... in this essay. War was militarily disastrous for Russia, with its inferior industry making her inadequately prepared for war. Defeats occurred even in early 1914, exemplified by Tannenberg. The Tsar's decision to take over as Commander-in-Chief in August 1915 was disastrous, implementing inadequate military strategies contrary to the experienced advice, for example, the halting of General Brusilov's offensive in summer 1916. A total of 3.8 million casualties had increased to 9.8 million by 1917, inevitably leading to disillusionment and mass army desertion. Revisionists however, would argue that Nicholas justifiably took command; he wanted to replace the Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich, because he had become a symbol of Duma criticism. Ironically he became just that. The loss of sympathy from the soldiers would prove critical in February, with the mutiny at the Petrograd Garrison. The high command began to see Nicholas as a liability that could be easily sacrificed for the benefit ...

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