A level exam: Chapter 11-Political authority, opposition and the state of Russia in wartime Flashcards
What were the initial reactions to war?
The Tsar was supported by Russia and there was a surge in anti-German views. Strike activity ceased and there was a lot of patriotism. The Duma dissolved itself as it didn’t want to place a political burden on the country. St Petersburg became Petrograd as it was ‘too German’ and a vast army rapidly assembled.
How did views change?
Russia was defeated by Germany in the Battle of Trannenburg, injuring and killing 300000 soldiers. There was another defeat in the Masurian Lakes, forcing the ambry into a temporary retreat. This made it clear that the war would not end in a quick victory as had been hoped and this caused discontent in Russia.
How was the wartime government organised?
In July 1914, the Tsar had set up military zones for the military to control. However, this was opposed by the Liberal Zemstva as they believed civilians were important in the war and they needed to remain in zones. The zemstva established a ‘Union of Zemstva’ to provide medical facilities and factory owners established a Congress of representatives of industry and business. In June 2925 zemstva and dumas joined together to form the Zemgor. it was chaired by Prince Lvov and claimed the right to help Nicholas with the war. In September 1915 defeats in Galicia led Nicholas II to take on the role of Cammander-in-chief of the Army and Navy. This caused him to lose more support than before as he now appeared more responsible for the disasters.
What were views like towards Rasputin?
He was disliked as he began to meddle with politics, Whilst Nicholas was away, he was getting closer to Alexandra, who was already believed to be sabotaging the war effort as she was German. Nicholas was warned of the damage Rasputin was doing but refused to take action as he has helped his son Alexei. In 1916 he was murdered.
What were the military issues during the war?
They had mobilised around 15 million conscripted serfs between 1914 ad 1917 but they lacked clothing, footwear and weapons. In 1914 there were only 2 rifles for every 3 soldiers and there were limits on the shells used in a day. By the Brusilov offensive in June 1916 there was a bigger supply of guns and shells but many officers had been killed, leaving the army without experienced officers. By the end of 1916 there had been 1.5 million desertions that year.
What were the problems in Russia?
Spending on the war rose and the workforce was badly affected with less production and blockades bringing trade to a standstill. Essential household goods as well as equipment were in short supply, leading to high prices and stockpiling of grain produced. Inefficiencies of grain distribution made famines worse as railways had been taken over to transport men and goods to the frontline. A 300% rise in the cost of living resulted in thousands living on the brink of starvation and 30000 workers striking in Moscow.
What happened in February 1917?
On the 14th February 100000 workers from 58 factories went on strike in Petrograd and on the 22nd 90,000 workers joined the traditional march pf women on International Women’s Day. Petrograd descended into chaos as there were around 240,000 people on the streets. The next day 200,000 workers strike and wave red flags singing revolutionary slogans. On the 25th over half of Petrograd’s workforce are on strike and almost all shops are shut. On the 27th the Tsar orders the military to restore power and but a mutiny begins and he soldiers join protesters, arming them with 40,000 rifles. On the 28th Nicholas is told it is too late and he has lost power.
What happened after the February revolution?
General Alekseev put pressure on Nicholas II to resign and on the 2nd March he agreed, naming Mikhail as the new Tsar. Mikhail refused but Nicholas had already abdicated, and he gave power to Prince Lvov and the Provisional Government.
What was Dual power and who were involved?
It was when Russia was governed by the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet. Kerensky, a member of both the PG and PS made an agreement for them to work together.
What was the Provisional Government?
It was a temporary government made of influential elites and run by Prince Lvov.
What was the Petrograd Soviet?
It was a more democratic organisation, dominated by Mensheviks and the SRs.
How well did Dual Power work?
The Soviet said workers and soldiers should only listen to the PG when the soviet agreed. The PG tried to discipline deserters and workers but the soviet encouraged them to defy authority. In July 1917 Kerensky replaced Prince Lvov as chariman, leading to despair amongst the upper class that their properties hadn’t been protected
What was the Kornilov affair?
Kerensky appointed Kornilov as Commander of the army and in August, they were ordered to march in Petrograd to crush the Soviet. Kerensky panicked and responded by releasing Bolshevik prisoners to fight them and halt Kornilov’s supplies.
How were attitudes towards the government in 1917?
By the summer, there was little support left for the PG as wages had fallen and prices had risen. By October 1917 they were 755% higher than in 1914. The continuation of the war lost it support in the countryside and this allowed Bolsheviks to begin gaining power.
