What were the causes of the 1917 February Revolution?

The 1917 February Revolution was caused by a combination of political discontent, economic hardship, and military failures.

The political discontent in Russia had been brewing for years. Tsar Nicholas II's autocratic rule left many Russians feeling disenfranchised and oppressed. The lack of political reforms and the Tsar's resistance to sharing power with a representative government led to widespread frustration. The Duma, Russia's parliament, had limited power, and any attempts at reform were often blocked by the Tsar. This created a sense of hopelessness and anger among the population, particularly among the working class and the intelligentsia.

Economic hardship was another significant factor. By 1917, Russia's economy was in dire straits. The country was struggling with food shortages, high inflation, and unemployment. The war effort in World War I had drained resources and exacerbated these issues. Many people in the cities were facing starvation, and the harsh winter of 1916-1917 only made things worse. Strikes and protests over the lack of food and poor working conditions became more frequent, adding to the overall sense of unrest.

Military failures during World War I also played a crucial role. The Russian army suffered massive losses, and morale was extremely low. Soldiers were poorly equipped and often sent into battle without adequate supplies. The Tsar's decision to take personal command of the army in 1915 backfired, as he was blamed for the military's failures. The war also highlighted the incompetence and corruption within the Russian government and military leadership, further eroding public confidence in the Tsarist regime.

In summary, the February Revolution was the result of long-standing political discontent, severe economic problems, and disastrous military performance, all of which combined to create a situation ripe for revolution.