Question

why was the russian army near collapse by 1916?
the army wanted russia to become a province of germany.
russian workers had stopped producing needed goods.
communists had seized the means of production.
the army was low on food, supplies, and ammunition.

Explanation:

To determine the reason for the Russian army's near collapse by 1916, we analyze each option:

• The first option is incorrect as the Russian army did not want to become a German province.
• The second option is not the main reason for the army's collapse; worker strikes were part of broader issues but not the direct cause of military collapse.
• The third option is incorrect because the Communist seizure of means of production happened after 1916 (during the Russian Revolution, post - WWI - related turmoil).
• The fourth option is correct. By 1916, due to the strains of World War I, the Russian army faced shortages of food, supplies, and ammunition, which severely weakened its ability to fight, leading to near collapse.

Answer:

The army was low on food, supplies, and ammunition.