World War IThough the Czar's decision to join the war was at first supported by most Russians, this support quickly fell away as the people realized how woefully unprepared they were. After this realization, despite the people's pleas to end the war, it continued. Russia suffered great losses, measured in both human life and money. Over 2 million Russians were dead, with an estimated over 2 times as many injured. Russia owed a debt after the war of 8 billion rubles (over 2,000,000,000,000 USD). Inflation soared and gold reserves were depleted. Nicholas had a 'romantic vision' of himself leading the army into glorious battle, meaning he spent an undue amount of time at the front, fighting. He left his German wife, Alexandra Tsarina, in charge, angering many Russians. They felt that her Germanic roots would bring her to betray the country, and felt uncomfortable with her 'special relationship' with Rasputin. The czar's work on the front lines also meant that he, personally would be blamed for all of Russia's defeats. This did not serve his public image well.
Coldness of the Imperial FamilyMany, including nobility, found the Czar and Czarina to be cold and uncaring. This was a cause of multiple factors. First, both were raised on the notion of divine right, making them feel above others, and found it unnecessary to to speak to those below them. Another was their worry for a sickly son, the young heir, that led them to be remiss in social duties. Finally, much of their aloofness (especially Alexandra's) reportedly stemmed from their painful shyness.
Cold and HungerMost people know of how the famous Russian winters brought two empires to their knees. However, these winters tortured Russian civilians as well. Due to extreme cold and lack of supply of warm clothing, many were forced to burn their furniture to keep warm. To get food, however, Russians would have to leave the (relative) warmth of their homes and get into food queues, long lines to be able to purchase food. Most couldn't tolerate these freezing cold lines to get food, which could already have run out by the time you got to the end of the queue. This problem was only worsened by the war. Because so many resources were being poured into fighting, less came to the starving people. Even though there were stockpiles of food stored in certain places, the trains and other modes of transportation were being used by the military, making it even more difficult for people to get the supplies they needed to survive.
Indecisiveness of the CzarNicholas II was bad at ruling, because he lacked the drive and desire to make decisions. Right before he was asked to abdicate, the czar received a message from the president of the Duma. It said, "The situation is getting worse. Something has to be done immediately. Tomorrow is too late. The last hour has struck. The future of the country and the royal family is being decided." Nicholas II refused to even answer the telegram, calling it 'a load of nonsense.'
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CorruptionBecause an empire the size of Imperial Russia cannot possibly survive without a bureaucracy, many officials of different offices existed. Unfortunately, corruption in the system was prevalent. Even after the corruption of the bureaucrats was publicized, the Czar responded fairly inadequately. The bureaucracy was prevalent and easily recognizable, as they wore special uniforms. The majority were neither well educated or even especially well paid, making them very susceptible to corruption and bribery. Many abused their power and became nothing more than petty bullies to the people they governed.
Abandoning of PeopleMany Russians felt abandoned by Czar Nicholas. First, as the marches on Bloody Sunday were commencing, the imperial family left the palace, for fear of their safety. Though it's true that Nicholas did not order the shootings, his apparent lack of interest or care in his people and their want of change encouraged more radical thoughts. According to many sources, the czar knew that the protesters had a petition to give him, and by leaving the people while they were asking for his help hurt their trust immensely. Further, after going to war, he left Russia in the incapable and impressionable hands of his wife, Alexandra Feodorovna.
Inability to Control SoldiersInstability became clear when Nicholas II showed he was unable to control his own soldiers. As strikes became more and more prevalent, Nicholas sent soldiers to quell them. In October of 2016, rail workers in Petrograd*went on strike to protest working conditions. When soldiers were sent to use violence to get the citizens back to work, the soldiers, unexpectedly joined the workers in their strike. This showed revolutionaries that Nicholas was losing control over armed forces and that they wouldn't see too much resistance in the case of revolution.
*renamed from St. Petersburg by Nicholas II because the original sounded 'too German.' Ironic, because this was Peter the Great's intention KulaksThe Kulaks were Russia's land owning peasants. They bribed officials in order to escape the draft of World War I. Once the war began, they were able to use their influence to gain only more power. The Kulaks would take the land of peasants sent to war. By 1917, over 90% of fertile land was owned by this class. Even worse, they forced high prices of bread for their own benefit. Knowing that grain would be in high demand during the war, and thus more expensive, they stockpiled on their grain and sold it only at high prices. This practice led extreme shortages, and eventually rations. Since rations only allowed one pound of bread per adult per day, most often went days without eating. In 1917, the Land Decree was passed, forcing Kulaks to return land to the peasants. This sent food back to the cities, and somewhat lightened the famine. After the revolution, Kulaks would be prosecuted: killed, tortured, and exiled.
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