1.1 - Russia In Early 1917 Flashcards
Why ruled Russia in the early 20th century and what dynasty did he belong to
Tsar Nicholas II
Romanov dynasty
What were subject nationalities?
Non- Russian groups
What was Russification
A policy that meant non Russians had to speak Russian and follow Russian customs
Russia was an autocracy. What does this mean
The tsar had all the power.
Divine right of kings
Head of the country and the church
How was freedom restricted for Russian people
All unions of workers and strikes were banned
Newspapers and books were censored
Okhrana- secret police
When did Nicholas II become tsar
In 1894
What were Nicholas II weaknesses
He was not a strong character
He didn’t want to become tsar
He knew nothing of the business of ruling
He doesn’t know how to talk to ministers
Ignorant + refused to share power
What economic problems did Russia face?
Russian agriculture was poor but most of the population lived in the countryside
Only 5% of land was used for farming
Subsistence farming - old fashioned methods led to low food production and famines
Industrial development in Russia
Industrialisation didn’t happen until the end of the 19th century
Due to its size it’s manufacturing output was still quite low
What factors restricted the growth of industry in Russia
Undeveloped transport systems
Absence of an effective banking system
Why did Russia experience a growth in industry by WW1 (1914)
Increased output of oil in Ukraine
Increase in output of oil is Caucasus
Government policies
What was a downside of rapid industrial growth
It led to poor living and working conditions for the working class
What was the Hierarchy in Russian society
Royal family
Nobles
Clergy (church leaders with lots of land)
Army
Capitalists
Workers
Middle class in Russia
By 1914 the middle class was growing because of the growth of industry
Good lifestyle
Included bankers and factory owners
Peasants in Russia
The biggest and poorest group
Hard life, poor conditions
Starvation + disease - low life expectancy
