“Russia’s participation in the First World War was the main cause of the February/March 1917 Revolution.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Candidates are required to consider the merits or otherwise of the statement. Some may choose to argue that it was the impact of the war on society and the economy that led to revolution. Others that there were long-term underlying problems that made revolution likely; that the impact of war was merely as a catalyst for revolution. There may be some assessment of pre-war conditions including the relative stability of the monarchy, levels of discontent and attitudes to the war. There may also be assessment of the problems caused by military defeats (Tannenburg and the Masurian Lakes), high casualty rates and the economic impact of the war. The Tsar’s decision to command the army, as well as the issue of Rasputin, contributed to the increasing unpopularity of the monarchy. The events of February/March 1917 in Petrograd, the Bread Riots, strikes and the actions of the Petrograd garrison may all be linked to the war.