Introduction: The collapse of the Tsarist autocracy in 1917 can be attributed to a combination of political, social, and economic factors. This led to widespread discontent among the Russian population, eventually resulting in the overthrow of Tsar Nicholas II and the establishment of a provisional government.

Political Factors:
- Weak Leadership: Tsar Nicholas II's weak leadership and his inability to effectively address the pressing issues faced by the Russian Empire undermined the legitimacy of the autocratic regime.
- World War I: Russia's involvement in World War I placed enormous strain on the country, leading to heavy military casualties, economic instability, and food shortages. The Tsar's decision to personally lead the army further exposed his incompetence.

Social Factors:
- Peasant Unrest: The majority of the Russian population consisted of peasants who endured harsh living conditions and lacked basic rights. Their discontent fueled social unrest and demands for land reform.
- Worker Strikes: Industrial workers faced long hours, low wages, and poor working conditions. Strikes and protests demanding better treatment and workers' rights became increasingly common, undermining the stability of the autocracy.

Economic Factors:
- Food Shortages: As a result of the war effort, the Russian economy suffered severe disruptions, leading to widespread food shortages and rising prices. This caused further discontent among the population, especially in urban centers.
- Inflation and Economic Crisis: The war effort, combined with the inefficient economic policies of the autocracy, resulted in rampant inflation, further eroding the trust in the government's ability to address economic issues.

Rise of Revolutionary Movements:
- Bolshevik Party: The Bolshevik Party, led by Vladimir Lenin, capitalized on the discontent and disillusionment among the Russian population. Their promise of "Peace, Land, and Bread" resonated with the masses, gaining them support.
- February Revolution: In February 1917, a series of strikes and protests in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the formation of a provisional government. However, this government failed to address the fundamental issues faced by the population.

Conclusion: The collapse of the Tsarist autocracy in 1917 was the result of a combination of political, social, and economic factors. Weak leadership, the impact of World War I, social unrest, economic instability, and the rise of revolutionary movements all contributed to the downfall of the autocratic regime. This paved the way for the establishment of the provisional government and ultimately set the stage for the Bolshevik Revolution later that year.