Dissent And Revolution 1917 Flashcards

1
Q

Who was the autocratic Emperor of Russia in 1917?

A

Tsar Nicholas II

Tsar Nicholas II was a member of the Romanov dynasty that ruled Russia since 1613.

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2
Q

At what age did Tsar Nicholas II inherit the throne?

A

26 years old

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3
Q

What significant event occurred when Nicholas II was 12 years old?

A

His reformist grandfather, Tsar Alexander II, was blown up by a revolutionary bomb.

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4
Q

What was the stance of Nicholas II’s father, Alexander III, regarding tsarist power?

A

Determined to uphold tsarist power without concessions.

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5
Q

Who tutored Tsar Nicholas II and instilled autocratic values in him?

A

Konstantin Pobedonostsev

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6
Q

Define ‘reformist’.

A

A supporter of gradual reform.

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7
Q

What notable action is Tsar Alexander II known for?

A

The 1861 Emancipation of the Serfs.

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8
Q

Define ‘reactionary’.

A

Backward-looking and opposed to change, particularly political and social reform.

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9
Q

True or False: A reactionary is averse to innovation and upholding traditional values.

A

True

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10
Q

Fill in the blank: Tsar Nicholas II was profoundly influenced by his _______ and _______.

A

reformist grandfather; reactionary father

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11
Q

Who was Tsar Nicholas II?

A

Tsar Nicholas II (1868-1918) was the last Emperor of Russia.

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12
Q

What significant event occurred in 1917 related to Tsar Nicholas II?

A

The abdication of Tsar Nicholas II during the February Revolution.

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13
Q

What was the impact of Bloody Sunday in January 1905?

A

It led to the establishment of a State Duma but with restricted powers.

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14
Q

What was Nicholas II’s approach to the State Duma?

A

He agreed to its formation but minimized its influence.

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15
Q

What was the role of the Okhrana during Nicholas II’s reign?

A

The Okhrana was used to crush opposition against the Tsar.

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16
Q

What were the consequences of Nicholas II’s handling of World War I?

A

It led to public demonstrations and his abdication in February 1917.

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17
Q

How did Nicholas II view his right to rule?

A

He was convinced of his divine right to rule.

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18
Q

What was a notable personality trait of Nicholas II?

A

He was naturally shy and awkward in public.

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19
Q

What was Nicholas II’s response to a zemstvo petition for an elected National Assembly?

A

He dismissed it as a ‘senseless dream.’

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20
Q

How did Nicholas II maintain his authority over ministers?

A

He kept them weak and pitted them against each other.

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21
Q

What happened to Tsar Nicholas II in January 1918?

A

He was executed by Bolsheviks.

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22
Q

True or False: Nicholas II was known for being innovative during his reign.

A

False

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23
Q

Fill in the blank: Nicholas II struggled to make clear _______.

A

political decisions.

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24
Q

What was the effect of Tsarist government disorganization by early 1917?

A

It weakened political authority in Russia.

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25
Q

What did Nicholas II believe about his rule in relation to earlier Muscovite rulers?

A

He believed in having a strong bond with the masses.

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26
Q

What were the demonstrations in February 1917 a response to?

A

Discontent with the Tsar’s rule and handling of the war.

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27
Q

What actions did Nicholas II take when he felt ministers were gaining power?

A

He dismissed them by note and avoided confrontations.

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28
Q

What personal traits made Nicholas II ill-suited for his position as Tsar?

A

He was over-cautious, struggled with details of political affairs, and was extremely stubborn.

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29
Q

Who was Grigorii Rasputin?

A

A self-styled ‘holy man’ and faith-healer who influenced Tsar Nicholas II and interfered in government appointments.

Rasputin was known for his womanizing and drunkenness, damaging Nicholas’s reputation with key political figures.

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30
Q

What condition did Aleksei, the son of Tsar Nicholas II, suffer from?

A

Haemophilia, an inherited disease that prevented his blood from clotting.

Rasputin was able to ease Aleksei’s pain, which contributed to his influence over the Tsar.

