What were the causes of the Russian Revolution?
The Russian revolution was caused by the continual breakdown of the governments in Russia and the incompetency and authoritarian views of its Tzars. Their failures as leaders included policies that neither pleased nor benefited the people. By the end of the nineteenth century, Russia's economy, government, military, and social organization was at an extreme decline. Russia had become the least advanced of the major European nations in terms of political and social development. There was no parliament, and no middle class. The Church, officers, and other important people and institutions were firmly against social progress. For the first few decades of the 1800's, Russia's outlook was brighter under Alexander I, who was relatively liberal. He became more reactionary however, and following his death, a group of young army officers tried to overturn the Tzardom. This was called the Decembrist Revolt. The next Tzar, Nicholas, was a die hard authoritarian. The Administrative system continued to decay regardless of his iron fisted rule. The gap between the rich and the poorer continued to widen. Over five hundred peasant revolts took place during his reign.
