The February Revolution
On March 8, 1917 (February 25 on the old Russian calendar), strikes and riots over food and coal shortages broke out in Russia's capital, Petrograd (now St. Petersburg). Around 90,000 men and women chanting for bread flooded the streets of Petrograd. The protesters refused to leave the streets and clashed with the police. Two days later, the strike spread among factory workers in the city which led to police stations being destroyed. However, troops from the Petrograd army garrison were sent to extinguish the uprising and even opened fire into crowds of citizens. But when the protesters continued to remain on the streets, the troops switched their support to the protesters.
“Situation serious. There is anarchy in the capital. Government paralysed. Transport of food and fuel completely disorganized. Public disaffection growing. On the streets, chaotic shooting. Army units fire at each other. It is essential at once to entrust a person enjoying the country’s confidence with the formation of a new government. There should be no delay. All delay is death.” |
Causes of The February Revolution
Over the last few years leading up to 1917, Russians had lost faith in the Tsarist regime, government corruption was growing, and Tsar Nicholas II had been disregarding the Dumas when they were against him. In addition, Russia had made the mistake of getting involved in World War I when their troops were poorly-equipped for fighting and were no match militarily for industrialized Germany. Due to the war, Russian casualties were increasing and the economy was in a crisis because of the costly war efforts. Citizens were hungry, tired from working jobs with little pay, and were irritated at the government.
Impact of the February Revolution
When the Petrograd troops turned their support to the demonstrators, the imperial government was forced to resign, and the Duma formed a provisional government that peacefully contended with the Petrograd Soviet for control of the revolution. After that, Tsar Nicholas II abdicated the throne in favor of his brother Michael, whose refusal brought an end to the Tsarist autocracy.