1 - Russia In Early 1917 Flashcards
What were the reasons for discontent in Russia in early 1917?
The subject nationalities (policy of Russification forced them to change their lives and live like Russians),
Discontent with the government (Autocracy so government did not have much power compared to Tsar)
Nicholas II’s weaknesses including arrogance
Economic problems
Industrial development (Caused poor living and working conditions for workers)
The different Social Classes
Who were the middle class and what was their situation in early 1917?
By 1914, Russia had a growing middle class known as the bourgeoisie. They lived a very pleasant lifestyle and often ran factories, were bankers or merchants.
What was the situation of the peasants in 1917?
Biggest, poorest group. Life was very hard, lived in poor conditions with limited food, and particularly suffered from starvation and disease after a bad harvest.
Who were the proletariat?
The working class, it was rapidly increasing in 1917 as large numbers of peasants had moved to the towns and cities to find work after hearing about the success in industry.
What were the different political parties present in 1917?
The Social Democratic Party, split into the Mensheviks (led by Julius Martov and Leon Trotsky) and Bolsheviks (Led by Vladimir Lenin) in 1903
The Socialist Revolutionaries, led by Alexander Kerensky
The Octobrists, led by Alexander Guchkov
The Constitutional Democratic Party (Cadets), led by Paul Milyukov
What were the aims of the different political parties?
The Bolsheviks: Supported the Proletariat and believed they would be capable of staging a revolution one day to remove the Tsar, the revolution would lead to a communist state being set up. Believed a small party elite should organise the revolution
The Mensheviks: Believed the same as the Bolsheviks but believed the party should have mass membership and that change would be gradual.
The Socialist Revolutionaries: Believed in the revolution of the peasants and aimed to get rid of the Tsar. Some believed in terrorist activities and killing government officials, others believed in constitutional methods
The Octobrists: Attempted to ensure the Tsar abided by the October Manifesto, main support came from the middle class
Cadets: Wanted a constitutional monarchy as in Britain. Some were prepared to set up a republic (supreme power is held by the people and their representatives, and a president is elected).
What were the reasons for Russian defeats in the First World War from 1914-1916?
- Lack of infrastructure (Transportation was difficult as there were poor road and railway networks)
- Insufficient supplies and equipment (Not enough steelworks and factories to produce weapons)
- Poor leadership of the Tsar
- Poor leadership of generals and officers (Outdated tactics and did not work as a team)
What negative effects did the First World War have on Russia?
Military: Increased desertions, loss in trust in generals, resistance to conscription
Economic: Inflation, food shortages, consumer goods became too expensive, factories closed
Political: Position of the Tsar significantly weakened as he had not impressed by leaving Alexandria and Rasputin to take care of the Home Front. Many blamed the Tsar for leaving Russia in the hands of a German and a suspicious monk.