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31
Q

What year marked the last year of peace before World War I?

A

1913.

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32
Q

What significant event did Tsar Nicholas II and his family celebrate in 1913?

A

The tercentenary of Romanov rule.

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33
Q

How did Nicholas II perceive the discontent around him in 1913?

A

He seemed barely aware of it, believing ‘my people love me.’

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34
Q

What was Tsarina Alexandra’s original name?

A

Princess Alix.

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35
Q

What was Tsarina Alexandra’s relationship with Rasputin?

A

She was devoted to him, which weakened Nicholas’s political position.

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36
Q

What happened to Tsarina Alexandra and her family in March 1918?

A

They were shot.

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37
Q

What event took place at Kazan Cathedral during the Romanov tercentenary celebrations?

A

An elaborate thanksgiving service where doves flew over the Tsar and his son.

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38
Q

Fill in the blank: Tsar Nicholas II’s conviction that ‘my people love me’ was expressed during the celebrations for the _______.

A

Romanov tercentenary.

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39
Q

True or False: Tsar Nicholas II was well-informed about the political situation in Russia in 1913.

A

False.

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40
Q

What did Tsar Nicholas II interpret as a sign of God’s blessing on his dynasty during the tercentenary celebrations?

A

A pair of doves that flew from the rafters at Kazan Cathedral.

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41
Q

What did Alexandra urge Nicholas to do in response to the revolutionaries in February 1917?

A

To stand up to them.

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42
Q

What characterized the atmosphere during the Romanov tercentenary celebrations?

A

Crowds flocked to cheer and thank God for their Tsar.

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43
Q

What was the public’s reaction to the Tsar’s appearance during the celebrations?

A

They cheered, waved banners, and expressed adoration.

44
Q

Fill in the blank: The Tsar and his family embarked on a three-month tour of _______ after the tercentenary celebrations.

A

old Muscovy.

45
Q

What was one of the main factors that damaged Nicholas II’s reputation?

A

Rasputin’s influence and behavior.

46
Q

What event in 1914 triggered the involvement of Russia in World War I?

A

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

This event was part of a broader protest against Austro-Hungarian rule over Slavic people.

47
Q

What was the Tsar’s decision in July 1914?

A

To mobilise Russian armies against Austria-Hungary

This decision led to a rapid escalation of the conflict as Germany supported Austria-Hungary.

48
Q

What were the main military opponents of Russia on the Eastern Front?

A

Germans and Austro-Hungarians

Russia fought primarily against these two powers during the war.

49
Q

What was the impact of the defeats at the Battle of Tannenburg and the Masurian Lakes?

A

300,000 Russian casualties and a temporary retreat from East Prussia

These defeats severely impacted Russian morale and military effectiveness.

50
Q

Fill in the blank: The initial victories of the Russian army were followed by _______.

A

defeats at the hands of the Germans

51
Q

What was the role of the All Russian Union of Zemstva during the war?

A

To provide support and mobilise resources for the war effort

This organization represented local self-governance bodies and aimed to assist the military.

52
Q

What was a significant logistical issue faced by the Russian army in 1914?

A

Lack of suitable weaponry and basic supplies

Soldiers often had to rely on weapons from fallen comrades.

53
Q

What was the state of Russian infantry’s weaponry in 1914?

A

Two rifles for every three soldiers

This inadequacy severely hampered the army’s effectiveness.

54
Q

What was the Brusilov offensive?

A

A Russian attempt to push westwards from Ukraine against Austro-Hungarian lines in June 1916

This offensive aimed to improve Russian fortunes on the Eastern Front.

55
Q

What were the consequences of heavy casualties and loss of experienced officers for the Russian army?

A

Fall in morale and 1.5 million desertions by the end of 1916

These issues compounded the challenges faced by the army throughout the war.

56
Q

True or False: The Russian government was able to effectively provide for the 12 million men mobilised between 1914 and 1917.

A

False

The government struggled to supply the soldiers with adequate equipment and clothing.

