AS FP1 : Causes of the February Revolution

Question 1

The war effort

How many Russians died on the Western Front?

Answer 1

8 million

Question 2

The War effort

How many desertions were there by the end of 1916?

Answer 2

1.5 million

Question 3

The War Effort

How many rifles were there for every 3 soldiers?

Answer 3

2

Question 4

Social and Economic State of Russia 1917

How much did government spending increase after the beginning of the war?

Answer 4

From 4 million to 30 million roubles.

Question 5

Social and Economic State of Russia 1917

What did inflation and immigration result in?

Answer 5

Food shortages due to rising prices and an icreased demand. The war years were “times of acute hunger if not famine.” (Oxford.)

Question 6

The war effort

What was the problem with the Russian Army?

Answer 6

• Incompetent generals who lacked experience
• Russian soldiers poorly educated
• Russian Industry was underdeveloped

The First World War exposed the weaknesses of the Russian Army, they achieved victories but many were short lived e.g Battle of Tannenberg lead to Great Retreat 1915

Question 7

Social and Economic State of Russia 1917

How high was inflation by 1917?

Answer 7

200%

Question 8

Social and Economic State of Russia 1917

What percentage of its total grain requirements did Petrograd recieve in 1917?

Answer 8

Only 48%

Question 9

Social and Economic state of Russia

What were the rations for the army in 1917?

Answer 9

Only 2000kcal per day

Question 10

Social and Economic State of Russia 1917

When was there a munitions crisis what was its effects?

Answer 10

1915 - The Russian artillery units were only allowed 3 shells per day.

Question 11

Social and Economic State of Russia 1917

What happened to the cost of living between 1914 and 1916?

Answer 11

It quadrupled

Question 12

Discontent

What happened in 1915 that was a major failure for the Tsar?

Answer 12

He declared himself head of the Russian army, he was poorly qualified and now any mistakes or failures could be blamed on him.

Question 13

Discontent

Why was it problematic that the Tsarina was left in charge?

Answer 13

• The Tsarina was German - hostilities developed as they were at war with Germany
• Rumours that the Tsarina and the Tsar were under the control of Rasputin ; Rasputing was a symbol of political corruption for Russia.

Question 14

Discontent

How many times did the prime minister change between 1915 and 1916?

Answer 14

3 times

Ministerial leapfrog - Rhodzianko

Question 15

Russian Politics

What was the name of the alliance of Duma deputies?

Answer 15

The Progressive Bloc

Question 16

Russian Politics

What did the Tsar do concerning the progressive bloc which caused the middle classes to turn against him?

Answer 16

The Tsar refused to co-operate with the progressive bloc.

Question 17

Urban unrest

How many workers were on strike by 1916?

Answer 17

880,000
Response to the inflation, rationing and shortages.

Question 18

Rural Unrest

What effect did the war have on Rural Russia?

Answer 18

Young,male peasants were conscripted creating a shortage of labour.
Grain prices were kept low, resulting in peasants not making any profits ; in turn they turned to substinence farming.

Question 19

Social and Economic State of Russia 1917

What happened as a result of the army taking over transport?

Answer 19

Food was left to rot as it could not be transported.