The First World War devastated Russia, exposing weaknesses that would lead to the collapse of Tsarist rule. In 1915, Tsar Nicholas II took direct command of the army, leaving the government in the hands of the unpopular Tsarina Alexandra and Rasputin. As military failures mounted, public confidence in the monarchy crumbled. The Battle of Tannenberg and the Masurian Lakes saw catastrophic Russian losses, while General Brusilov’s offensive in 1916 cost over a million lives. By early 1917, economic collapse, food shortages, and a brutal winter in Petrograd left civilians and soldiers alike on the brink of revolt. This lesson examines the war’s direct role in triggering the February/March 1917 Revolution.

This engaging PowerPoint presentation provides a solid foundation for students to understand how the war fuelled political, military, economic, and social crises in Russia. Unlike other resources, this lesson goes beyond the basics by including detailed battle case studies, primary source analysis, and critical thinking exercises. A key focus is on military failures, with specific references to the impact of poor leadership, desertion rates, and key defeats, helping students connect the war effort to the rising unrest. The economic strain is explored through labour shortages, transport breakdowns, and food and coal scarcities, giving students a deeper look at the conditions that led to mass protests.

Teachers will appreciate the interactive elements of this lesson. It includes source analysis questions, helping students develop skills in interpreting historical evidence, and a creative poster activity that encourages them to think like revolutionaries in 1916. This makes the lesson both informative and engaging, keeping students actively involved.

This resource is especially useful for IBDP History Paper 3 students studying Imperial Russia, revolution, and the establishment of the Soviet Union (1855–1924), as well as any students focusing on the causes of the 1917 revolution. Impact of WWI on Russia gives students the tools to analyse war’s role in shaping history, making it an essential addition to any history classroom.

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