57
Q

What was the public sentiment towards the Tsar’s command during the war?

A

Diminishing public confidence and rising discontent

Reports of military incompetence fueled dissatisfaction with the monarchy.

58
Q

Fill in the blank: The capital of Russia was renamed from _______ to Petrograd.

A

St. Petersburg

59
Q

What was the response of the Duma to the war situation?

A

Dissolved itself, stating it did not want to burden the country with unnecessary politics

This reflected the political turmoil and lack of effective governance during wartime.

60
Q

What belief did everyone who approached the army carry away by the end of 1916?

A

Complete demoralisation is in progress

Soldiers began to demand peace openly and forcefully.

61
Q

What was the reaction of officers towards leading their units against the enemy?

A

They refused due to fear of being killed by their own men

This indicates a significant loss of morale and trust.

62
Q

What did the Tsarist government establish in July 1914 regarding military zones?

A

Suspended all civilian authority and assumed military command

This was opposed by the liberal zemstva.

63
Q

What did the liberal zemstva believe regarding civilian involvement in the war?

A

Civilians needed to play a major part in running the war

They established a ‘Union of Zemstva’ for medical facilities.

64
Q

What was Zemgor?

A

The All Russian Union of Zemstva and Cities

Formed in June 1915 to assist the Tsar’s government in the war effort.

65
Q

Who chaired Zemgor?

A

Prince Lvov

Zemgor claimed the right to help the Tsar’s government.

66
Q

What did the ‘Progressive bloc’ demand from Tsar Nicholas II in August 1915?

A

Change his ministers and establish a government of public confidence

This was effectively asking for a constitutional monarchy.

67
Q

What was Nicholas II’s response to the demands for political reform?

A

He refused to contemplate such a move

This refusal reflected his lack of political astuteness.

68
Q

What role did Nicholas II take on in September 1915?

A

Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army and Navy

His decision was disastrous and did not improve the war effort.

69
Q

What impact did Nicholas II’s new position have on his reputation?

A

Made him appear more responsible for military disasters

He lacked the military experience needed for effective leadership.

70
Q

What was Rasputin’s influence on the Tsar’s decisions?

A

He meddled in political appointments and policy decisions

This distanced Nicholas from developments in Petrograd.

71
Q

Fill in the blank: The years between 1914 and 1917 were marked by disputes over the organization of the _______.

A

[war effort]

72
Q

Who was Prince Lvov?

A

A wealthy aristocratic landowner and leader of Zemgor

He became head of the Provisional Government after the Tsar’s abdication.

73
Q

True or False: The Tsar’s decision to take command of the military improved the morale of the troops.

A

False

It worsened his standing with the General Staff and the public.

74
Q

What did the Congress of Representatives of Industry and Business aim to do?

A

Help coordinate production during the war

It included representatives from the dumas and workers.

75
Q

What event is referred to as the ‘tand revolution’?

A

The 1917 revolution in Russia

This revolution led to significant social and political changes in Russia.

76
Q

Who was Rasputin?

A

A controversial figure who had influence over the Tsar’s family, particularly Tsarina Alexandra

Rasputin was seen by many as a manipulative figure in the Russian court.

77
Q

What action did Prince Yusupov take in December 1916?

A

He murdered Rasputin

This act was an attempt to save the reputation of the monarchy.

78
Q

What did Nicholas II express more concern about in his letters to Alexandra?

A

The well-being of their children rather than the food shortages

His letters included terms of endearment but reflected a disconnect from the growing crisis.

79
Q

What economic challenges did Russia face during World War I?

A

Massive inflation, increased taxes, and reliance on loans

The war severely damaged industrial and agricultural productivity.

80
Q

What happened to the Russian railway system during the war?

A

It virtually collapsed under the strain of war

Transport of goods was severely affected, leading to food shortages.

81
Q

What was a significant consequence of the war on food supplies?

A

Food supplies to towns fell due to worker shortages and hoarding by peasants

This contributed to widespread hunger and discontent.

82
Q

By February 1917, what was the general sentiment among the Russian populace?

