February Revolution

Definition

The February Revolution was a key event in 1917 that led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the end of centuries of Romanov rule in Russia. It marked the beginning of the Russian Revolution, which was driven by widespread discontent among the populace due to food shortages, military failures in World War I, and a lack of political reforms. This revolution resulted in the establishment of a provisional government and set the stage for further revolutionary activity later that year.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The February Revolution began on February 23, 1917, (March 8 in the Gregorian calendar) when workers protested for bread and peace amid World War I hardships.
2. Mass protests and strikes quickly escalated, resulting in soldiers joining the demonstrators instead of suppressing them, which was pivotal for the revolution's success.
3. The abdication of Tsar Nicholas II on March 2, 1917, was largely driven by the loss of support from key military leaders and his inability to address the public's grievances.
4. Following the revolution, a dual power situation emerged with the Provisional Government sharing authority with the Petrograd Soviet, a council representing workers and soldiers.
5. The February Revolution is often seen as a precursor to the October Revolution later that same year when the Bolsheviks took control and established a communist government.

Review Questions

• What were some key factors that led to the February Revolution and how did they manifest in society at that time?
  • Key factors leading to the February Revolution included severe food shortages caused by wartime disruptions, rising inflation, and military failures that eroded public confidence in Tsar Nicholas II. Protests initially focused on bread scarcity quickly evolved into broader calls for political change as workers and soldiers expressed their discontent. The societal unrest was amplified by years of repression and lack of political representation, making revolution seem like the only solution to an increasingly desperate populace.
• Discuss the role of the Provisional Government after the February Revolution and its impact on Russian society.
  • The Provisional Government took charge following Tsar Nicholas II's abdication, aiming to establish a more democratic political system. However, it struggled with legitimacy and failed to address critical issues such as land reform and withdrawal from World War I. Its decision to continue fighting in the war alienated many citizens, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. This discontent contributed significantly to its eventual downfall and paved the way for the Bolsheviks' rise during the October Revolution.
• Evaluate how the February Revolution set the stage for subsequent events in 1917 and its long-term impact on Russia.
  • The February Revolution fundamentally changed Russia's political landscape by ending over three centuries of Romanov rule and introducing a provisional government. However, it also created instability with competing authorities—most notably between the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet. This dual power dynamic created conditions ripe for further revolutionary action. Ultimately, dissatisfaction with the Provisional Government's inability to implement reforms led directly to the Bolshevik seizure of power in October 1917, establishing a communist regime that transformed Russian society and politics for decades.

Related terms

Provisional Government:

A temporary government established in Russia after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, aimed at transitioning the country to a democratic system.

Bolsheviks: A radical socialist faction led by Vladimir Lenin, which gained prominence during the Russian Revolution and ultimately seized power in the October Revolution.

Duma: The legislative assembly in Russia, established in 1905, which played a role in the political changes leading up to the February Revolution.