Why was there a revolution in Russia in the spring of 1917?

... Why was there a revolution in Russia in the spring of 1917? By 1917 the Romanovs, Russia's royal family had been controlling Russia for over three hundred years. Russia was an autocracy, which meant that the Tsar had total power. Although there was a parliament, the Duma, it had little influence and could only criticize the Tsar's government. Tsar Nicholas II, who was in control at the time, was a weak and incompetent ruler. He allowed himself to be influenced by people who did not want any changes to take place in Russia. It is very clear that Russia at this time was still very much a "19th century country in a 20th century world" and the terrible circumstances of the ordinary people illustrate this fact. There were still huge differences between the rich and the poor. About four-fifths of the population were peasants, many of whom could not

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