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
How many workers were in the streets on February 23rd?
240,000
How many soldiers joined the protestors on February 27th?
66,000 soldiers mutiny, supplying over 40,000 guns
What did the ‘Order No. 1’ promise for soldiers?
To be able to elect a deputy to the Soviet, all weapons to be elected by committee, no honorific titles for officers
On what day did Nicholas II officially abdicate?
March 2nd
Where did the members of the Provisional Government stem from?
Liberals, moderate socialists and kadets
Why was the Provisional Government considered legitimate?
It was approved by the old Tsarist civil service, army officers and the police
What did the Petrograd Soviet consist of?
Mensheviks, Social Revolutionaries and some Bolsheviks
Where did the Petrograd Soviet and the Provisional Government compromise?
General amnesty for political prisoners, basic civil liberties, abolition of legal disabilities, right to strike and a Constituent Assembly
Where was the Dual Power divided?
Provisional Government tried to discipline deserters while Petrogard Soviet encouraged them
How many peasant disturbances were there in July 1917?
325
How many desertions were there from March to May 1917?
Over 365,000
Who replaced Milyukov and Guchkov as Minister of Agriculture and War?
Viktor Chernev and Alexander Kerensky
Who later replaced Prince Lvov as Chairman?
Alexander Kerensky
What was the Kornilov coup?
General Kornilov sent six troops in August to march on Petrograd and presumably crush the Soviet
What was the result of the Kornilov coup?
His supply lines were cut and the coup leaders arrested
How much had prices changed in 1917?
They were 300% of 1914 in January 1917, and 755% of that in October 1917
Who benefited most from the chaos and disillusionment?
Bolsheviks
