1. The Condition Of Russia Before The February Revolution 1917 Flashcards
What was early 20th century Russia like?
Ruled by tsar
No parliament or political parties
Poor transport and communications
Many different nationalities
Famine due to inefficient farming
90 % peasantry
Extreme climate
Why was Russia difficult to govern?
8 million square miles
Poor transport lines
Very backward compared to rest of Europe
Many different nationalities
Autocratic rule
What was Bloody Sunday 1905?
Russia defeated in war against japan led to peaceful protest
Workers massacred leading to riots against tsar
Forced to elect state Duma and publish October manifesto
Less autocratic but Duma had limited power
What were the political problems in Russia?
Tsar Nicholas divine right to rule
Poor military experience
Was naturally shy and awkward, struggled to make clear decisions
Could be extremely stubborn and saw advice as a criticism
Led to dismissal of Duma after gaining power from it
Ignored rasputins unpopularity
What were the military problems in Russia?
Mobilised troops in support of Serbia due to strong panslavism
Initially popular and Duma dissolved so no burden of unnecessary politics
Unable to provide soldiers supplies so fall in morale
1.5 million desertions
Duma deputies demanded tsar to change ministers and establish a government of public confidence (refused)
Lost confidence and support of Russia
What were the social and economic problems in Russia?
Raised rates for war and huge loans abroad
Damaged industrial and grain exports led to wartime inflation
By 1917 money virtually workless prices rose higher than wages
Shortage or man in countryside due to inflation → food shortage(hoarding)
Russian trade stopped as famine
Rotting rood as railway collapse
Unemployment due to factory assures
300% rise in cost of living
Rising death rates due to starvation and disease
Summary of discontent in Russia
By Feb 1917, huge loss is of confidence in tsarist regime
Poorest = despair, complaints, outbursts
Ordinary citizens = patriotic but struggled to survive, indifferences fate of rulers
Angry outbursts led to desertion and near mutiny
Poor conditions, low temperatures and no morale to fight
Strong political discontent
Why was the tsarist regime facing a crisis?
Nicholas responsible for foreign and defence policy
Left war early with 1,700,000 killed
Poor transport system and communication (frontlines supply)
Poorly organised army(outdated skill and tactics)
Inflation (one rifle between 3 )
Lack of food supplies (desertion)
