Why were Russians were dissatisfied with their communist government?

Answer 1

Throughout his reign, Nicholas II made many poor decisions which discredited his regime and provoked fury against his governance. In terms of internal problems, he was unable to deal with the growing concerns over poverty and the poor living conditions of the lower classes, partially due to his ignorance and his unwavering belief that the people had unconditional adoration for their tsar. The growing problem of food shortages culminated in spontaneous revolts in 1917. His dogmatic belief in his divine right to rule led to a policy of systematic repression of dissidents, liberals and minorities, which further infuriated the populace. The tsar also dealt his foreign relations inadequately, and the losses during the Russo-Japanese War and WWI were blamed on his misguided leadership. He disregarded his ministers' advice, which alienated the aristocracy and led to poor decision making. His choice to go to the front during WWI to lead the army and grant temporary power to his wife and Rasputin was a horrible decision that completely discredited him in the eyes of the upper class. By the end of his reign, he had provoked fury among the aristocracy, the bourgeoisie and the lower classes.

Answer 2

The size of Russia

The many different cultures

The many different languages

The lack of industrialization

Poor farming techniques

Taiga

Opposition parties

Mikhailovich said that 'he had no self judgement'

Grand Duchess Olga said that 'He had no statesmanship'

Trotsky said that 'He did not have the quality to run an empire'

Terrorism

Green highlights long term problems... blue is short term

Answer 3

The Czar thought that the Russian people were stupid and should be kept in their place. Czars did not want them leaving the farms to work in the factories. That kept Russia from starting its industrial revolution in 1870 and made it as difficult as possible. The people did not like being crushed. Then, during World War 1, the Russian Czar left a monk, Rasputin, to run the government. Rasputin was totally incompetent. The Czar fired his competent general and ran the army himself. He suffered a total defeat and resigned.

Answer 4

The country was in turmoil and Nicholas didn't do anything about it.

Hence the March Revolution and then the Bolshevik Revolution.