How did world war one create a revolutionary situation in russia?
The war was poorly led, with the Tsar’s family directly involved in the high command. This led to a loss of confidence in the Tsarist system. A good example was the diversion of the first Russian offensive which was tearing through the Austrians. On advice from the Tsar himself, the commanders in the field switched to the main thrust to the north to attack the Germans. The Tsar listened to French appeals for assistance to draw off German reinforcements rather than his own army staff who were in favour of knocking the Austrians out of the war. Also, most of the supporters of the regime were in the officer class, and many of them died needlessly in ridiculous displays of heroism such as refusing to take cover under fire because it was not “the done thing”. The shortages of food in the major cities, the huge losses of men at the front and the incompetence of the ruling elites were all rally cries for the comminists eg “Bread and Peace!” was one of their most powerful slogans.
