Tsarism was under threat from a combination of crises that occurred throughout 1905. The autocracy managed to survive against a weak and disorganized opposition by conceding political agreements and through tough repression with the use of force. Russia suffered from economic tensions and a disastrous war with Japan in the early 20th century. The reluctance of the government to act in problematic situations and its isolation of the problems of Russian society caused general unrest within …showed first 75 words of 1476 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1476 total…from the successful revolution of 1917. In the latter case the socialists and Bolsheviks took a leading role against a regime which was weakened by the army's involvement in the first world war, giving them the opportunity to overthrow the Tsar. Who had lost the lost the loyalty of the army. Nicholas II was able to delay his loss of authority through a combination of harsh repression and political concessions to a divided and uncoordinated opposition.