February Revolution 1917: Causes and Consequences
The February Revolution of 1917
2.1 The Impact of World War I
With Russia’s involvement in World War I, most factories were converted into war industries. Essential products became scarce, prices rose, and the purchasing power of wage earners fell significantly. Military defeats against Germany further eroded public confidence in the Tsar, and the increasing influence of Rasputin in court fueled discontent.
2.2 The Fall of Tsarism (February 1917)
The combined military and economic disaster caused a revolution. Popular groups took to the streets to demand an end to the war. This movement began with a large demonstration and spread to various cities, culminating in a general strike and the mutiny of the military garrison in the capital. Soviets (councils) were formed, playing a crucial role in harnessing the revolutionary movement.
The Tsar and his government refused to abandon the war. Under pressure from part of the army, the Tsar abdicated. The Duma (Russian parliament) took center stage and imposed a provisional government headed by Prince Lvov. The new government promised policies and social reforms and convened a constituent assembly to decide Russia’s political future. However, it also wanted to maintain the military alliance and keep Russia in World War I.
The fall of the Tsar did not end the problems. The war continued, conditions did not improve, and many did not recognize the provisional government as legitimate. A dual power emerged between the interim government and the Soviets, especially the Petrograd Soviet, which had significant influence on the working population.
2.3 The Dual Power (March-October 1917)
The struggle between the Provisional Government and the Soviets continued. The Lvov government was overwhelmed by the popular movement, which demanded freedom for the Soviets, immediate reforms, and an end to the war. Lenin argued that the revolution had to overcome its liberal-bourgeois phase and become a proletarian revolution. He proclaimed the slogan “All power to the Soviets” and called for Russia’s immediate withdrawal from the war.
Meanwhile, the reforms promised by the government were slow to materialize. As the situation deteriorated, Lvov was replaced by a moderate socialist, Aleksandr Kerensky. The new government held elections for a constituent assembly but openly confronted the Soviets and began systematically persecuting the Bolsheviks.
The Kerensky government’s difficulties increased following a failed coup attempt by General Kornilov, a Tsarist general seeking to regain power. Kerensky was forced to seek the support of the Soviets, especially the Bolsheviks. The Bolsheviks’ role in aborting the coup increased their popularity and influence within the Soviets. Lenin convinced the Bolshevik Party that the next step was to seize power. He then convinced the influential Soviets in Moscow and Petrograd. The Petrograd Soviet, led by the Bolshevik Trotsky, played a leading role in the subsequent events.