Question

Why did the tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917?

Answer 1

February Revolution – Tsar Advised to Abdicate

• In the workers quarters, in February 1917, there was a deep shortage of food, due to heavy snow and exceptional frost in the very cold winter months.
• The Tsar wanted to dissolve the Duma, but the elected Parliamentarians wanted to retain the elected government.
• Duma was suspended by the Government on 25th February.
• On 26th February, there were large demonstrations on the streets, politicians were against this action of suspending the Duma.
• People were out in the streets raising slogans about democracy, better working hours, better wages and bread. Police headquarters were ransacked.
• To control the situation which was spiraling out of control, the Government summoned the cavalry. They did not want to fire on the demonstrators.
• There was mutiny by three regiments, who went on to join the workers.
• In the same building where Duma met, the striking soldiers and workers gathered together to form a ‘council’ or the ‘Soviet’. This was the Petrograd Soviet.
• The Tsar was advised by his Military commanders to abdicate. As a result the Tsar abdicated on 2nd March.
• To run the country, a Provisional Government was formed by the Duma leaders and Soviet leaders.
• On the basis of universal adult suffrage, Russia’s future would be decided by an elected constituent assembly.
• The Monarchy was brought down in February 1917 by the February Revolution, led by the Petrograd.

First World War – Tsar Loses Support

• Although Tsar Nicholas II enjoyed initial support from the people, as the war prolonged, Tsar started losing support of the people.
• Main parties in the Duma were not consulted by the Tsar.
• The Autocracy became very unpopular due to poor advisers and the German origin of Tsarina Alexandra.
• Between 1914 and 1916, Russian army was badly defeated in Austria and Germany.
• Russian ended up with 3 million refugees as the retreating Russian army destroyed crops and buildings.
• The Tsar was discredited due to this situation.
• Industries began crumbling as there was shortage of labour
• Flour and bread became scarce as the food supplies were sent to the Military.
• There were many riots in bread shops by 1916.