2.2 Nicholas II's Response to the Revolution

Question 1

What year was the August and October Manifesto?

Answer 1

1905

Question 2

Why was the August Manifesto in 1905 a failure?

Answer 2

• Promised minimal reforms but failed to satisfy revolutionary demands
• Rejected by liberals and radicals alike because the Tsar added a clause stating he would always have the final say in matters

Question 3

What was the October Manifesto (1905)?

Answer 3

• It promised basic civil liberties (freedom of speech, assembly, association)
• Established the Duma, a legislative body with limited powers
• Divided the opposition, weakening revolutionary unity
• Withe helped write it but resigned before its establishment because his ideas and reforms were controversial
• Redemption payments further lowered (peasants were happy)
• Industrial work not easy to appease (dealt with through repression)

Question 4

What was the Repression of the Moscow uprising? (+when)

Answer 4

• December 1905
• Armed uprisings crushed by the military
• Thousands killed or exiled to Siberia

Question 5

What were the fundamental laws? (1906 April)

Answer 5

• Reasserted the Tsar’s autocratic power, limiting the Duma’s influence.
• Allowed the Tsar to dissolve the Duma and rule by decree (right to rule independently when Duma not in season and right to dissolve Duma whenever).
• Power to change electoral system or appoint any minister.
• Sole commander of navy and army, can crush any uprising.
• Reasserted position as sole leader