What was the primary cause of the February Revolution in 1917?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Widespread food shortages and bread riots in Petrograd
Severe winters and the strain of World War I led to a total collapse of the supply chain in the capital. The spontaneous protests by workers and women demanding bread eventually turned into a general strike that toppled the monarchy.
Keep practicing
More Russian Revolution questions
- Who was the last Tsar of Russia, forced to abdicate the throne in March 1917?
- Which political body shared power with the Provisional Government in a system known as 'Dual Power'?
- What was the name of the radical Marxist faction led by Vladimir Lenin that seized power in October 1917?
- The 'April Theses' were a series of directives issued by Lenin calling for which of the following?
- Who was the 'mad monk' and mystic whose influence over the Tsarina Alexandra weakened the credibility of the Romanovs?
- What was the main reason for the failure of the Russian Provisional Government in 1917?