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Progressive Bloc is Created
Tsar Nicholas II did not allow members of the Duma to replace his cabinet, so 236/422 deputies decided to make a separate political force that would try to advise the Tsar. He did not listen to their guidance, and so they began to challenge his authority directly. -
Duma is Recalled
Incompetent Russian military leadership in 1915 during WWI caused the former members of the then-dissolved duma to lobby for being recalled. -
Rasputin Becomes the Government
In 1915, while Nicholas II was at war, Rasputin and Alexandra became the de facto rulers of Russia. They were both extremely unpopular, Rasputin because of his personal habits and closeness to royalty, and Alexandra because she was German. -
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Minister Trades
From 1915-1916, there were 4 prime ministers, 3 foreign secretaries, 3 ministers of defense, 6 interior ministers. Each was incompetent, and did little with the power they gained other than covet more of it. -
Rasputin’s Death
Enraged aristocrats poisoned, shot, assaulted, and drowned Rasputin. This would be worse for Russia in the next few years because he was the only one who remotely had any statesmanship skills. -
February Revolution Begins
1917- On 18 February, the first massive strike of Putilov steel works (biggest steel manufacturer in Russia) took place, and as days went on, they were only joined by more and more people. They wanted food, stating that the supplies they had were too low to maintain. -
International Women’s Day
On 23 February, thousands of women protested to end the war and for the government to give them food- in particular, bread. 2 days later, and Petrograd's industry and other necessary works were essentially halted entirely. -
Nicholas II Reacts
400 miles from Petrograd, the Tsar orders Khabalov, commander of Petrograd garrison, to get the city back on track. This was impossible as out of 150,000 maximum troops, only a few hadn’t deserted to join in the protesting on one side or another. The duma was dissolved after suggesting that the government compromise with the people, but 12 people still stayed in the name of making a temporary ruling committee. All of this happened by 27 February, 1917. -
Soviets Take the Stage
Petrograd Soviet of Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Workers’ Deputies’ met for the first time in the same building as the Provisional Committee. Together, they made the top echelons of the government for the time being, with the Soviets representing the striking people and the Committee representing the old aims of the duma from earlier, back in 1914. -
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Tsar Nicholas II Abdicates
Nicholas II tried to come back to the capital to calm the people down by just his presence, but it turned out to be highly dangerous and useless, so he was heavily advised to simply abdicate. He did so, also on the behalf of Alexei, his son, and on March 3, 1917, the newly-formed government of Russia had officially taken over. -
Analysis
As Tsar Nicholas II progressively lost power, respect, and influence, other forces took his place in each possible regard. Namely, Rasputin rose to infamy during the year 1915 and only really lost it when he died, leaving no suitable uniting force that could rise above the rest of the political actors in Russia at the time. This includes Queen Alexandra because the Russian people disliked her as a German. It was therefore the perfect backdrop for a quick revolution and Soviet influence to begin.