Why was the demonstrators' return to the streets on 24 and 25 February decisive?

Correct answer: It proved that public unrest was growing despite repression

The governing idea is revolutionary continuity: repeated mobilisation can transform a protest into a political crisis. When demonstrators returned to the streets on 24 and 25 February, the movement did not disappear after the authorities attempted to control it. Instead, participation expanded and different groups of workers joined together. This persistence revealed that discontent over food shortages, war, working conditions and autocratic rule was deep and widespread. Option D is correct because the repeated demonstrations showed growing public unrest despite repression. Options A, B and C contradict the evidence: the Tsar was losing control, the war continued, and the movement was concentrated in the capital rather than being confined to villages.