Which of the following was more important in causing the Revolution of March 1917? (i) Economic problems; (ii) The leadership of Tsar Nicholas II. Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii).
Level
A Level
Year Examined
2022
Topic
Russia 1894-1941
👑Complete Model Essay
Which of the following was more important in causing the Revolution of March 1917? (i) Economic problems; (ii) The leadership of Tsar Nicholas II. Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii).
The Revolution of March 1917: Economic Problems vs. Tsarist Leadership
The February Revolution of 1917, also known as the March Revolution, marked the end of the Romanov dynasty and the beginning of the Russian Revolution. While a multitude of factors contributed to this pivotal event, two stand out as particularly significant: the dire economic conditions and the ineffective leadership of Tsar Nicholas II. While both played crucial roles, this essay argues that the economic problems of Russia were ultimately more important in causing the revolution.
Economic Hardship: The Undermining of Tsarist Authority
By 1917, Russia was in a state of economic crisis. Years of war had strained the already fragile Russian economy. The government's efforts to control the price of grain, intended to alleviate food shortages, backfired spectacularly. Peasants, seeing no incentive to sell their grain at below-market rates, hoarded their produce, exacerbating the food shortages in the cities. This led to a dramatic increase in the price of bread, a staple food for the working class, creating immense hardship and fueling discontent.
The ongoing war also caused the breakdown of the rail network, vital for transporting supplies and goods. This disruption further aggravated food shortages and price inflation. The influx of refugees from war-torn areas compounded the problem, placing a strain on resources and contributing to social unrest. Ultimately, the chronic economic difficulties created a palpable sense of desperation and anger within the population, weakening Tsarist authority and paving the way for revolution.
Tsarist Misrule: Incompetence and a Lack of Vision
Tsar Nicholas II's leadership was marked by incompetence, autocracy, and a lack of understanding of the growing discontent within the population. His decision to assume personal command of the army on the Eastern Front during World War I proved disastrous, leaving the government at home in the hands of weak and ineffective ministers.
The Tsar's autocratic rule, characterized by his refusal to implement democratic reforms, alienated the liberal and intellectual classes. His lack of decisive action and his reliance on outdated methods of governance ultimately contributed to the erosion of his legitimacy and trust. However, it is crucial to note that even amidst the Tsar's shortcomings, the deeply rooted economic problems of pre-revolutionary Russia acted as the catalyst for the revolution.
Conclusion: The Preponderance of Economic Factors
While Tsar Nicholas II's inept leadership undoubtedly played a role in the revolution, the economic hardships faced by the Russian people were the primary driving force. The widespread hunger, poverty, and inflation created an atmosphere of desperation that undermined the Tsar's authority and rendered his efforts to maintain power futile. The workers, soldiers, and peasants who took to the streets in March 1917 were not simply protesting against the Tsar's rule; they were fighting for their very survival. The economic crisis, a culmination of centuries of neglect and mismanagement, served as the ultimate catalyst for the revolution.
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Essay Outline: The March 1917 Revolution
Introduction
Thesis Statement: While the leadership of Tsar Nicholas II significantly contributed to the unrest, the economic problems plaguing Russia were ultimately more important in causing the March 1917 Revolution. The Tsar's autocratic rule and mismanagement of the war effort exacerbated existing socioeconomic tensions, but it was the crippling impact of these economic woes on the daily lives of ordinary Russians that ultimately ignited the flames of rebellion.
Body Paragraph 1: Economic Problems as the Catalyst
Point: The immediate trigger for the March Revolution was rooted in dire economic conditions.
Evidence:
February 1917: Strikes and protests erupt in Petrograd, primarily driven by demands for bread and higher wages.
Wartime inflation and food shortages hit the urban working class the hardest, pushing them to the brink.
Analysis: These protests highlight the essential nature of economic grievances in igniting the revolution. People were desperate for basic necessities, demonstrating the severity of the economic crisis.
Body Paragraph 2: The Tsar's Policies Exacerbating Economic Issues
Point: The Tsar's policies, particularly regarding the economy and the war, worsened the existing problems and fueled popular discontent.
Evidence:
Government attempts to control grain prices backfired, leading to hoarding by peasants and further reducing urban food supplies.
The Tsar's focus on the war effort diverted resources away from addressing domestic issues, neglecting the plight of ordinary citizens.
Analysis: While Nicholas II might not have directly caused the economic problems, his policies demonstrably worsened them, showcasing a disconnect between the Tsar and the needs of his people.
Body Paragraph 3: The Impact of War on the Russian Economy
Point: World War I placed immense strain on the already fragile Russian economy, exposing its weaknesses and contributing to the revolutionary atmosphere.
Evidence:
By 1917, the Russian rail network was in disarray, hindering transportation of food and supplies.
The influx of refugees from war-torn regions placed an additional burden on already strained resources.
Analysis: The war acted as a catalyst, accelerating existing economic problems and pushing an already struggling population towards revolution.
Body Paragraph 4: Tsar Nicholas II's Leadership and Its Role
Point: The Tsar's autocratic leadership style and his perceived incompetence alienated him from the people, contributing to the revolutionary sentiment.
Evidence:
Nicholas's resistance to political reform fueled calls for greater representation and democratic principles.
His decision to personally lead the war effort despite his lack of military experience was widely viewed as a fatal error.
Events like Bloody Sunday (1905) already demonstrated the Tsar's willingness to use violence against his own people.
Analysis: While not the sole cause, the Tsar's leadership created an environment where revolution became increasingly likely. His actions eroded public trust and fueled dissatisfaction with the autocracy.
Conclusion
Restate Thesis: The economic problems within Russia, exacerbated by World War I and the Tsar’s policies, were the most significant factor in causing the March Revolution. While Tsar Nicholas II’s leadership and decisions certainly contributed to the volatile atmosphere, it was ultimately the desperate need for bread, higher wages, and a government that addressed their basic needs that drove Russians to revolt. The economic reality of 1917 proved far more powerful than political oppression in sparking revolution.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
The Economic Problems of Russia in the Revolution of March 1917
The economic problems of Russia were more important in causing the Revolution of March 1917. The strikes and protests of March 1917 were for bread and wages. The government’s attempts to keep the price of grain low led to peasants hoarding their grain, creating greater food shortages in the cities. The breakdown of the rail network in Russia by 1917 contributed to problems in the cities. The dislocation of the war and the influx of refugees also contributed to problems in the cities.