The February Revolution 1917 - unsuccessful military coup?
It has long been known that in the Russian Empire there was a conspiracy of the upper aiming at overthrowing of the regime. Why not admit that the conspirators attempted to realize his dream to throw off the throne of Nicholas II and his replacement is still someone (his son Alexei, his brother Michael), but the main thing for reinstatement of former Supreme Commander of the Grand Duke Nicholas.
The base? Fierce hatred of the military elite to the current emperor.
I have long pondered the reason for this attitude to the king, as seems to be nothing wrong with them, he did not, and seems to have found the only possible explanation: the colonel's epaulets on the shoulders of the sovereign. But for the military rank at the time was a much more important position. At a time when the position is a priority, it is difficult to understand this attitude, that there are pseudo militants in which the lieutenant commanding a detachment consisting of captains and majors. No, I would command, the higher ranks'd never would admit, not without reason at the time existed a half-joking suggestion to write to the officer's uniform date of production in an existing rank - even at the time of production seniority taken into account!
Particularly strained relations with the military after the king assumed the title of Supreme Commander (What? Commanded by a colonel Us!)
I have my humble opinion on the military talents of the last king, but I prefer to refer to the records of the interrogations A. Kolchak. Here is what the admiral who was arrested on his meeting with the king: "I was surprised to find that he was a real commander in chief, has the strategic thinking, broad-minded, being aware of all the modern military and technical problems." In general, a complete jerk.
Calculation for the victorious Russian army offensive in the summer of 1917, with the landing of Constantinople, forcing the generals in a hurry. Indeed, in this case, the reputation of Nicholas II was enormously increased, and in the event of a change of power have been able to appropriate the fruits of victory himself loved. What to do?
First, under the disguise coup spontaneous popular uprising. I'm sure - the king of the coup not be afraid, but the popular uprising was a heavy blow for him, he's "a favorite of the people." The pernicious delusion, typical of many of those in power.
Second, the spread of rumors about the lack of bread in the capital. This is best done through being a soldier on leave (Mr. officer said that the bread ends).
Third, when the indignant crowd begins to smash the shop, bring out troops under red banners. What do come out? Allow me, here is a quote from the recently published diaries of a retired general, "came out on the street, he saw a soldier of the Preobrazhensky Regiment, in which he once served. He asked: where are your officers? One of the soldiers said, they go with us, just dressed up. " So who put the soldiers on the street?
Fourth, an ultimatum to the king of the front commanders. In life, I will not believe that they have taken such a step without prior agreement.
So everything turned out. Alas, the psychology of war is flawed in that they are confident - the enemy will act exactly as they had planned. But things went awry.
First the king is still not going to give up without a fight. He did everything to his abdication would be illegal. (Disowned for Alexis, signed in pencil renunciation. Yet someone who, as he must have known of the relevant legislation). Renunciation of the Crown Prince was the first failure in the program.
Next: the military, as always underestimated their opponents. In power economic elite was not going to allow the rule "boots". Their view is shared and has strengthened the intellectual elite, who also wanted to steer. I'm sure weapon against the military were procured in advance, it is certainly the famous "order number 1" instantly destroyed the army. (The war is? Well, the problem will be solved as they come).
And here's food for thought: Why such a hurry to Russian Field Marshal Lord Kitchener, the cruiser loaded with gold? The authors of the book "From Time Immemorial and water" argue that gold (10 million pounds), it was necessary to crush the king of the impending revolution. Let that in Russia the gold was missing? Or Kitchener, being of course aware of the intentions of their Russian colleagues, going to shout at them, you will end the war at first, and then start a coup. Kitchener's authority in military circles of the time was huge, and England, whatever you say, was the main core of the Entente. Gold is here, too, of course there was superfluous. The thesis of the British interest in the Russian Revolution, this is the hardest in the midst of war, looks mildly paranoid.
Why did none of the Russian military commanders in numerous memoirs do not mention the coup? And how could they admit that they themselves have ruined everything with their hands? It is better to talk about sagely zhidomassonskom conspiracy.
So it goes.