What were the major events leading up to the Russian Revolution?

The major events leading up to the Russian Revolution include:

1. Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905): Russia's defeat in this war against Japan exposed the weaknesses of the Russian government and military, leading to widespread discontent among the Russian population.

2. Bloody Sunday (1905): Peaceful protesters demanding political reforms were fired upon by the Russian Imperial Guard, resulting in hundreds of deaths. This event further fueled revolutionary sentiment and led to widespread strikes and uprisings across the country.

3. Revolution of 1905: This wave of protests, strikes, and uprisings forced Tsar Nicholas II to issue the October Manifesto, which promised civil liberties, a legislative assembly (Duma), and other reforms. However, the Tsar soon reneged on many of these promises, leading to continued unrest.

4. World War I (1914-1918): Russia's involvement in the war resulted in heavy casualties, economic strain, and food shortages. The government's mismanagement of the war effort further eroded public support for the Tsarist regime.

5. February Revolution (1917): Widespread strikes and protests erupted in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg), leading to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II. The Provisional Government, which took power after the Tsar's abdication, failed to address the pressing issues facing the country, leading to further discontent.

6. October Revolution (1917): Led by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolshevik Party, the October Revolution overthrew the Provisional Government and established a socialist government in Russia. This marked the beginning of the Soviet Union and the end of the Russian Empire.