Option 30: Key topic 1: The revolutions of 1917 - 2 The February Revolution — Edexcel GCSE History
Test yourself on Option 30: Key topic 1: The revolutions of 1917 - 2 The February Revolution with PEARSON EDEXCEL GCSE practice questions.
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Option 30: Key topic 1: The revolutions of 1917 - 2 The February Revolution explained
The February Revolution was triggered by immediate crises in Petrograd.
Read the full explanation
In late February 1917, severe bread shortages sparked mass demonstrations, beginning on International Women's Day. These protests rapidly escalated into widespread industrial strikes, paralysing the capital. The crucial turning point occurred when the Tsar ordered the military to suppress the crowds; instead, soldiers of the Petrograd garrison mutinied, refusing to fire on civilians and joining the protesters, depriving the regime of its authority. Crucially, the Tsar's absence at military headquarters left him isolated and out of touch. Realising he had lost the support of the army and the Duma, Nicholas II abdicated on 2 March, ending the Romanov dynasty.
Your focus
- Outline the sequence of events in Petrograd during February 1917.
- Explain the critical role of the army mutiny in the success of the revolution.
- Analyse the reasons for and the immediate consequences of the Tsar's abdication.
Option 30: Key topic 1: The revolutions of 1917 - 2 The February Revolution exam tips
Marking Points
- Identify the trigger events in Petrograd, such as bread rationing and the International Women's Day protests.
- Explain the escalation of protests into general strikes that brought the city to a standstill.
- Analyse the significance of the army mutiny, explaining how it removed the Tsar's ability to enforce order.
- Describe the circumstances of the Tsar's abdication, including his isolation at headquarters and loss of elite support.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Emphasise the spontaneous nature of the February Revolution compared to the planned October Revolution.
- 💡Use the army mutiny as the definitive moment the Tsar lost control of Petrograd.
- 💡Clearly link the Tsar's absence at the front to his inability to grasp the severity of the situation in the capital.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing the February and October Revolutions; correction: ensure details like the army mutiny and the Tsar's abdication are strictly attributed to February.
- Stating the Tsar abdicated voluntarily; correction: clarify that he was forced to abdicate by his generals and Duma members who saw no other way to restore order.
- Ignoring the role of women; correction: explicitly mention that the initial protests were led by women demanding bread.