Russian Revolution of February 1917

Russian Revolution of February 1917

Russia witnessed a Revolution in the month of February 1917. This Revolution was directed against the exploitative rule of Nicholas II, the then Tsar of Russia. He belonged to Romanov dynasty. In Russian King or Monarch is called as Tsar. The peasants i.e. farmers, workers and soldiers played crucial role in February 1917 Revolution in Russia.

Russia was the biggest country territory wise. It was and is called as Eurasian country because it is spread over both in Europe and Asia. Historically the Russian Tsars were interested in expanding the Russian Empire. By the closing years of 19^th century 19^th century Russia was involved in its business of expansion but seldom payed attention towards the betterment of the people.

By the times of Nicholas II Russian Empire had become a big dinosaur with highly inefficient, ineffective and corrupt political and administrative system. Hence, Russia was lagging behind other European countries, especially Western and Northern Europe as far as industrial and economic development was concerned.

Instead of paying attention to improve the economic, political, administrative and social system Russia unnecessarily got involved into the European power politics. It also got embroiled in First World War and did not give up and ambition to expand the Empire.

There was suppression human rights and denial of civil liberties and intellectual freedom in Russia. If somebody dared to criticise Tsar and his rule such persons were dealt with heavy hand. Russia was the home for many religious minorities who were oppressed most of the times.

As said above the Russian economy was suffering from many problems. The agricultural activities were carrying out in traditional way which were in no way to compare with modernised agricultural systems like United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The industrial sector of Russia also had its own woes. The conditions of peasants and workers was precarious. The peasants were exploited by the big landlords.

Thus, the condition of peasants of workers was in bad shape. Apart from these two classes there was a section of other people which consisted of educated and qualified persons like writers, lawyers, teachers, doctors, etc. These people provided intellectual leadership to the society and created awareness about the lethargic Tsarist regime of Russia.

There was growth of political ideas and ideologies in Russia. Different types of groups like Mensheviks, Bolsheviks, Cadets and members of Socialist Revolutionary Party believed in different kind of ideologies. But they agreed on a point that there was an urgent need to overthrow the rule of Tsar so that better economy, polity and society could be built in Russia.

Some of the Wars and Russia’s defeat and poor performance was one of the reasons responsible for the Russian Revolution of February 1917. Here we can take the example of Russ-Japanese War of 1904-05 and First World War. In Russo-Japanese War of 1994-05 Japan defeated Russia. It was stunning insult to Russia because she was a great European Power and Japan was considered as Asian dwarf or pigmy. Most of the Russians felt that Russia unnecessarily got involved in the First World War. They perceived it as quintessential European War fought for imperialistic ambitions and Russia was not no match to Super Powerful countries like England and Germany. But, Tsar chose to participate in this war and also went personally on the war front against the advice of his well-wishers. Russian army suffered heavy casualties and losses. Hence, Russia’s participation in First World War did not go well with Russian people.

An episode of Rasputin also played its own role in maligning the image of Russian royal family. Rasputin was a mystic from Eastern part of Russia. His involvement in the affairs of Russian Tsar’s family did not go well with the people of Russia. There were rumours that Rasputin was having an affair with Tsarina Alexandria. Rasputin was the man of many vices. He was a heavy drinker and wimaniser. It was believed that he was the one who interfered in royal affairs and I’ll advised Tsar and Tsarina. Ultimately Rasputin was assassinated by the members royal families only. It is said that even the mother of Tsar Nicholas II had left the royal palace in Moscow due to the involvement of Rasputin with Russian royal family.

Due to all the above mentioned factors and anarchic type of situation the Revolution occurred in Russia in the month of February 1917. There was a strike of workers Petrograd on 18 February 1917. There was an acute shortage of food or bread in Russia, hence, women started protesting. These women were supported by workers. The troops refused to take action against striking workers and women. It was an indication that Tsar’s regime had lost its control over Russia. Tsar Nicholas II was made to abdicate the throne and an Interim Government was formed in Russia. Later on an interim government was headed by Alexander Kerensky as the Prime Minister.

Very soon in the months of October 1917 there was yet another Revolution in Russia which is known as the October or Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. This Revolution was carried out under the guidance of Vladimir Lenin who was influenced by the Marxist ideology of Karl Marx. Hence, after October 1917 Revolution efforts were made to implement Communism in Russia.