Causes of the 1905 revolution

Question 1

How did the Russo-japanese war come to fruition?

Answer 1

• Russia was an expansionist power, sought to extent its influence in SE europe
• Attracted in Manchuria, its mineral wealth and ‘warm water’ seaport at port arthur
• Rivals for Manchuria were Japan
• In 1895, following its victory over China in the sino-japanese war, Japan seized port arthur
• In 1898, Russia gained control over port arthur
• In early 1904, without warning, russia attacked

Question 2

What were the events of the russo-japanese war?

Answer 2

• Japan laid siege to port arthur early in the war, January 1905, it surrendered
• Feb 1905 - Russian land forces lost the battle at Mukden
• With Russia’s main naval fleet trapped in Port arthur, Nicholas ordered Russia’s baltic fleet to sail around the world to battle the Japanese
• After 8month voyage, it was annihilated only a handful of its 52 warships escaping capture
• The war ended by the treaty of Portsmouth (Sept. 1905) under which Russia agreed to abandon port arthur and its ambitions in Manchuria

Question 3

What was the impact of the loss of the Russo-jap war?

Answer 3

• Liberals were angered over the mishandling of the war, hostility towards the regime intensified
• Liberals challenged regime boldly - League of liberations banquet campaign set up in late 1904 reflected assertiveness
• Unemployment and food prices rose

Question 4

What happened at bloody sunday?

Answer 4

• In Jan 1905 - 150,000 unarmed protestors gathered at St Petersberg, with the intention of heading to the Tsar’s winter palace
• Before they got there, intercepted by Russian army units opened fire
• 200 killed
• 800 wounded

Question 5

What were the goals of the demonstrators of bloody sunday?

Answer 5

• The marchers were industrial workers
• Present petition to Nicholas - issue of working conditions, legislation of trade unions, higher wages and an 8 hour working day, freedom of speech and political reform

Question 6

What happened in the aftermath of bloody sunday?

Answer 6

• Massive waves of protest spread across Russia
• Nearly half a million workers went on strike
• Strikes led to the closure of unis for the remainder of the academic year