The Effect of World War I on the Condition of Russia

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The Effect of World War I on the Condition of Russia Russia, once one of the largest and most feared empires in the world, would be brought to its knees through bad organisation and control. Nicholas II became the Tsar of Russia in 1894, a Tsar is a leader much like a fascist who cannot be questioned or opposed. Nicholas was a good man but lacked the qualities which once built his great nation, he was very weak willed and had no interest in the running of his country, 'I am not ready to become Tsar. I know nothing of the business of ruling.' His wife, Alexandra, easily influenced him. She was a German who had married into the family after Nicholas became Tsar, in the time of war her nationality caused unrest. She managed to take control over her husbands decision making, turning his view to almost a totally autocratic leadership, this ment that even further distance was put between the Tsar and his dying people. After ten years in rule Nicholas and Alexandra had produced five children, four girls and one boy, Alexis, who was the heir to the throne. Soon after his birth, Alexis was diagnosed with haemophilia, a fatal blood disease that had no cure. A peasant man called Rasputin had been gaining respect in the Russian streets as a very gifted holy-man with incredible healing powers. He was regarded as an outcast in his hometown and now moved to St Petersburg. By this time the Tsar and Tsarina were open to all possible methods for the cure of their son. The two royals being extremely superstitious heard of the Rasputin's talent and summoned him to ... ... middle of paper ... ... a peak. On 7th March 1917 over 20,000 steelworkers were getting locked out of their works over a pay dispute. For the next week many other disputes broke out bringing the whole country to complete standstill. The army then revolted and the Duma asked the Tsar to step down. Finally, the second revolution was concluded when the Tsar announced his abdication in favour of his young son, Alexis on March 15th. I would conclude that World War 1 contributed to the poor economic conditions in the country but these conditions had been evident at least 12 years previously. The mood of the country was (even before the war) already firmly against the Tsar and the capitalists and morale was at an all time low. Hence, the war was probably an important factor in sparking the March 1917 revolution but was not the 'main cause'.

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