Why did Russian leaders seek peace with Germany in 1917?

Why did Russian leaders seek peace with Germany in 1917?

• A. To expand Russian territory
• B. To gain support from Britain
• C. To boost the economy through alliance
• D. To retain power and avoid German occupation

Answer: (D)

The main idea is political survival: the leaders wanted to end Russia’s involvement in World War I to preserve the government and prevent a further collapse of the state under German pressure. By 1917, Russia faced crushing military defeats, severe economic strain, and growing unrest at home. Continuing the war threatened to topple the new regime, so exiting the conflict became a strategic move to keep power and avoid being driven out or occupied by Germany. This is why the peace effort aimed at stopping the fighting and stabilizing the situation at home, even at the cost of harsh terms from Germany. The other options don’t fit because expansion, gaining British support, or forging an economic alliance with Germany would require continuing or deepening the war or aligning with an opponent, which would undermine the goal of preserving the ruling authority.

The main idea is political survival: the leaders wanted to end Russia’s involvement in World War I to preserve the government and prevent a further collapse of the state under German pressure. By 1917, Russia faced crushing military defeats, severe economic strain, and growing unrest at home. Continuing the war threatened to topple the new regime, so exiting the conflict became a strategic move to keep power and avoid being driven out or occupied by Germany. This is why the peace effort aimed at stopping the fighting and stabilizing the situation at home, even at the cost of harsh terms from Germany. The other options don’t fit because expansion, gaining British support, or forging an economic alliance with Germany would require continuing or deepening the war or aligning with an opponent, which would undermine the goal of preserving the ruling authority.