- Inflation: The cost of living in Russia skyrocketed during the war, causing severe hardship for ordinary citizens. The price of bread, for instance, increased by over 300% between 1914 and 1917.
- Scarcity of Goods: The Russian economy was struggling to keep up with the demands of the war effort, resulting in shortages of essential goods such as food, fuel, and clothing. This situation led to long lines, rationing, and black market activities.
Military Losses and Casualties:
- High Death Toll: The Russian army suffered staggering casualties during the war. Millions of soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured by the enemy. These losses had a profound impact on Russian society, as families lost their loved ones and the country grappled with the immense human cost of the war.
- Incompetence of Tsarist Leadership: The Russian public increasingly held Tsar Nicholas II and his generals responsible for the military setbacks. Many believed that the Tsar's autocratic rule and the corruption within the government contributed to the army's failures on the battlefield.
Political Dissatisfaction:
- Desire for Democracy: Many Russian citizens were dissatisfied with the autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II and sought greater political representation. They believed that the war exposed the flaws of the existing political system and that it was time for Russia to move towards a more democratic government.
- Unpopular Policies: The government implemented several measures during the war that further eroded public trust. For example, the "Zemstvo Union," a coalition of local government representatives, was repressed by the Tsar's regime due to its criticism of the war effort.
War Weariness:
- Length of the Conflict: World War I dragged on for several years, causing immense fatigue and frustration among the Russian population. The prolonged nature of the war only intensified the hardships and sacrifices that people were enduring.
- Desire for Peace: As the war continued and the situation worsened, many Russians longed for peace. They saw little benefit in prolonging a conflict that was taking a heavy toll on the country's resources, morale, and overall well-being.