Impact of War on Tsarist Collapse: March 1917

The impact of war on the civilian population was a significant reason for the collapse of Tsarist rule in Russia in March 1917. The war resulted in huge casualties, causing initial enthusiasm for the war to disappear. The Tsar's assumption of control of the army on the Eastern Front drew criticism, as his unpopular wife and Rasputin were left in charge. The government's declining support for the war, with the Tsar personally blamed for defeats and losses, also contributed to the collapse.

The high number of Russian losses, along with the conscription of more workers into the army, led to food and fuel shortages in the cities as peasants made up the majority of conscripts. This resulted in inflation and increased strike action and rioting. Soldiers refusing to fire on the workers and some joining the protestors further undermined the Tsar's rule. The bread rationing in particular led to around 50,000 people striking on International Women's Day in 1917.

On the other hand, there were also long-term issues that played a role in the collapse of Tsarist rule. These included problems with peasant land distribution and the radicalization of poorer peasants against the autocracy. The Bolsheviks and Mensheviks also radicalized workers, soldiers, and sailors. The standard of living and working conditions for the industrial working class worsened before the war, and there was a lack of effective government reforms to improve conditions for poorer peasants and workers. The role of the Duma, which saw more radical socialist parties gain seats, also contributed to the collapse.

Overall, while long-term issues played a significant role, the impact of the war on the civilian population, such as casualties, shortages, and protests, was a crucial factor in the collapse of Tsarist rule in Russia in March 1917.