Question

Think about life in Russia in December 1916. How do you think people responded to these conditions? Check all that apply.

They stole food to feed their families.
They trusted that the tsar would make things better.
They left Russia to look for a better life elsewhere.
They joined a revolutionary group to overthrow the tsar.
They participated in demonstrations outside the tsar’s palace.

Answer 1

✓ They stole food to feed their families.
- Wartime shortages, high food prices and breakdowns in distribution drove urban workers and peasants to steal or seize food.

✗ They trusted that the tsar would make things better.
- By December 1916 popular faith in Nicholas II had largely collapsed (though a minority remained loyal). Most people blamed the government, the war, and the court for their suffering.

✓ They left Russia to look for a better life elsewhere.
- Emigration had been common in the preceding decades and continued where possible; wartime restrictions reduced but did not stop people leaving or planning to leave.

✓ They joined a revolutionary group to overthrow the tsar.
- Radicalization was increasing; many workers, soldiers and intellectuals joined or supported socialist parties and revolutionary groups.

✓ They participated in demonstrations outside the tsar’s palace.
- Strikes, protests and demonstrations (especially in Petrograd) were growing and would culminate in the February 1917 revolution.