A major cause of the Russian Revolution of 1917 was the existence of sharp economic differences between social classes.

A major cause of the Russian Revolution of 1917 was the existence of sharp economic differences between social classes.

• A. Existence of sharp economic differences between social classes
• B. International alliances with the Allies
• C. Strong central governance under Nicholas II
• D. A large population of industrial workers with high wages

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how economic inequality drives mass political upheaval. In Russia before 1917, there was a stark gap between a tiny aristocratic and capitalist elite and a vast population of peasants and workers who lived in poverty or near-poverty. The peasants bore the burden of high rents and taxes, while industrial workers faced brutal conditions, low wages, and long hours, with little political voice. This squeeze meant the Tsarist regime appeared incapable of delivering relief or reform, especially as World War I worsened shortages, inflation, and military defeats. When people see that the system benefits only a ruling elite and leaves the majority struggling, revolutionary sentiment grows, as did strikes, protests, and support for radical change. The other options don’t fit as well. International alliances with the Allies intensified war pressures but didn’t by themselves produce the internal class-based uprising. The idea of strong central governance under Nicholas II is contrary to the reality of an autocracy that failed to effectively manage the crisis. A large population of industrial workers with high wages is simply inaccurate for Russia at the time—the workers were numerous but faced low wages and harsh conditions, not high pay.

The idea being tested is how economic inequality drives mass political upheaval. In Russia before 1917, there was a stark gap between a tiny aristocratic and capitalist elite and a vast population of peasants and workers who lived in poverty or near-poverty. The peasants bore the burden of high rents and taxes, while industrial workers faced brutal conditions, low wages, and long hours, with little political voice. This squeeze meant the Tsarist regime appeared incapable of delivering relief or reform, especially as World War I worsened shortages, inflation, and military defeats. When people see that the system benefits only a ruling elite and leaves the majority struggling, revolutionary sentiment grows, as did strikes, protests, and support for radical change.

The other options don’t fit as well. International alliances with the Allies intensified war pressures but didn’t by themselves produce the internal class-based uprising. The idea of strong central governance under Nicholas II is contrary to the reality of an autocracy that failed to effectively manage the crisis. A large population of industrial workers with high wages is simply inaccurate for Russia at the time—the workers were numerous but faced low wages and harsh conditions, not high pay.