AS FP1 : February / March Revolution Flashcards
Why was there growing Urban unrest by the end of 1916?
The First World War had created extreme economic hardship across Russia, goods became increasingly scarce thereby increasing the rate of inflation.
- the value of wages of the industrial workers was cut in half by 1916
This led to unrest and the growth of strikes and protests.
How many workers were there on strike between September and December of 1914?
10,000
How many workers were on strike during 1915?
15,000
How many workers were on strike during 1916?
880,000
Why was there growing peasant unrest in the countryside?
Young male peasants were conscripted in large numbers resulting in a shortage of rural labour.
Horses were also requisitioned to help with the war effort.
Grain prices were kept low but with the growing rates of inflation the standard of living for many was poor.
What was Tsar Nicholas’s initial response to the unrest?
Him , the army and the Okhrana were well aware of it, however he was complacent as he believed that, similarly to 1905, he would keep a hold on power.
What was announced on the 1st of March 1917 that caused more strikes?
Bread rationing
Where were and who were involved in the first strikesd
Petrograd,
thousands of woman took to the streets to celebrate international woman’s day, textile workers went on strike and convinced the men from the Pulitov Engineering Works to join them.
By the end of February how many people were striking in Petrograd alone?
200,000
What did the workers establish at the end of February?
They established soviets as well as their demands.
What two areas of the military were the greatest threat when they rebelled?
The Cossaks - traditionally loyal to the Tsar
The Kronstad Sailors - Marxists and extremely powerful.
Why did Nicholas II fail in the February revolution compared to the 1905 revolution?
In the 1905 Revolution he had the support of the army to suppress the discontent, now senior commanders were refusing to support him.
In the 1905 Revolution he also had the support of the middle class who accepted the October Manifesto, however now they were disillusioned as a result of the war and rumoured corruption.
