The February Revolution Flashcards
(36 cards)
What were the short-term triggers that caused the February Revolution? - 4
Food shortages, strikes, mass protests, and army demoralisation.
What caused unrest in Petrograd and Moscow in February 1917? -3
Severe food shortages, bakery strikes, and rising prices
What happened on 14 February 1917?
A large demonstration took place in support of the Duma.
What event began on 18 February 1917?
A strike broke out at the Putilov Steel Works in Petrograd.
What happened on 23 February 1917?
International Women’s Day—women joined striking workers in protest.
How did the weather help grow the protests in February 1917?
An unusually warm winter encouraged more people to join street protests.
What occurred between 23–25 February 1917 in Petrograd?
250,000 people were on strike; anti-government demonstrations grew.
What action did the government take that further angered the public?
Announced bread rationing, which made the crowds unmanageable
What happened on 26 February 1917?
Soldiers were ordered to fire on demonstrators; 40 people were killed.
What was the result of ordering soldiers to shoot protestors?
Many soldiers began to mutiny and refused to obey orders
What occurred on 27 February 1917 in the army?
A full-scale mutiny—regiments refused orders to fire and joined the protesters.
What did the army report to the Tsar on 28 February 1917?
That Petrograd was out of control and the military had lost control
How did the use of the Julian calendar affect historical dates?
Russia used the Julian calendar, which was 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used in Western Europe
Where was Tsar Nicholas II during the February Revolution?
He had left Petrograd for army headquarters on 22 February, 780 km away.
What order did Tsar Nicholas send on 25 February?
He ordered the army and police to suppress the unrest immediately.
Why was the Tsar’s absence during the revolution significant?
He was unaware of the seriousness of the crisis and issued ineffective orders from a distance.
Who governed Russia in the Tsar’s absence?
Tsarina Alexandra served as regent.
Why was Tsarina Alexandra unpopular with the public and Duma?
She relied on Rasputin’s (mythical healer for her son) advice and ignored the Duma, worsening the crisis.
What effect did Alexandra’s leadership have on the Duma?
It enraged the Duma, who believed she should not be allowed to govern.
What were the key triggers of the February Revolution? -9
Tsar’s absence, food shortages, bread rationing, Women’s Day March, strikes, demonstrations, and mutiny in the arm, contempt for Tsarina, warm/mild weather
What did the February Revolution of 1917 achieve politically? -3
It forced Tsar Nicholas II to abdicate, ending autocratic rule and turning Russia into a republic.
What was the Duma’s proposal to the Tsar in an effort to save his position?
They asked him to form a new cabinet including Duma deputies
How did Tsar Nicholas II respond to the Duma’s proposal?
He refused and ordered the Duma to dissolve.
What did half the Duma (mainly liberals) do in response to Nicholas’s order to dissolve?
They continued meeting and formed the Duma Committee.
