Final answer:
The correct answer is b. The riots in St. Petersburg during World War 1 occurred in 1917, as part of the February Revolution where soldiers sided with striking workers, leading to the fall of the tsarist government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The riots in St. Petersburg during World War 1 occurred in 1917. This marked the beginning of the end for the tsarist government, a period known as the February Revolution. In March 1917 (February in the Julian calendar), approximately 100,000 people went on strike in Petrograd, leading to a wider spread of actions over subsequent days. Despite the government's efforts to repress these protests, soldiers previously called to disperse the crowds began to show sympathy with the workers, choosing ultimately not to fire upon them. Their defection was pivotal, signaling a significant shift during these events. This revolutionary period was characterized by vast upheaval and was foundational in the collapse of the Russian Empire and the rise of Marxism under Lenin and the Bolsheviks.
Growing Discontent had already led to a revolution in 1905, sparked by Russia's military defeats and the oppressive conditions facing the proletariat and calls for reform from liberals. However, the 1917 revolts were directly triggered by workers protesting food prices, and were later supported by the army, leading to Tsar Nicholas II's abdication.