Why did the tsarist autocracy collapse in 1917

The downfall of the Tsarist regime in 1917 resulted from deep-rooted social and economic issues made worse by the immediate pressures of World War I. Long-standing poverty, harsh working conditions, and strict political control, combined with devastating military defeats, food shortages, and the Tsar’s poor leadership, triggered the February Revolution and Tsar Nicholas II’s abdication.

Political and Social Factors

• Oppressive rule: The Tsar’s absolute control, censorship, and resistance to reform angered workers, peasants, and intellectuals who demanded change.
• Weak Duma: Although the Duma (parliament) was introduced as a sign of reform, the Tsar repeatedly dissolved it and filled later versions with loyal conservatives, showing he had no real intent to share power.
• Rasputin’s influence: The mystic Grigori Rasputin’s growing control over the royal family damaged the monarchy’s reputation and further eroded public confidence.
• Rising social unrest: Peasants faced miserable living conditions, while industrial workers endured long hours and low wages, sparking strikes, protests, and growing revolutionary movements.

Economic Factors

• Severe poverty: Russia’s economy lagged behind Western Europe, with widespread poverty, low productivity, and limited industrial growth.
• Exploitation of workers: Factory laborers suffered under exhausting workdays, poor pay, and unsafe environments, leading to frequent labor unrest.
• Peasant hardships: Most peasants remained landless or heavily taxed, fueling resentment toward the ruling class and the system of land ownership.

Impact of World War I

• Military disasters:Heavy losses and humiliating defeats weakened morale and shattered public faith in the government’s ability to protect the nation.
• Economic collapse: War spending caused massive inflation, industrial breakdowns, and shortages of basic goods.
• Food and fuel crises: Supply chains collapsed as armies consumed resources and destroyed farmland, leading to hunger and riots in cities like Petrograd.
• Loss of faith in leadership: As the war dragged on, enthusiasm turned to anger. The Tsar’s leadership appeared incompetent, isolating him from the army, the Duma, and the public, paving the way for revolution.