Why were there two revolutions in 1917?

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Carla Searle

Why were there two revolutions in 1917?

        The revolution during February 1917 was instigated the Tsar’s loss of military support and the failure of the First World War. Also, the growing protests on the streets of Petrograd, fuelled by the demands of Russian women who joined the strikes on International Women’s Day (February 23rd) played a part in the downfall of the Tsar. The February revolution lasted from the 18th of February to the 14th of March and it was during this period that Russia saw the greatest political changes for generations. It is however, also important to ascertain the reasons why, having put an end to an unpopular autocratic system, there was another revolution several months later.

        The key events of the February revolution were the large-scale strikes initiated by employees at Putilov steel works from the 18th of February onwards. As well as this, by the 26th of February, all but a minimal number of garrison troops had deserted the army. Also, Nicholas was advised by Rodzyanko that only a major concession by the government could offer any hope of preserving an Imperial power, this led to the abdication of Nicholas as tsar and, therefore, the end of an autocratic rule in Russia.

        It was on the 3rd of March that the Provisional Government, a group of Duma members who had continued to debate political matters after the dissolution of the Duma on the 26th of February. Although the Army High Command accepted the Provisional Government as Russia’s official governing body, it lacked any real legitimacy, creating a weak base from which to build on. Although the new government was able to gain some initial support from Prince Lvov who saw to the abolishment of the death penalty, the emancipation of political prisoners and the end of official class, nationality and religion-based discrimination, the massive problems faced by the Provisional outweighed the positive aspects.

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        The revolution in February heightened the expectations of Russian people who wanted to see an immediate change in Russian society. However, that the Provisional Government failed to hold Constituent Assembly elections or initiate any land reform angered the Russians, as they saw the Provisional Government to run Russia in a similar was to the Tsar. Also, the Provisional Government lost support by their dismissal of suggestions to leave the First World War. The reasons for this are that they believed Russia’s repute to be at stake, as well the fact that the entry of the USA into the war gave ...

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