This day, which corresponds to February 23, 1917, in the Gregorian calendar, marked the beginning of the Russian Revolution. The unbearable hardship of the winter of 1916-17 and the lasting economic crisis, and mobilization sent people to protest in the streets. Strikes and demonstrations increased in number. When rumours of bread rationing caused panic and rioting, the Czar called upon the army to put down the rebellion. Over 150 people were killed, but the soldiers started going over to the protesters’ side.
