Russian Revolution February revolution 1917

• Who abdicated the throne of Russia on March 2, 1917?


  Nicholas II
• Why did Nicholas II abdicate in favor of his brother Michael instead of his son?


  He believed his son was too sickly to bear the burden of being tsar.
• What happened the day after Nicholas II abdicated?


  Michael also abdicated.
• What role did leading Duma members assume after the abdication of the tsars?


  They assumed the role of the provisional government.
• What was the purpose of the provisional government in Russia?


  To serve temporarily until a Constituent Assembly could be elected.
• How was the provisional government recognized internationally?

  It was quickly recognized as the legitimate governing body of Russia.
• What was the Petrograd Soviet primarily composed of?


  Soldiers and factory workers.
• How many members did the Petrograd Soviet have by the time of Nicholas II's abdication?


  About 3,000 members.
• What was the structure of the Petrograd Soviet?


  It was chaotic and dominated by Mensheviks.
• How did the provisional government and the Petrograd Soviet interact?


  They cooperated out of necessity despite their differences.
• Who acted as a liaison between the provisional government and the Petrograd Soviet?

  Alexander Kerensky
• What positions did Alexander Kerensky hold in the provisional government?


  He became the minister of justice, minister of war, and then prime minister.
• How was the February Revolution characterized?


  It was largely a spontaneous event.
• What role did the military play in the February Revolution?


  The military's involvement changed the course of the revolution.
• What was the state of political groups after the February Revolution?


  Many political groups competed for power relatively peacefully.
• Who was out of the country during the February Revolution?

  Vladimir Lenin
• What significant change occurred with the arrival of Lenin in April 1917?


  It immediately changed the political situation in Russia.
• The February Revolution of 1917 was primarily triggered by food shortages and bread riots in Petrograd due to the strain of World War I on Russia's economy.
• The Bolsheviks were the majority party within the RSDLP, led by Vladimir Lenin
• The involvement of women in the workforce and their role in the strikes and protests demanding bread and better working conditions was a crucial factor in the outbreak of the February Revolution.
• Lenin believed that Russia was not ready to become socialist due to its economic underdevelopment.
• The lack of support for Tsar Nicholas II, exacerbated by his decision to take personal command of the Russian Army during World War I, also played a significant role in the February Revolution.
• The Provisional Government was formed as a result of the February Revolution, but it faced opposition from various groups including workers, soldiers, peasants, and national minorities.
• The Provisional Government faced opposition from various factions, including the Bolsheviks who advocated for socialism and workers' rights.
• The Provisional Government struggled to maintain control over the country and faced challenges such as food shortages, inflation, and unrest among workers and soldiers.
• The Provisional Government struggled to maintain control as it attempted to balance competing demands from different factions while dealing with ongoing military conflicts and economic hardships.
• The Provisional Government struggled with issues such as war, land reform, and political freedom, leading to further unrest and instability.
• The Provisional Government formed after the overthrow of the Tsar initially enjoyed widespread popular support but faced challenges from both the left (Bolsheviks) and right (Kornilov).
• The Provisional Government attempted to address these issues through policies like land reform and worker representation in factories, but they also faced resistance from conservative forces who opposed any changes to traditional power structures.
• The Bolsheviks gained support through propaganda and organizing demonstrations against the government.
• However, the Provisional Government ultimately failed to maintain control over the country, leading to the October Revolution and the establishment of Soviet rule.
• The Provisional Government attempted to address these challenges through measures like land reform and increased representation for workers in government.
• However, this policy ultimately failed, contributing to the eventual collapse of the Provisional Government and paving the way for the rise of the Bolshevik Party.
• The Provisional Government struggled with issues such as food shortages, inflation, and political instability.
• The October Revolution of 1917 marked a turning point in world history, leading to the establishment of the Soviet Union and the rise of communism as an ideology.
• The Provisional Government attempted to address these issues through reforms, but they were often met with resistance or ignored altogether.
• The Provisional Government attempted to address these challenges through policies like the Kornilov Affair, which aimed to suppress revolutionary activity and maintain control over the army.
• The Provisional Government struggled to maintain control over the country due to ongoing military conflicts and economic hardships.
• What is the main question addressed in the study material regarding the February 1917 Revolution in Russia?


  The revolution was more the result of economic problems than the failings of Tsar Nicholas II.
• What does the phrase "Assess the validity of this view" require you to do in your essay?


  Evaluate the statement and come to a reasoned conclusion.