Editing October Revolution (section)

===February Revolution===
{{main|February Revolution}}

The [[February Revolution]] had toppled Tsar [[Nicholas II of Russia]] and replaced his government with the [[Russian Provisional Government]]. However, the provisional government was weak and riven by internal dissension. It continued to wage [[World War I]], which became increasingly unpopular. There was a nationwide crisis affecting social, economic, and political relations. Disorder in industry and transport had intensified, and difficulties in obtaining provisions had increased. Gross industrial production in 1917 decreased by over 36% of what it had been in 1914. In the autumn, as much as 50% of all enterprises in the [[Ural (region)|Urals]], the [[Donbas]], and other industrial centers were closed down, leading to mass unemployment. At the same time, the cost of living increased sharply. Real wages fell to about 50% of what they had been in 1913. By October 1917, Russia's national debt had risen to 50 billion [[rouble]]s. Of this, debts to foreign governments constituted more than 11 billion roubles. The country faced the threat of financial [[bankruptcy]].