February Revolution

Definition

The February Revolution was a pivotal uprising in 1917 that led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the end of centuries of Romanov rule in Russia. This revolution was fueled by widespread discontent with the Tsarist regime, exacerbated by the economic hardships and social unrest resulting from World War I, ultimately paving the way for the establishment of a provisional government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The February Revolution began on March 8, 1917, (February 23 on the Julian calendar) with protests and strikes in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) demanding bread and an end to the war.
2. The revolution saw mass participation from workers, soldiers, and women, marking a significant shift in Russian society as ordinary citizens became increasingly involved in politics.
3. The military's refusal to suppress the protests was crucial; many soldiers sided with the demonstrators, leading to a breakdown of Tsarist authority.
4. The abdication of Tsar Nicholas II on March 2, 1917, was unexpected and left a power vacuum that was filled by the Provisional Government and later contested by the Bolsheviks.
5. The February Revolution ultimately set the stage for the October Revolution later that year, which resulted in Bolshevik control over Russia and a shift towards communism.

Review Questions

• How did the social and economic conditions in Russia contribute to the outbreak of the February Revolution?
  • Social and economic conditions in Russia were dire leading up to the February Revolution. The country faced severe food shortages, inflation, and military defeats in World War I, creating widespread dissatisfaction among workers and peasants. This discontent fueled protests in Petrograd as people demanded better living conditions and an end to war, demonstrating how these hardships acted as catalysts for revolutionary change.
• Discuss the role of the Duma during the February Revolution and its relationship with the Provisional Government that followed.
  • During the February Revolution, the Duma attempted to assert its authority by forming a Provisional Government after Tsar Nicholas II's abdication. However, this new government faced significant challenges, as it lacked popular support and was unable to address key issues like land reform and ongoing war efforts. The Duma's influence waned as more radical groups like the Bolsheviks began to gain traction among the populace, highlighting a disconnect between government efforts and public demand.
• Evaluate the implications of the February Revolution for Russia's political landscape and how it set the stage for subsequent events like the October Revolution.
  • The February Revolution fundamentally altered Russia's political landscape by dismantling centuries of autocratic rule and opening the door for new forms of governance. The establishment of a Provisional Government marked a shift towards democratic ideals, but its inability to resolve pressing issues led to disillusionment among citizens. This created an environment ripe for radical factions such as the Bolsheviks to capitalize on public frustration, culminating in the October Revolution later that same year. The events of February thus served as both a reaction to existing grievances and a precursor to further upheaval.

Related terms

Provisional Government: A temporary government established in Russia after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, which aimed to create a democratic framework but struggled to maintain control.

Bolsheviks:

A radical socialist faction led by Vladimir Lenin that seized power during the October Revolution later in 1917, opposing the Provisional Government.

Duma: The legislative assembly in Russia, which became more significant after the 1905 Revolution and played a role during the February Revolution as it sought to represent the people's interests.