The next few days were destined to reveal the fact that the cunning and guile of Protopopov had overreached itself; that the soldiers could not be relied upon to crush any uprising of the people.  There was some rioting in Petrograd on March 3d, and the next day the city was placed under martial law.  On March 7th the textile workers went out on strike and were quickly followed by several thousand workers belonging to other trades.  Next day there was a tremendous popular demonstration at which the workers demanded food.  The strike spread during the next two or three days until there was a pretty general stoppage of industry.  Students from the university joined with the striking workmen and there were numerous demonstrations, but little disposition to violence.  When the Cossacks and mounted police were sent to break up the crowds, the Cossacks took great care not to hurt the people, fraternizing with them and being cheered by them.  It was evident that the army would not let itself be used to crush the uprising of the people.  The police remained “loyal,” but they were not adequate in numbers.  Protopopov had set in motion forces which no human agency could control.  The Revolution was well under way.

The Duma remained in constant session.  Meantime the situation in the capital was becoming serious in the extreme.  Looting of stores began, and there were many victims of the police efforts to disperse the crowds.  In the midst of the crisis the Duma repudiated the government and broke off all relations with it.  The resolution of the Duma declared that “The government which covered its hands with the blood of the people should no longer be admitted to the Duma.  With such a government the Duma breaks all relations forever.”  The answer of Czar Nicholas was an order to dissolve the Duma, which order the Duma voted to ignore, remaining in session as before.

On Sunday, March 11th, there was a great outpouring of people at a demonstration.  Police established on the roofs of some public buildings attacked the closely packed throngs with machine-gun fire, killing and wounding hundreds.  One of the famous regiments, the Volynski, revolted, killed its commander, and joined the people when ordered to fire into the crowds.  Detachments of soldiers belonging to other regiments followed their example and refused to fire upon the people.  One or two detachments of troops did obey orders and were immediately attacked by the revolutionary troops.  There was civil war in Petrograd.

While the fighting was still going on, the president of the Duma sent the following telegram to the Czar: 

The situation is grave.  Anarchy reigns in the capital.  The government is paralyzed.  The transport of provisions and fuel is completely disorganized.  General dissatisfaction is growing.  Irregular rifle-firing is occurring in the streets.  It is necessary to charge immediately some person enjoying the confidence of the people to form a new government.  It is impossible to linger.  Any delay means death.  Let us pray to God that the responsibility in this hour will not fall upon a crowned head.

    RODZIANKO.