1905 period Flashcards
Since when had the “Tsar” government been in place with the Romanov dynasty?
1613
What was the social structure described as?
A hierarchy - the ‘wedding cake’ - the nobility relied on the labour of the peasants
What was the problem with nationalities in Russia?
There was ethnic diversity, which meant that Russia was not unified. Population of Russia had quadrupled between 1815 and 1914 from 40m to 160m. Over 40 different ethnic groups living in Russia.
What was “Russification”?
Where non-Russian communities, voluntary or not, would give up their culture and language for a Russian one.
What was the name of the Tsarist secret police?
Okhrana
What does Pobedonostsev argue about democracy?
He says thing like democracy was used in Western countries to consolidate power over people and to maintain autocracy - “inspired by secret aims to the centralisation of power”
He says that democracy is a humiliation to political ideas - “an abasement of political ideas” - if you give more people political ideas it will weaken the political ideology will be weakened.
How is Nicholas II described by Figes in 1997?
- “the source of all problems”
- “incapable of exercising power”
- “this was autocracy without an autocrat”
How is Nicholas II described by A Ascher in 2001?
- “lacked personal drive”
In what year did Nicholas II become Tsar?
1894
What were redemption payments?
Payments that took 49 years to pay back, made by peasants to the government in return for land granted following the abolition of serfdom.
What was the accident that happened at the start of Nicholas II’s reign?
- In May 1896, 1389 people were killed and 600 injured in Khodynka Field, whilst celebrating the coronation of the Tsar - rush for free food = trampled and crushed
Why was Nicholas criticised for the Khodynka Field Incident?
- he attended a lavish ball organised by the French ambassador - lack of concern for those who die.
Who was the Minister of Finance from 1893-1903?
Sergei Witte
