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Why did the Tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917? - India And The Contemporary World – I
Why did the Tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917?
The Tsarist autocracy collapsed in 1917 due to the following reasons:
Failures in World War I: The war went badly for Russia, resulting in 7 million casualties by 1917. The retreating Russian army destroyed crops and buildings, leaving millions of refugees, which made the Tsar very unpopular.
Poor Leadership: Tsar Nicholas II refused to consult the Duma (Parliament). The presence of unpopular advisors like Rasputin further discredited the government.
Food Shortages: Supplies of grain were sent to feed the army, causing acute food shortages and high bread prices in the cities.
Industrial Crisis: Russia was cut off from foreign suppliers by German control of the Baltic Sea. Railway lines broke down, and factories closed due to lack of labor and raw materials.
The February Revolution: In February 1917, food shortages led to strikes. When the Tsar ordered the army to fire on demonstrators, the soldiers refused and joined the workers. Lacking military support, the Tsar was forced to abdicate.