2.3 Change and Continuity in Government

Question 1

When was the First Duma?

Answer 1

1906

Question 2

Describe the First Duma

Answer 2

• Dominated by liberal and radical parties
• Demands for land redistribution and constitutional reforms
• dissolved after 10 weeks
• wanted the release of political prisoners
• Kadets and SRS

Question 3

When was the Second Duma?

Answer 3

1907

Question 4

Describe the Second Duma

Answer 4

• Included more radical left-wing deputies
• dissolved for opposing government policies (promoted revolutionary activities within army)
• Shift of power to Octobrists, SRS (gains of influence) - because of Vyborg Appeal (prompting not to pay taxes) - kadets could not longer participate in votes
• Dissolved after a few months

Question 5

When was the Third and Fourth Duma?

Answer 5

1907-1914

Question 6

Describe the Third and Fourth Duma

Answer 6

• More conservative due to electoral changes favoring the nobility and wealthy
• Focused on social reforms but had very limited influence over policy
• Clash between Octobrists and Socialists
• Dumas 1 and 2 were more opposed to the Tsar and were quickly dissolved, whereas the next two were more supportive of Tsarism and less radical. The wealthy were in control

Question 7

What was the nature of Tsarist rule by 1914?

Answer 7

• Autocracy remained intact despite the appearance of reforms
• Continued reliance on repression to maintain control
• Growing dissatisfaction among workers, peasants and intellectuals