Question

while many russian soldiers were on the front during world war i, most of those who remained behind responded to the february revolution by leaving the cities to fight on the front. firing into crowds of peaceful protestors. joining the riots instead of stopping them. breaking up the riots and restoring order.

Explanation:

During the February Revolution in Russia, with many soldiers at the front, those remaining behind often joined the unrest. They did not leave to fight on the front, fire into crowds in a unified way against peaceful protestors, or break up the riots. Instead, they joined the riots.

Answer:

joining the riots instead of stopping them.