Chapter 1

Question 1

Reasons for Nicholas’ weakened authority by 1917 (4)

Answer 1

1. Nicholas’ personality
2. Alexandra and Rasputin
3. Refusal to share power with Duma
4. Did not seek to actively solve Russia’s problems

Question 2

How did his personality weaken his authority?

Answer 2

Divine right
advice = criticism
undermined ministers

Question 3

How did his Alexandra and Rasputin weaken his authority?

Answer 3

Rumours of affair
Alexandra = german princess
Alexandra forced Nicholas to trust Rasputin - gave peasant more power - annoyed other ministers

Question 4

How did his relationship with the Duma weaken his authority?

Answer 4

refusal to share power meant those who were hoping for a more democratic approach were frustrated
meant Nicholas remained responsible for all problems

Question 5

when was the first duma formed?

Answer 5

1906 - after 1905 rev

Question 6

How did his approach to solving Russia’s problems weaken his authority?

Answer 6

Believed russia should put faith in god - did not actively seek to solve problems

Question 7

who were the main 3 opposition groups and what did they stand for?

Answer 7

1. Liberals - reform and constitutional moarchy
2. SRs represented peasant interests - internal divisions - political assassinations
3. SDs - mens and bols - represented the proletariat - divided in 1903 as couldnt decide how to apply Marxism

Question 8

what were the 2 main impacts of WWI and what caused them?

Answer 8

1. famine - men at war so labour shortages - transport disruption - peasants hoarded grain - military were prioritised - factories producing ammunition not food
2. Soaring cost of living - raised taxes - inflation - increased unemployment

Question 9

what was the Battle of Tannenburg?

Answer 9

Aug 1914
300,000 killed/wounded
huge morale drop
caused by lack of equipment

Question 10

when did nicholas become commander in chief?

Answer 10

Sept 1915

Question 11

when was Rasputin assassinated and by who?

Answer 11

Dec 1916 by Prince Yusupov

Question 12

how was discontent expressed and to who?

Answer 12

those in positions of power in the class above them (landowner, businessmen, factory owner)
strikes, unrest in countryside and desertions from army

Question 13

in 1916 how many deserted the army?

Answer 13

1.5 million

Question 14

what was the scorched earth policy?

Answer 14

army burned crops and land as they retreated to stop enemy from having grain - people lose livelihoods and homes

Question 15

what was the progressive bloc and when was it established?

Answer 15

aug 1915
duma deputies
demanded responsiblity for war effort be handed over to civilian gov - nicholas refused - increased liberal discontent

Question 16

what was the all russian union of zemstva and cities?

Answer 16

established june 1915
headed by Prince Lvov
provided medical support which the gov seemed to neglect

Question 17

what was nicholas’ reaction to the all russian union of zemstva and cities?

Answer 17

refused to let it take part in the gov’s management of war

Question 18

how was peasant discontent expressed?

Answer 18

seizure of noble and church lands
attacking/burning property

Question 19

what was the congress of representatives of industry and business?

Answer 19

factory owners and businessmen
coordinate production for the war effort

Question 20

what percentage of the population were peasants?

Answer 20

80%