Autocratic rule of Tsars: In 1914, the Russian emperor was Tsar Nicholas II. He fought a number of wars to expand his empire in the north and west in Europe. He had borne the expenditure of war by taxing the common people of Russia.
Conditions of peasants: Majority of the Russians were agriculturalists. Major part of the land was owned by nobles and clergy and these peasants worked as farmers on daily wages. They were paid less and worked more and sometimes under debt, they were not even paid wages.
Status of industries: Industry was found in pockets. Prominent industrial areas were St. Petersburg and Moscow. Craftsmen undertook much of the production, but large factories existed alongside crafts workshops. Foreign investment in industries increased with the extension of Russia’s railway network.
Conditions of workers in the industries: Most industries were owned by private
industrialists. Though the government supervised factories’ working hours and wages of the workers, but still rules were broken. Women workers were also paid less than men. Some workers formed associations to help members in times of unemployment and financial hardships. ,
Formation of socialist parties: All political parties were illegal in Russia before 1914. The Russian Social Democratic Workers Party was founded in 1898 by socialists, who respected Marxist ideas. But because of government policies, it had to operate secretly as an illegal organisation. It set up a newspaper, mobilised workers and organised strikes

Causes of the Russian Revolution

The Russian Revolution was a period of political and social upheaval in Russia, which led to the overthrow of the Romanov dynasty and the establishment of a socialist government. It was primarily caused by a combination of long-term factors and immediate triggers. Below are the main causes of the Russian Revolution:

1. Socioeconomic Inequality:
- The Russian Empire had a deeply entrenched system of social inequality, with the majority of the population living in poverty while a small elite enjoyed immense wealth and privilege.
- Peasants, who made up the majority of the population, were burdened by heavy taxes, land shortages, and oppressive working conditions.
- Industrial workers faced low wages, long hours, and unsafe working conditions in factories.

2. Autocratic Rule:
- The Russian monarchy, led by Tsar Nicholas II, held absolute power and ruled with an autocratic style.
- There was no political freedom, and dissent was suppressed through censorship and a secret police force.
- The tsar's policies and decisions were often out of touch with the needs and demands of the population.

3. World War I:
- Russia's participation in World War I placed a heavy strain on the economy and society.
- The country faced food shortages, inflation, and a lack of resources, which led to widespread discontent among the population.
- The government's mismanagement of the war effort further eroded public trust and support for the monarchy.

4. Influence of Revolutionary Ideologies:
- Revolutionary ideologies such as Marxism and socialism gained popularity among intellectuals, workers, and peasants.
- These ideologies offered an alternative vision of a more equal and just society, challenging the existing social and economic order.
- Intellectuals and political activists spread these ideas through underground revolutionary groups and publications.

5. Political Opposition:
- Various political opposition groups emerged, seeking to challenge the autocratic rule of the tsar.
- Social Democrats, including the Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks, aimed to overthrow the monarchy through revolutionary means.
- Liberals and constitutionalists also advocated for political reforms and a constitutional monarchy.

Immediate Triggers of the Revolution:
- The February Revolution of 1917 was triggered by food shortages, strikes, and protests in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg).
- The military's refusal to suppress the uprising and the defection of key military units led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.
- The Provisional Government, which replaced the monarchy, failed to address the underlying socioeconomic issues, leading to further unrest and the eventual October Revolution.

In conclusion, the main causes of the Russian Revolution were socioeconomic inequality, autocratic rule, the impact of World War I, the influence of revolutionary ideologies, and the presence of political opposition. These factors created a volatile environment, which eventually led to the overthrow of the tsarist regime and the establishment of a communist government in Russia.