A

Loss of confidence in the Tsar and government

Discontent was widespread across all levels of society.

83
Q

How did workers express their discontent in early 1917?

A

Through strikes, riots, and violence

These actions reflected their anger over unmet everyday needs.

84
Q

True or False: The cost of living in Russia increased by 300 percent during the war.

A

True

This increase contributed to the widespread discontent among the population.

85
Q

Fill in the blank: The government increased taxes and raised huge loans to pay for the _______.

A

war

86
Q

What factors contributed to the acute hunger in Russia during the war?

A

Transport failures, food hoarding, and military conscription

These issues led to severe food shortages in urban areas.

87
Q

What was the impact of the naval blockades on Russian trade?

A

Brought Russian trade to a virtual standstill

This was due to the loss of overland routes and ports.

88
Q

What was a notable issue faced by non-military factories during the war?

A

They were forced to close or reduce operations

This added to the economic strain and unemployment.

89
Q

What did the rank and file of the army experience on the front line?

A

Near mutiny due to poor conditions

Soldiers were discontent with their situation and the lack of resources.

90
Q

Who were the founders of the Progressive Bloc?

A

Pavel Milyukov and other liberal leaders

They sought political reform and were critical of the Tsar’s government.

91
Q

What event led to the arrest of two spokesmen in the context of worker discontent?

A

They were arrested as unreliable elements under emergency regulations

This indicates the repressive measures taken against those expressing discontent.

92
Q

What was the inflation rate increase in Russia by the beginning of 1917?

A

300 per cent rise in the cost of living

This significant inflation contributed to widespread hardship among the population.

93
Q

In January 1917, how many workers went on strike in Moscow?

A

30,000 workers

In Petrograd, 145,000 workers also went on strike, reflecting widespread discontent.

94
Q

What was the general sentiment of ordinary Russian citizens towards the Tsar by February 1917?

A

Loss of confidence in the Tsarist regime

Despite their struggles, many still claimed love for the Tsar but were indifferent to the rulers’ fate.

95
Q

What were the conditions faced by soldiers on the front line during the winter of 1916 to 1917?

A

Appalling operating conditions with temperatures falling to 35 degrees below zero

This led to near mutiny among some regiments.

96
Q

Who was Aleksandr Guchkov and what did he attempt regarding the Tsar?

A

He was a founder of the Progressive bloc who engaged in talks about a possible coup to force the abdication of the Tsar

His actions indicate significant political discontent among the elite.

97
Q

Fill in the blank: Lenin rejected the majority view and claimed that the war must be turned into a _______.

A

civil war of the proletarian soldiers against their own governments.

98
Q

What was the reaction of the Russian army rank and file to their conditions during the war?

A

Desertion and near mutiny

This reflects the soldiers’ growing discontent and hardship.

99
Q

What did Pavel Milyukov accuse the Tsar’s ministers of in November 1916?

A

Seeking peace with Germany behind the Duma’s back

This accusation highlighted the lack of trust in the Tsarist government.

100
Q

What was a major consequence of the strikes and lock-outs in urban centers?

A

Financially crippled what little industry survived

This resulted in increased unemployment and economic instability.

101
Q

Who was Prince Lvov and what did he indirectly ask about in January 1917?

A

He asked Grand Duke Nicholas if he would be prepared to take over the throne

This indicates a potential shift in leadership considerations.

102
Q

True or False: By February 1917, most ordinary men and women were no longer patriotic.

A

False

Most were still patriotic but became indifferent to the fate of their rulers due to their struggles.

103
Q

What was the impact of the First World War on the Russian people as summarized in the government’s Okhrana report?

A

The report highlighted widespread discontent and hardships faced by the population

It reflects the government’s awareness of the growing unrest.

104
Q

What major political party did Pavel Nikolayevich N. help found?

A

Constitutional Democratic Party

He played a significant role in Russian politics before the revolution.

105
Q

Fill in the blank: Aleksandr Ivanovich Guchkov was a wealthy _______ businessman.

A

Moscow