Final answer:
It is true that the Russian army's tactics and weapons were outdated during World War I. They suffered from insufficient training, supply shortages, and inadequate industrial infrastructure, leading to heavy casualties and contributing to the collapse of the Tsarist government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the Russian army's tactics and weapons were outdated during World War I is true. Despite their large numbers, Russian soldiers were not adequately equipped or trained for the Great War's demands. Supply shortages and inadequate logistics made it difficult to sustain the military's effectiveness. For instance, at the Battle of Tannenberg, the Russian army faced severe communication issues and a lack of necessary supplies, which resulted in a substantial defeat by the German forces. Similarly, by late 1916, Russia was experiencing dire straits on the home front with food shortages and inadequate munitions, leading to low morale and desertion among soldiers.
Additionally, Russia's insufficient industrial base and the lack of rail lines significantly hampered military maneuvers and the transportation of troops and supplies. The Russian military's potential was undermined by these factors, as well as by the questionable competence of its commanders, which led to a string of defeats and also played a crucial role in the eventual collapse of the Tsarist government.