Long Term Causes

The Russian Revolution broke out in February of 1917. As with all historical events, there were both long term and short term causes for the Revolution.

Alexander II, pictured above, helped contribute to the problems by emancipating the serfs of Russia in 1861. The serfs were given a small amount of land, for which they had to pay. This caused two problems. First of all, they now had to have jobs. Secondly, they did not receive enough land in their opinions.

Alexander II engendered much reform during his tenure as tsar, however the reform was aimed more at helping the government and economy than helping the people. Alexander II wanted to begin industry in Russia. This was his motivation for freeing the peasants. By ending serfdom, Alexander II hoped to gain the good favor of other countries who could provide loans. By freeing the serfs, Alexander II secured a labor force to work in the factories.

Industry in Russia created a myriad of problems. The living conditions within overcrowded cities were miserable. People lived in cramped quarters, received low wages, and lived according to harsh standards.

Karl Marx, pictured above, and other Socialists offered disgruntled workers an alternative. Socialists encouraged workers to seize the means of production and have communal ownership of everything. This would create a classless society in which everyone would be equal. Over the course of many years, the frustration over the lack of land ownership, the policies of Alexander II, and the popularity of Socialism as espoused by revolutionaries laid the backdrop for the outbreak of the Revolution in 1917.

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