Causes of Revolution (1904-1905) Flashcards
Why was the period of industrialization in the 1890s called the Great Spurt?
- The expansion of infrastructure and industrialization under Prime Minister Sergei Witte’s guidance.
List the main economic reforms that Witte introduced to drive the Great Spurt.
- Stabilized the rouble by fixing it to a gold standard, encouraged foreign investment
- Protected local industries by placing tariffs (taxes) on foreign on goods sold on the Russian market
- Hired foreign advisors to guide him in industrial planning
- Foreign investment was encouraged and money borrowed from foreign banks was used for the further development of the economy
Comment on the limitations and negative impacts that emerged from Witte’s policies.
- They relied heavily on foreign investment
- Developed heavy industry, but made little for Russian consumers
- Failed to improve the livelihoods of workers and peasants
- Led to high interest rates, rising prices and indirect taxes, which increased the price of everyday items
- Neglected agriculture, farming was not modernized
What was the name of the major railway project developed during this time?
Trans-Siberian Railway
Identify 3 or more examples of why Russian industrial workers were most likely discontented.
The working and living conditions of workers were terrible. This is because:
- working conditions were dangerous
- workers working in dangerous jobs, such as iron foundries, were provided limited or improvised protection
- 12, 14, or 16 hours shifts
- no legislated workplace protection
- trade unions were illegal
- Management could impose discipline on workers through fines, or dismiss them from the job
- low costing housing and little social welfare for workers who had moved from rural areas
- overcrowding in apartments and horrible living conditions (16 people per apartment on average)
What significant positions did Sergei Witte hold?
Director of Department of Railways Affairs, Transportation Minister, Minister of Finance, Prime minister of Russia
Witte is considered one of the leading statesmen of the late Tsarist era. Briefly outline the successes and challenges he faced.
Successes:
- The Great Spurt and rapid industrialization
- Secured favorable terms with the Treaty of Portsmouth after the Russo-Japanese War
- Advised Tsar on October Manifesto
Challenges:
- Gradually fell out of favor with the Tsar after the October Revolution
- Disliked by conservative politicians, may have resulted in his resignation as prime minister
How did the extension of the Trans-Siberian Railway contribute to the outbreak of the Russo-Japanese war?
After the Sino-Japanese war, Russia pressured China to allow the extension of the railway through Manchuria. This was in conflict with Japan, who also wished to annex the region.
How did Port Arthur and Liaodong Pennisula contribute to the outbreak of the Russo-Japanese war?
In 1898, Russia secured a 25-year lease on the Liaodong Peninsula, which included Port Arthur (present-day Dalian). This gave the Russians an access point to the Pacific Ocean that wasn’t covered in ice all year. This alerted the Japanese, concerned over Russia’s territorial growth.
Furthermore, Port Arthur was initially gained through the Sino-Japanese war, and only through the Triple intervention (France, Russia, and Germany), Japan conceded and accepted a larger payment of money for the loss. However, they were still embittered by the experience.
How did Japan’s claims over Korea contribute to the outbreak of the Russo-Japanese war?
Russia had gained mining and logging rights in Korea, which hampered Japan’s desire for territorial ambition. This furthered tensions between the two countries as it was believed that war was inevitable.
How did Russia’s military presence in Manchuria contribute to the outbreak of the Russo-Japanese war?
Russia, who had gotten permission to extend the Trans-Siberian Railway in Manchuria, was in direct conflict with Japa, who planned to annex the region. Furthermore, military troops garrisoned at Mukden to protect the railway also concerned the Japanese.
How did the failed negotiations between Japan and Russia contribute to the outbreak of the Russo-Japanese war?
In response to the increasing tensions between the two countries, the Japanese government proposed well-defined spheres of influence. In return for recognizing Russia’s influence in Manchuria, Russia had to recognize Japan’s influence in Korea.
Negotiations were dragged out for 2 years with little progress. Russia used this time to strengthen its military power within Manchuria.
Japan, who could sense negotiations breaking down and Russia’s obvious refusal to settle things peacefully, officially cut off negotiations and launched a surprise attack at Port Arthur on 8 Feb 1904.
How did the attitudes of key individuals in the Russian government contribute to the outbreak of the Russo-Japanese war?
Russia clearly did not desire to settle matters peacefully, and many high-ranking officials openly welcomed the inevitable war. Vyacheslav Pleve, Minister of the Interior, famously proclaimed that a little victorious war to stem the tide of revolution’. Similarly, General Kuropatkin, Minister of War, spoke of how a sure victory would boost national pride and morale.
The Tsar would also be encouraged by his cousin, Kaiser Wilhelm II, who urged him to war, and stoked his racial superiority, convincing him that European Christianity would win over the ‘Yellow Peril’, the Tsar openly welcomed war, believing that it would be an easy method to build nationalism.
When did the Russo-Japanese War begin?
8 Feb 1904
What treaty brought the end of the Russo-Japanese War and who was Russia’s chief negotiator?
The Treaty of Portsmouth, and Sergei Witte
