The first world war placed an unbearable strain on Russia's weak government and economy, resulting in mass shortages and hunger. In the meantime, the mismanagement and failures of the war turned the people and soldiers against the Tsar whose decision to take personal command of the army seemed to make him personally responsible for the defeats. In March 1917, the Tsar first lost control of the streets, then the soldiers, and finally of the Duma, resulting in his forced abdication on March 15th, 1917.
