What caused the February revolution of 1917?

The February revolution of 1917 was caused by a combination of factors. It is important to recognise that there were both long-term and short-term causes that contributed to the downfall of Tsarist Russia. Public discontent with the Regime and with Tsar Nicolas II developed during the start of the First World War in 1914. The Russian army continuously suffered defeat at the hands of Germany. By taking command of the army, the Tsar made war efforts worse and was blamed by civilians and soldiers for the defeats. Furthermore, public discontent grew because waging war was extremely costly. By 1917, Russia was facing economic collapse. The war created significant economic problems for industry, agriculture and transport. Poor communication and transportation hindered in towns and cities, national debt rose, and the cost of living was continuously increasing. The creation of economic distress further contributed to political problems in the country. As the war continued, it became increasingly obvious that the quality and effectiveness of the government of the Russian Empire was under serious question. The people of Russia had had enough of Nicolas’s autocratic and weak government. Now to consider the short-term causes. Most importantly, it was unrest and civil riots that contributed to uprising and revolt of the Russian Empire. In January 1917, 30,000 workers went on strike in Moscow and 145,000 in Petrograd. These strikes represented the wide-spread discontent with poor standards of living and starvation, and put into motion the public uprising. Yet again, it appeared that the Tsar was to blame for not having recognised the extent of problems that had been facing Russia. Nicolas II’s inability to address and resolve both the long and short problems contributed to the February revolution of 1917.