Chapter 11 Flashcards
Political authority, opposition and the state of Russia in wartime
In what ways was war in 1914 a popular decision?
Strike activity ceased and extremists were imprisoned for their lack of patriotism
How was national solidarity dampened?
Battle of Tannenburg which left 300,000 dead or wounded in August 1914
What was the impact of the Battle of Tannenburg?
Military incompetence inflamed the simmering discontent in the Russian capital
How did the Tsarist government attempt to organise the war effort?
Military zones in which all civilian authority was suspended
The prohibiton of what item sparked outrage amongst Russians?
Vodka
How did the zemstva provide aid?
They established a ‘Union of Zemstva’ to provide medical facilities neglected by the state
What political group claimed to help the Tsarist war effort?
The All-Russian Union of Zemstva and Cities (Zemgor)
What did the ‘progressive bloc’ demand?
They demanded that the Tsar should change his ministers and provide a ‘government of public confidence’
How did Nicholas II handle political opposition from his government?
He suspended the Dumas in September 1917, even though unauthorised meetings still happened
How did Nicholas II lose the military confidence of the country?
Defeats in Galicia led him to becoming commander-in-chief even though he did not have strong military experience
When and where was Rasputin murdered?
The Yusupov Palace on 17th December 1916
Was Nicholas II aware of political and military discontent?
Not really - ‘this will all pass and quieten down’
How many peasants were moblised in the military?
15 million
How was the army unable to provide for its soldiers?
No suitable weaponry, lacked basic warm clothing as well as footwear
What was the Brusilov offensive?
A Russian attempt to push westwards from the Ukraine to Hungrarian lines
How many deserters were there by the end of 1916?
1.5 million
How did spending on the war change from 1914 to 1918?
From 1,500 million roubles to 14,500 million roubles
What were the economic problems within the Empire?
Rural and industrial workforce was affected, production slumped, and parts of the Empire were taken over by Germans
How did some people thrive during the war?
Those with horses or surplus grain supplied the military
How was life hard for rural people?
Prices offered by the government was low, tools and equipment were in short supply and it was hard to find household essentials
What was the rise in the cost of living in towns?
300%
How many workers went on strike in January 1917?
30,000 in Moscow and 145,000 in Petrograd
How many workers were locked out of the Putilov Iron Works 22 February 1917?
20,000
What global celebration occured on 23rd February 1917?
International Women’s Day
