The Russian Revolution was brought about by many factors, so it cannot be declared a collapse solely from within or an overthrow from without. It was, in majority, a collapse within the government that enabled the revolution to take place. Czar Nicholas II held blame for many of the hardships Russia faced prior to World War I:
1. defeat in the Russo-Japanese War
2. attack on the protesters using military force on Bloody Sunday
3. unfulfilled promises in the creation of the Duma and in granting civil liberties
(source two)
These conflicts caused the country to lose trust in the Czar and question his power. The loss of the Russo-Japanese War was a major blow to Russian self esteem. Being the first major European power to lose a war to a "lesser" Asian power, the country was shocked and embarrassed. The most logical choice to lay the blame was with Russia's leader. Therefore the fault was left with Czar Nicholas. His credibility plummetted and the citizens were left angered by his reign. This event triggered Bloody Sunday, protests of the Czar which he handled in a very violent fashion. Czar Nicholas orders Russian protesters to be shot, bringing about many deaths. After the dispute, Russian citizens were enraged by the Czar's actions. In an attempt to please the country he made many promises to ensure the people that they will have representation in the government and be granted civil liberties such as freedom of speech and freedom of the press. These promises were not however fulfilled. The Duma, established to advise the Czar to follow the will of the people, was not put to use. The Russian citizens, tired of waiting for the change they were promised, revolted against the Czar which eventually brought his downfall. Though the actions of the people brought about the Russian Revolution, they were influenced by the incompetance of the government.
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