why did revolution in russia break out in 1917

Russia’s entry into the First World War only fuelled to the impending revolution in 1917. During the four years of war, the cause of much of Russia’s internal problems was an economic one, a problem she cannot sustained caused by the war.

By 1914, Russia had a reputation of having the largest gold reserve in Europe. However, the war cost Russia a lot during the time of war which led to increased taxation among the Russians and heavy borrowing from abroad. The gold standard was abandoned, which allowed the government to put more notes into circulation. This helps to pay wages and further commerce but it also made money worthless. This result in severe inflation; the wages had increased, yes, but it was disproportional to the prices of food and fuels which were quadrupled. The inflation led for the peasants to hoard their stock preventing the economy from circulating. Furthermore, the army had first claim on the more limited food produced from the average Russian. The military had priority to use the transport system to mobilize in the war. This prevented from food supplies reaching to any Russian community. Petrograd suffered immensely as it is situated far from food-producing region and the city was flooded with refugees. Because the military used railways to transport freights and troops, 575 stations were virtually collapsed. In February 1917, Petrograd and Moscow only received 300 grains of rice when 1000 was needed.

There was a lot of dissatisfaction within the military itself due to conscription. Many peasants were forced to enlist the arm forces or do industrial work. The condition for the armies was appalling. While no one can deny the massive man power Russia had, the poor administration and poor liaison between the government and departments responsible for supplies caused the army to lack in equipments. Nicholas responded by formally taking direct command of Russia’s armed services. This was to motivate and rally up the population around him as Tsar of Russia. This was a fatal move on his part as it could make or break him; if they lose, he would have to personally be responsible for their defeat and unable to put blame on his ministers. Russian morale coming into the war was fairly high and patriotic, but ill-equipped and poorly fed Russian soldiers had decreased the morale value. All this only intensified the dissatisfaction of the masses and draw attention to Nicholas’ incompetence and weakness as a leader. in addition, he had put his German wife in charge of administration while he is at war. Because Russia was at war against Germany in First World War, the Tsarina was not well liked by the people and made her a suspect. Her suspicious relationship with Rasputin did not help her popularity. 1915 onwards, the Tsarina and Rasputin became a prominent figure in the government; both were so unpopular with the people and within the government itself. Because of this the people did not see the need to preserve a government that consisted of a ‘German agent and her lover’. In attempt to save what is left of the regime, a group of conspirators murdered Rasputin. Under the rule of the Empress Alexandra in the year 1915-1916, there were four prime ministers, three foreign secretaries, three ministers of defence and six interior ministers. The constant changes meant there was chaos even within the government itself.

The fall of the empire was mainly due to the doings of the ones that vehemently supported the war from the very beginning. The duma was in total support of the Tsar until in 1915 where signs of military difficulties emerged. The duma demanded its own recalled and Nicholas bowed under the pressure and allowed the duma to reassemble. The duma then formed the Progressive Bloc which is a combined effort from the nationalists, Industrialists, Octoberists, and the Kadets. The people within Nicholas’ government had collectively persuaded him to make concessions which he stubbornly refused. This only showed that the Tsar is incapable of running the war and the Bloc. The Tsar made a big mistake by refusing to cooperate with non-governmental organizations such as Union of Zemstvos and the Union of Municipal Councils. This elected bodies joined to be Zemgor. This organization highlighted Nicholas’ failures and convinced the masses they are an alternative for the Tsar autocracy.

Some may argue that the 1917 revolution was imminent and a long time coming. It is arguable that the Tsar had opportunities to save his autocracy. His biggest political resistant, the Bloc, whom was initially his supporters could’ve helped him improve the situation in regards to war. The general public was not necessarily looking to overthrow the government but rather was dissatisfied with the tsar’s inaction to improve the conditions. In other words, they were rebelling against their situation and not their government. It wasn’t until later years with the war and the tsarina that the people started to lose faith in their government. Rise of Zemgor did not help the situation either. Biggest Nicholas was stubborn and ineffective as a leader, the people of Russia decided that it was time they needed a new and better leader.