Why were there two revolutions in Russia in 1917?

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Why were there two revolutions in Russia in 1917? - an essay

The February Revolution

Michael Romanov was proclaimed as the first Tsar in 1613. Since then, the Romanov`s kept the throne until 1917. In 1894 the 29 year-old Nicholas Romanov becomes the second Tsar Nicholas. He was shy and less assetive than his father Alexander 3. By this time Russia was behind Europe in development. This fact was by some people blamed on the Tsar.

In 1914, Russia joined the war on Serbias side, and that forced France and Britain to join. The Russian Army was huge, but lacked leadership and equipment. The Russian generals Rennenkampf and Samsonov lost important battles at Tannenburg and the Masurian Lakes. Over 250.000 Russian men were either killed, wounded or captured. This caused civilian anger and low morale within the army.

The tsar himself took command of the army, putting the Tsarina to lead Russia. When the people saw that the Tsar only suffered from defeats and that the Tsarina was incompetent, they became angry. On top of this there were hunger and economic problems in Russia at the time. Things was only to become worse.

Early in 1917, trains were unable to run causing even more hunger. The 22nd of February, more than 20.000 steelworkers were locked out after a breakdown in pay talks. More workers went out on strike to show their support to the steelworkers. The next day, thousands of women took to the streets in Petrograd, demonstrating and demanding bread. Only two days later, Petrograd is paralysed. Half the work force (250.000 workers) are on strike. The Tsar does another mistake as he orders the army to stop this strike. 40 people are killed and the Duma advises the Tsar to form another government. The Tsar replies by refusing to let the Duma meet.
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The 27th of February is an important date. The soldiers in Petrograd mutiny. They will no longer kill innocent people. The Duma creates a Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet is formed. The Tsar returns to Petrograd. He is being told that he has no support from the army. He therefore decides to abdicate for himself and his son, and when the Tsar`s brother refuses to be the new Tsar, it`s the end for the Romanov dynasty.

The October Revolution

When the Provisional Government was elected, they were faced with a lot of problems the Tsar ...

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