Russian Revolution of 1917: Causes and Impact

• Two major revolutions occurred in Russia in 1917: the February Revolution and the October Revolution.

February Revolution (March 1917)

• This revolution resulted in the end of Tsarist rule but Russia remained in World War I.

Causes of the February Revolution

Long-Term Causes

• Tsar Nicholas II ruled as an absolute monarch without considering the demands of the public.
• The Duma, established in 1905, lacked true power.
• Most Russians were poor peasants, while factory workers faced low wages and long hours.
• Inflation made essential goods unaffordable for the majority.
• Russia experienced significant defeats and casualties in World War I against Germany.
• Soldiers were poorly equipped, leading to millions of deaths and desertions.
• Food shortages worsened because supplies were prioritized for the army.
• Tsarina Alexandra was heavily influenced by Rasputin, leading to public distrust in the government.
• Although Rasputin was murdered in December 1916, the distrust in the Tsar persisted.

Immediate Causes

• On March 8, 1917, women in Petrograd protested the scarcity of food.
• These protests grew into a widespread movement as workers joined in.
• On March 12, 1917, soldiers refused the Tsar's order to suppress the protests and instead joined the movement.
• On March 15, 1917, Tsar Nicholas II abdicated, ending the Romanov Dynasty and Tsarist rule in Russia.

Consequences of the February Revolution

• The Provisional Government was formed in March 1917, led by Alexander Kerensky.
• The government promised free elections, land reforms, and improved working conditions.
• Angering soldiers and civilians, the Provisional Government decided not to withdraw from WWI.
• The Provisional Government did not redistribute land to peasants, resulting in unrest.
• Worker demands were ignored, leading to more strikes and protests.
• The Bolsheviks gained support by advocating for a new revolution.

October Revolution (November 1917)

• The October Revolution led to the establishment of communist rule and Russia's exit from World War I.

Causes of the October Revolution

Problems with the Provisional Government

• Kerensky's decision to keep Russia in World War I led to more casualties and food shortages.
• The Provisional Government failed to address land redistribution, frustrating peasants
• Vladimir Lenin led the Bolsheviks and gained support with the slogan "Peace, Land, and Bread!".
• The Red Guards, the Bolshevik military force, prepared for revolution.

Immediate Causes

• On November 7, 1917, the Bolsheviks seized power.
• Bolsheviks captured government buildings in Petrograd.
• The Winter Palace fell with little resistance, and Kerensky fled the country.

Consequences of the October Revolution

• Led by Lenin, the Bolsheviks gained full control of Russia.
• Russia withdrew from World War I by signing the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in March 1918.
• From 1918-1922, the Red Army (Bolsheviks) defeated the White Army (Tsar supporters), leading to Bolshevik control.
• On July 17, 1918, Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed by Bolsheviks.
• In 1922, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was established under Lenin.

Key Differences Between the February and October Revolutions

• February Revolution: protests against food shortages and war, no single leader, Tsar abdicated and Provisional Government took over, end of Tsarist rule but Russia remained in WWI, mostly peaceful.
• October Revolution: failure of Provisional Government and Bolsheviks’ rise, led by Lenin and the Bolsheviks, Bolsheviks took power and Kerensky fled, communist rule began and Russia exited WWI, armed revolution with the storming of the Winter Palace.