The October Manifesto was issued by Tsar Nicholas II of Russia on October 17, 1905, in response to widespread unrest and demands for political reform. It aimed to quell the growing revolutionary movements by promising civil liberties, such as freedom of speech and assembly, and the establishment of a legislative body called the Duma. The manifesto marked a significant shift in Russian governance, as it acknowledged the need for a constitutional framework. However, the reforms were limited, and many of the promised rights were not fully realized, leading to continued dissatisfaction among various social groups in Russia.