The Great War (1914-1918)

Russia's involvement in the Great War began with a complicated series of alliances with England, France, and Serbia.  When Archduke Franz Ferdinand was killed on June 28, 1914 and war ensued in the Balkans, the Russian people demanded that the Tsar intervene and help fellow Slavic peoples.  Combined with the intrigues of European royalty set Russia on a course for war.  This was not the wisest of policies, as Russia was still suffering from problems at home.  Anarchists and Revolutionaries were still causing problems, and the economy was struggling to modernize.  Russia simply could not afford to go to war, but England, France and the popular Russian opinion were only waiting for a reason to fight.  That reason was not long in coming.

On August 1, at 7:10 pm, Germany declared  war on Russia.  Despite early Russian successes it soon became apparent that the nation could not produce the weapons, ammunition, and other supplies needed to fight in a modern war.  There were shortages of food and ammunition.  To get the quantity of supplies they needed to continue to fight the Russians turned to the West.  They received weapons from the United States and all manner of supplies from England.  With these it was hoped that it would be possible for Russia to continue the war.

These hopes were dashed when the Ottoman Empire closed the Dardanelles.  Russia's primary supply line was closed.  Despite attempts at by the British to open the route in by fighting at Sulva Bay, Gallipoli and other locations, the Turks would hold the region.  The war also produced hardships at home.  Food shortages, bad news from the front, and the actions of revolutionaries began to work against the Tsar. The growing internal pressures would force Russia out of the war and towards the Bolshevik revolution.