The Russian Revolution of 1917 had several key causes:

1. Social Inequalities and Peasant Unrest:
   • The vast majority of the Russian population were peasants living in poverty and experiencing severe economic hardship.
   • There was a wide gap between the wealthy aristocracy and the impoverished working class and peasants, leading to resentment and a desire for social change.
2. Ineffective Governance and Autocratic Rule:
   • The Russian Empire was an autocratic monarchy ruled by the Tsar, who had absolute power and resisted any moves towards democratic reforms.
   • The Tsar’s government was seen as ineffective, corrupt, and unable to address the growing social and economic challenges.
3. World War I and Military Losses:
   • Russia’s involvement in World War I resulted in massive military losses and casualties, further straining the country’s resources and public morale.
   • The Russian army’s poor performance and the Tsar’s personal leadership of the military contributed to growing public discontent.
4. Economic Hardship and Shortages:
   • The war effort had a devastating impact on the Russian economy, leading to severe shortages of food, fuel, and other essential supplies.
   • The economic hardship and deprivation experienced by the working class and peasants fueled discontent and revolutionary sentiment.
5. Rise of Revolutionary Ideologies:
   • The spread of Marxist and socialist ideas, as well as the growing influence of the Bolshevik party led by Vladimir Lenin, contributed to the revolutionary fervor.
   • The Bolsheviks capitalized on the public’s dissatisfaction with the Tsar’s government and presented a radical alternative that promised “peace, land, and bread.”
6. The February Revolution:
   • In February 1917, widespread protests and demonstrations in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg) led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, marking the beginning of the Russian Revolution.
   • This paved the way for the subsequent Bolshevik Revolution in October 1917, which brought the Bolsheviks to power and established the Soviet Union.