The Nature of Tsarism and the Policies of Nicholas II as the Cause for the Revolution of February in Russia 1917

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The Nature of Tsarism and the Policies of Nicholas II as the Cause for the Revolution of February in Russia 1917

At the turn of the 20th century Russia was a vast, however, backward

empire with an undemocratic political system. The Romanov dynasty had

ruled for several centuries as an absolute monarchy, with the Tsar

being the supreme autocrat ruler. His power was unquestionable, as it

was alleged that God had given him the divine right to rule as

desired. The Tsar exercised his power through a great bureaucracy, an

army sworn to loyalty to the tsar and oppressive political policies.

The tsarist regime repressed freedom of speech and press, freedom to

form political parties, and generally most human rights. Its policies

consisted of subordination of many ethnic minority groups and

persecuting or exiling political opponents to Siberia.

By the time Tsar Nicholas II came to power in 1894, Russian society

had never been more divided, nor had any ruler been so estranged from

his people as Nicholas the II. Having never shown particular interest

or ability to rule, Nicholas II was much more of a family man, however

the sudden death of his father, Alexander III, resulted in the

responsibility forced upon him. Nicholas II was a hesitant,

reactionary and incompetent ruler, and was unable to provide the

strong leadership his backward nation needed desperately. He avoided

direct involvement with public opposition, and instead commanded his

army or secret police to eliminate problems. The consequence of this

method was to create great resentment and tension amongst the public.

The Royal family was supported by a small yet powerful noble class wh...

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...uality. The government responded to problems with violence and

oppression on the rising number of opposition, as the Tsar was utterly

intolerant and unwilling to compromise, which only increased

resentment. A series of scandals and military defeats further

deteriorated the image of Tsarism. There had never before in the

history of Russia existed so many political organizations and

opposition, and as they were gaining more and more support from the

proletariat and peasants, which made up the bulk of the people and the

army, it was simply a matter of time before an outbreak of revolution

would come. It was not the First World War, which caused the

revolution of 1917 – it was rather a catalyst. Thus by 1917, it

appeared as though revolution was becoming inevitable, due to the

nature of Tsarism and policies of Nicholas II.

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