3.2 Political Impact of the First World War Flashcards
What did the Tsar Nicholas II do on September 1915?
Tsar Nicholas II appoints himself commander in chief and leaves to the front
In what condition was the army’s supplies? What happened after the Tsar appointed himself as commander in chief and how was the Tsar’s prestige affected?
- the army had insufficient and outdated supplies
- early battles such as ‘Battle of Tannenberg’ in 1914 were defeats
- this undermined the Tsar’s leadership skills
- his army and people had no confidence in his ability to rule
- his going to the front made everything worse as people started seeing him as the sole culprit for the failures
By 1915, how many were killed?
800, 000
Which country did Russia lose and why was it a bad loss for Russia?
Russia lost Poland where a lot of the crops were grown.
How did the conditions during World War I contribute to the soldiers’ and civilians’ demoralization in 1917?
WWI exacerbated already deplorable conditions. Civilians and soldiers were demoralized. Even the army did not want to suppress uprisings anymore by 1917.
Why was the agrarian economy considered unstable?
The agrarian economy was vulnerable to shocks.
What role did Tsarina Alexandra and Rasputin play in the political instability and decline of support for the Romanov regime during World War I?
- With Nicholas II at the front, Tsarina Alexandra took on a more active role in governance, heavy influenced by Rasputin, she was also against anyone having enough power to undermine her husband’s authority.
- Rasputin’s influence led to ministerial instability, with frequent appointments of incapable ministers in key positions and dismissals of able ministers
- Corrupt, caused political chaos, diminished regime’s credibility, turned it into a laughing stock
- Even high society did not support the Tsar anymore
- Rasputin’s and Tsarina’s supposed relationship damaged the Romanev’s image
How did Tsarina Alexandra’s decisions and background contribute to political distrust and the inability to implement reforms during World War I?
- Tsarina distrusted Zemgor and Duma, therefore appointed Tsarists only to ministerial positions, making reform impossible
- She was also German, making the Russians suspicious of her when Nicholas II left to the front
Who was Rasputin? What did he symbolize?
- monk from Siberia
- infamous for drunkness, womanizing, unholy behaviors, and problematic rituals
- came close to family because of supposed ‘healing powers’
- he symbolized distrust, moral decay, corruptness, alienation of the people, duma and nobility
How did the Duma react to the government’s inefficiency during World War I?
The Duma and Russia’s legislative body grew increasingly frustrated with the government’s incompetence.
When was the Progressive Bloc formed?
1915
Why formed the Progressive Bloc and why?
Formed by Octoberists and Kadets. They wanted more of a say of Russia in WWI.
How did the Union of Zemstvos and Towns contribute to the war effort, and what impact did it have on the perception of the government?
- The union of Zemstvos and Towns was established to aid the war effort by managing supplies and medical care.
- Its efficiency highlighted the government’s failures and undermined its legitimacy
