracy, but struggled with legitimacy and authority, especially as it shared power with the Petrograd Soviet, leading to internal conflict and eventual collapse.
Romanov Dynasty: The Romanov Dynasty was the ruling family of Russia from 1613 until the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in 1917. This dynasty is significant for its extensive influence on Russian politics, culture, and society, ultimately culminating in the February Revolution, which led to the collapse of Tsarism and the end of imperial rule in Russia.
Russian Civil War: The Russian Civil War was a multi-party conflict that took place between 1917 and 1922, following the Bolshevik Revolution. It involved the Red Army, representing the Bolsheviks, against the White Army, which consisted of various anti-Bolshevik factions, and was crucial in shaping the future of Russia. The civil war directly influenced the establishment of the Soviet Union and marked a significant transformation in the political landscape after the collapse of Tsarism and the initial revolutionary movements.
Socialist Revolutionary Party: The Socialist Revolutionary Party (SRs) was a political party in Russia founded in 1901 that aimed to represent the interests of the peasantry and promote agrarian socialism. It sought to overthrow the Tsarist regime and establish a democratic government, aligning itself with the broader revolutionary movements that culminated in the February Revolution of 1917, which contributed to the collapse of Tsarism. The SRs were known for their emphasis on land reform and often resorted to terrorism against government officials to achieve their goals.
Tsar Nicholas II: Tsar Nicholas II was the last emperor of Russia, ruling from 1894 until his abdication in 1917. His reign saw the fall of the Romanov dynasty and the end of more than three centuries of imperial rule, significantly contributing to the February Revolution and the eventual collapse of Tsarism in Russia.
Vladimir Lenin: Vladimir Lenin was a revolutionary leader and the founder of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, playing a crucial role in the establishment of the Soviet Union. As the leader of the Bolshevik Party, he orchestrated the October Revolution, which dismantled the provisional government following the February Revolution and established a communist state, shaping the political landscape of Russia and influencing global communism.
Worker's councils: Worker's councils, known as 'soviets' in Russian, were local assemblies formed by workers, soldiers, and peasants during the revolutionary period in Russia. These councils emerged as a response to the failures of the existing political structures and aimed to represent the interests of the working class, often challenging the authority of the Tsarist regime and later the Provisional Government. They played a crucial role in organizing grassroots movements and labor strikes, becoming a powerful force that shaped the political landscape leading up to the October Revolution.