The February Revolution

The February Revolution

Notes:

• By 1916, there were several strikes and demonstrations.

• By early February 1917, even those close to Nicholas were urging him to listen to his people.

Petrograd 1917 (Old Calendar):

• 22nd February: Protopopov (interior minister) advised Nicholas that there was an international women's day march planned for the next day. This happens every year around the world. He has to inform the tsar because demonstrations are not permitted (small exceptions such as these).

• Nicholas is not in Petrograd from this time.

• 23rd February: International women’s day march on Nevsky Prospekt. It was a mild day for February. Women, like every day in the war, were queueing for bread. A rumour (which was not true) spread down the queue saying that those at the back of the queue would not have any bread. Because of the better conditions, they started joining the march. At lunch time, everybody goes home for food. The women tell the men about the rumour and joining the march. Some of the men now join the march, meaning that they are also on strike because they are not in work. Soldiers on horseback were sent to disperse the crowd, peacefully. However, many of the men on horseback were young recruits (the more experienced in the war). Many of those men forget to use the whips to disperse the crowd and so it does not work. Everybody goes home at the end of the day.

• 24th February: They, and more people, choose to march again. Small amounts of violence e.g. window breaking, butchers bring knives e.t.c. In the afternoon, some of the middle classes join in, shopkeepers with food and drink start handing some out. That evening, Khabalov (head of the military district of Petrograd) informs Nicholas of what is happening.

• 25th February: General strike. Around 200,000 people were demonstrating. They start becoming more violent, especially towards the police e.g. the head of police was dragged off his horse and shot. The cries for “bread” changed to “down with the war”, and the war was changed to “down with the tsar”. They do however have a soft spot for some of the young soldiers and know some of them. The ‘military’ therefore would be less likely to put down the demonstration because they know the people. The troops’ loyalties are tested, which could be a threat to the regime.

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