February Revolution

The February Revolution of 1917 was a pivotal event in Russia that led to the collapse of the Tsarist monarchy. Sparked by widespread discontent over food shortages, harsh working conditions, and military failures in World War I, protests and strikes erupted in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg). Workers, soldiers, and ordinary citizens demanded change. The unrest forced Tsar Nicholas II to abdicate, ending centuries of imperial rule. A provisional government was established, aiming to create a more democratic system. This revolution set the stage for the October Revolution later that year, which further transformed Russia into a communist state.