Chapter 1 Flashcards
What type of government did Tsar Nicholas II rule under?
Autocracy – absolute control over Russia.
What were the main problems in Russia before 1917?
Food shortages, poor working conditions, lack of political reform, and military failures.
How did World War I weaken the Tsar?
Military defeats, economic collapse, and loss of public support.
What was the significance of the Battle of Tannenberg (1914)?
Huge Russian defeat – 30,000 killed, 95,000 captured.
Why did the Tsar take personal command of the army in 1915?
He believed it would inspire soldiers but it only made him personally responsible for failures.
What role did Rasputin play in weakening the monarchy?
Influenced Tsarina Alexandra when she was left in control and seen as corrupt and immoral due to his rumoured behaviour.
What was the impact of Rasputin’s assassination in December 1916?
Not much as It failed to restore faith in the monarchy,which led the downfall of Tsar Nicholas ll
Why did food and fuel shortages worsen in 1917?
Transport networks collapsed due to the pressure and demand of it for the war
What was the role of workers and soldiers in the 1917 unrest?
They organized strikes and protests, refusing to support the Tsar and the autocratic regime.
When did the February/March 1917 Revolution begin?
23rd February on International Women’s Day where protests over food shortages began rallying support from the workers and women.
What percentage of the Russian population were peasants before 1917?
Around 80%.
What was the economic situation of Russian peasants?
Had Land issues, hunger, high taxes, and poor living conditions.
How did industrialization impact Russian workers?
Poor working conditions, long hours, and low wages led to growing unrest.
What was the role of the Russian Orthodox Church?
Supported the Tsar, reinforcing the idea of divine rule.
How did the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) affect the Tsar’s rule?
Russia’s defeat weakened Nicholas II’s reputation
What event in 1905 led to mass protests?
Bloody Sunday. Where peaceful protesters were shot by the Tsar’s troops.
What political concession did Nicholas II make in 1905?
Created the Duma (parliament),where people other than nobility could join but with limited power.
Why did the Duma fail to create real reform?
Nicholas dissolved it when it opposed him.
What was one of the main reforms before 1917?
Land reforms to create a class of prosperous peasants (Kulaks).
How many Russian soldiers died in WWI?
Around 2 million.
What major Russian offensive failed in 1916?
The Brusilov Offensive.
How did the war affect food supplies in Russia?
Army requisitioning led to severe shortages in cities.
Why did transport networks collapse during WWI?
Overuse and lack of maintenance led to failures.
What role did Tsarina Alexandra play in government during WWI?
She ruled in Nicholas’s absence, relying heavily on Rasputin which eventually led to the tsar’s downfall due to heavy discontent.
Why was Rasputin unpopular with the Russian elite?
Heavy influence over tsaria and corrupt lifestyle and actions he committed
What happened to Rasputin in December 1916?
He was assassinated by nobles trying to save the monarchy.
How did war affect industrial production?
Factories struggled with shortages of raw materials so unable to produce enough for army.
What was the economic impact of WWI on Russia?
Inflation soared, wages staggered, and the cost of living rose.
