The collapse of the Tsarist autocracy in 1917 can be attributed to a combination of factors that created a perfect storm of discontent and revolution. These factors can be categorized into political, economic, and social aspects.

Political Factors:
1. Weak Leadership: Tsar Nicholas II's ineffective leadership and his inability to address the growing demands for political reform weakened the autocracy. His decisions were often influenced by his wife, Alexandra, and the infamous Rasputin, which further damaged his credibility.
2. World War I: The country's involvement in World War I strained resources, resulting in food shortages and economic hardships. The government's mismanagement of the war effort and high casualty rates further fueled discontent among the population.
3. Political Opposition: Various political groups, such as the Bolsheviks led by Vladimir Lenin and the Social Revolutionaries, actively opposed the autocracy. They capitalized on the discontentment of the people and advocated for radical change.

Economic Factors:
1. Food Shortages: The war disrupted agricultural production, leading to severe food shortages in cities. The government's failure to adequately address this issue created widespread hunger and discontent among the urban population.
2. Inflation and Economic Crisis: The war effort put a strain on the economy, leading to rampant inflation and a decline in living standards. Workers faced low wages and poor working conditions, fueling unrest and strikes.

Social Factors:
1. Socioeconomic Inequality: The majority of the population, particularly peasants and industrial workers, faced significant socioeconomic inequality. They were burdened with heavy taxes, while the aristocracy enjoyed privileges and wealth.
2. Intellectuals and Intelligentsia: The educated class, including intellectuals and students, played a crucial role in spreading revolutionary ideas and mobilizing the masses against the autocracy.
3. Discontent of the Military: The military, facing dire conditions on the front lines, became increasingly disillusioned with the autocracy. Soldiers mutinied, refused to follow orders, and joined the revolutionary movement.

The February Revolution:
The culmination of these factors was the February Revolution of 1917. Spontaneous protests erupted in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) as workers, soldiers, and intellectuals demanded an end to the autocracy. The Tsar's attempts to suppress the uprising failed, and he abdicated the throne, marking the collapse of the Tsarist autocracy.

In conclusion, the collapse of the Tsarist autocracy in 1917 was a result of weak leadership, the impact of World War I, economic hardships, social inequality, and the rise of opposition movements. These factors created an environment of discontent and revolution, ultimately leading to the downfall of the autocracy and setting the stage for further political upheaval in Russia.