- Agrarian problems: Russia's peasantry was burdened by serfdom until 1861, and even after land reforms many peasants remained poor and landless.
- Industrialization and urbanization: Rapid growth led to overcrowding and poor working conditions in cities, creating a dissatisfied urban working class.
- Economic inequality: The gap between rich and poor grew dramatically, particularly with a small landowning nobility controlling much of the wealth and resources.
- World War I costs and disruption: Russia's participation in the war placed significant economic strain on the country and caused widespread shortages and hardships.
Social Factors:
- Social hierarchy and class divisions: Russian society was highly stratified, with a rigid class system divided into nobles, clergy, merchants, peasants, and the working class.
- Lack of political representation and civil liberties: The common people had little say in government, which was controlled by the autocratic Tsar and a small elite.
- Growing intelligentsia and radical movements: A new educated elite emerged, influenced by Western ideas of liberalism, socialism, and Marxism, which challenged the traditional order.
Political Factors:
- Autocracy of Tsar Nicholas II: The Tsar was seen as out of touch with the people, unwilling to share power, and unable to address the growing social and economic problems of the country.
- Failed attempts at reform: Tsar Nicholas II made some attempts at reforms, but they were often seen as insufficient and came too late.
- Police oppression and repression: The government's heavy-handed attempts to suppress dissent created further discontent and resistance.
- Influence of the February Revolution: The success of the February Revolution in 1917, which led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, emboldened other revolutionary groups to push for even more radical changes.
