Why was Nicholas II able to survive the 1905 revolution but was forced to abdicate in 1917?

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Why was Nicholas II able to survive the 1905 revolution but was forced to abdicate in 1917?

By Lisa Atkinson

The Tsar (Nicholas II) survived the 1905 revolution. However, the revolution in 1917 did remove him from power. When asking why Nicholas II survived 1905 there are numerous factors to examine. Both revolutions had extremely similar conditions. Levels of dissatisfaction, strikes and the country moving towards a wartime economy are all examples. It is also important to see small differences which gave the two events such contrasting outcomes and determined the survival and the fall of the Tsar.

In February 1904 war broke out between Russia and Japan over a town called Manchuria situated in Northern China. After suffering a humiliating defeat in the Russo-Japanese War, Russia expected severe peace terms. However, due to the negotiations presided over by President Roosevelt the terms were quite lenient. This allowed Nicholas to save face, pride and secure his position. In 1905, despite the appalling conditions that the workers in the agricultural and industrial sectors were suffering, there was still support and good will towards the Tsar. It is suggested that the people did not blame the Tsar, but his advisers