1). The Bolshevik-led Russian Revolution of 1917, in overthrowing Tsar Nicholas II, ended over 300 years of autocratic tsarist rule.2). The Russian Revolution lasted from March 8, 1917, to June 16, 1923.3). Primary causes of the Revolution included peasant, worker, and military dissatisfaction with corruption and inefficiency within the tsarist regime, and government control of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Causes of the Russian Revolution:

The Russian Revolution of 1917 was a landmark event in world history. It marked the end of the Romanov dynasty and the beginning of a new era in Russia. The revolution was driven by various factors, which can be categorized into the following:




Social Inequality:

- The Russian society was deeply divided into classes, with the majority of the population being peasants living in extreme poverty.
- The nobility and the bourgeoisie enjoyed immense wealth and privileges, while the working class suffered from poor working conditions and low wages.
- This stark social inequality created widespread discontent and a desire for change among the masses.




Political Repression:

- Russia was ruled by an autocratic monarchy under Tsar Nicholas II, who had absolute power and suppressed any form of dissent.
- The government employed secret police, censorship, and strict control over the media to stifle opposition.
- Political parties were banned, and people were denied basic civil liberties, leading to a growing frustration with the oppressive regime.




Economic Crisis:

- Russia's economy was largely agrarian and heavily dependent on agriculture, with outdated farming techniques and low productivity.
- The country experienced frequent famines and food shortages, exacerbated by a rapid population growth.
- The industrial sector was underdeveloped, and workers faced harsh working conditions and exploitation.
- These economic problems intensified the grievances of the working class and peasants, who demanded better living conditions and higher wages.




World War I:

- Russia's participation in World War I further strained the country's resources and exacerbated its economic and social problems.
- The war brought enormous human and economic losses, leading to food scarcity, inflation, and a collapse of the transportation system.
- The government's mismanagement of the war effort and its inability to address the needs of the people further eroded its legitimacy.




Intellectual and Political Movements:

- Intellectuals, such as Marxists and Socialists, began to spread their ideas among the working class and peasantry, advocating for revolution and a fairer society.
- Political organizations, such as the Bolsheviks led by Vladimir Lenin, emerged as a formidable force, promising radical change and a socialist revolution.
- These movements provided a platform for the grievances of the masses and played a crucial role in mobilizing support for the revolution.




In conclusion, the causes of the Russian Revolution were deeply rooted in social inequality, political repression, economic crisis, the impact of World War I, and the rise of intellectual and political movements. These factors combined to create a volatile and discontented society, paving the way for the revolution that would reshape Russia's destiny.