Why did the government's position worsen by not choosing dialogue instead of repression?

Correct answer: The use of force did not end the protests; instead, it increased the alienation of soldiers and people from the government

In February 1917, force was used to suppress demonstrations in Petrograd, but it did not reduce discontent. Many soldiers refused to fire on protesters and joined the people. As a result, the government began to lose support from both the public and the army, rapidly weakening its position. Repression did not solve the food crisis or meet workers' demands. Exam tip: link the soldiers' mutiny with the collapse of government authority in the February Revolution.