The February/March revolution of 1917: causes and course of revolution; issues of leadership and the Tsar's abdication; the establishment of Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet; the workings of the Dual authority
In February 1917, mass protests and army mutinies forced Tsar Nicholas II from power. Two rival bodies then tried to govern Russia at the same time — creating an unstable arrangement called Dual Authority.
Real World
On 27 February 1917, soldiers of the Volynsky Regiment — ordered to fire on protesters — turned their rifles on their own officers instead, joining the revolution; without army loyalty, the Tsar had no mechanism to restore order and abdicated within days.
Exam Focus
Explain why Dual Authority was inherently unstable — Soviet Order No. 1 meant the Provisional Government could issue orders soldiers were not obliged to follow.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
How well did you know this?