1917 Feb/Oct Revolutions Flashcards
causes and comparison (14 cards)
What caused the February Revolution?
The catastrophic failure of Nicholas II’s regime, military losses (1.7 million), inflation and food shortages (exacerbated by WW1).
1.7 million dead by 1917.
What event triggered the February Revolution?
Bread riots began in Petrograd on February 23, escalating into general strikes.
What was the crucial turning point of the February Revolution?
The Petrograd garrison mutinied on February 27, refusing orders to suppress protesters.
Historian Orlando Figes argues, ‘without army support, the Tsarist regime collapsed within days.’
When did Nicholas II abdicate?
Nicholas II abdicated on March 2, marking the downfall of his regime and the political system. This created a power vacuum for the Bolsheviks to exploit.
How was the October Revolution different from the February Revolution?
The October Revolution was carefully engineered by the Bolsheviks, unlike the leaderless February Revolution.
Who directed the October Revolution?
Lenin’s uncompromising vision and Trotsky’s organizational skills directed the October Revolution.
What weaknesses of the Provisional Government aided the Bolsheviks?
Its insistence on continuing the unpopular war, the backfired Kornilov Affair (August 1917), delaying land reform, postponing constituent assembly elections.
What did Lenin’s April Theses demand?
‘All Power to the Soviets’ and promised peace and land reform. This provided a revolutionary direction.
Why did the Bolsheviks face minimal resistance in October?
The Provisional Government had become completely isolated.
What was a key difference in revolutionary dynamics between February and October?
February showed an outdated autocracy collapsing without leadership, while October demonstrated a disciplined minority exploiting that collapse.
What did Richard Pipes say about the February Revolution?
He noted, ‘No party controlled the February Revolution - it was system failure.’
How did the Bolsheviks succeed in October?
They addressed immediate grievances while concealing their more radical aims.
What is a similarity between the October and February revolutions?
They both shared their roots in war and misgovernment.
Why did Orlando Figes argue the mutiny of the Petrograd Garrison was decisive in February?
“Without army support, the Tsarist regime collapsed within days.”
