Dissent And Revolution 1917 Flashcards
Who was the autocratic Emperor of Russia in 1917?
Tsar Nicholas II
Tsar Nicholas II was a member of the Romanov dynasty that ruled Russia since 1613.
At what age did Tsar Nicholas II inherit the throne?
26 years old
What significant event occurred when Nicholas II was 12 years old?
His reformist grandfather, Tsar Alexander II, was blown up by a revolutionary bomb.
What was the stance of Nicholas II’s father, Alexander III, regarding tsarist power?
Determined to uphold tsarist power without concessions.
Who tutored Tsar Nicholas II and instilled autocratic values in him?
Konstantin Pobedonostsev
Define ‘reformist’.
A supporter of gradual reform.
What notable action is Tsar Alexander II known for?
The 1861 Emancipation of the Serfs.
Define ‘reactionary’.
Backward-looking and opposed to change, particularly political and social reform.
True or False: A reactionary is averse to innovation and upholding traditional values.
True
Fill in the blank: Tsar Nicholas II was profoundly influenced by his _______ and _______.
reformist grandfather; reactionary father
Who was Tsar Nicholas II?
Tsar Nicholas II (1868-1918) was the last Emperor of Russia.
What significant event occurred in 1917 related to Tsar Nicholas II?
The abdication of Tsar Nicholas II during the February Revolution.
What was the impact of Bloody Sunday in January 1905?
It led to the establishment of a State Duma but with restricted powers.
What was Nicholas II’s approach to the State Duma?
He agreed to its formation but minimized its influence.
What was the role of the Okhrana during Nicholas II’s reign?
The Okhrana was used to crush opposition against the Tsar.
What were the consequences of Nicholas II’s handling of World War I?
It led to public demonstrations and his abdication in February 1917.
How did Nicholas II view his right to rule?
He was convinced of his divine right to rule.
What was a notable personality trait of Nicholas II?
He was naturally shy and awkward in public.
What was Nicholas II’s response to a zemstvo petition for an elected National Assembly?
He dismissed it as a ‘senseless dream.’
How did Nicholas II maintain his authority over ministers?
He kept them weak and pitted them against each other.
What happened to Tsar Nicholas II in January 1918?
He was executed by Bolsheviks.
True or False: Nicholas II was known for being innovative during his reign.
False
Fill in the blank: Nicholas II struggled to make clear _______.
political decisions.
What was the effect of Tsarist government disorganization by early 1917?
It weakened political authority in Russia.
What did Nicholas II believe about his rule in relation to earlier Muscovite rulers?
He believed in having a strong bond with the masses.
What were the demonstrations in February 1917 a response to?
Discontent with the Tsar’s rule and handling of the war.
What actions did Nicholas II take when he felt ministers were gaining power?
He dismissed them by note and avoided confrontations.
What personal traits made Nicholas II ill-suited for his position as Tsar?
He was over-cautious, struggled with details of political affairs, and was extremely stubborn.
Who was Grigorii Rasputin?
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.
What condition did Aleksei, the son of Tsar Nicholas II, suffer from?
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.
What year marked the last year of peace before World War I?
1913.
What significant event did Tsar Nicholas II and his family celebrate in 1913?
The tercentenary of Romanov rule.
How did Nicholas II perceive the discontent around him in 1913?
He seemed barely aware of it, believing ‘my people love me.’
What was Tsarina Alexandra’s original name?
Princess Alix.
What was Tsarina Alexandra’s relationship with Rasputin?
She was devoted to him, which weakened Nicholas’s political position.
What happened to Tsarina Alexandra and her family in March 1918?
They were shot.
What event took place at Kazan Cathedral during the Romanov tercentenary celebrations?
An elaborate thanksgiving service where doves flew over the Tsar and his son.
Fill in the blank: Tsar Nicholas II’s conviction that ‘my people love me’ was expressed during the celebrations for the _______.
Romanov tercentenary.
True or False: Tsar Nicholas II was well-informed about the political situation in Russia in 1913.
False.
What did Tsar Nicholas II interpret as a sign of God’s blessing on his dynasty during the tercentenary celebrations?
A pair of doves that flew from the rafters at Kazan Cathedral.
What did Alexandra urge Nicholas to do in response to the revolutionaries in February 1917?
To stand up to them.
What characterized the atmosphere during the Romanov tercentenary celebrations?
Crowds flocked to cheer and thank God for their Tsar.
What was the public’s reaction to the Tsar’s appearance during the celebrations?
They cheered, waved banners, and expressed adoration.
Fill in the blank: The Tsar and his family embarked on a three-month tour of _______ after the tercentenary celebrations.
old Muscovy.
What was one of the main factors that damaged Nicholas II’s reputation?
Rasputin’s influence and behavior.
What event in 1914 triggered the involvement of Russia in World War I?
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
This event was part of a broader protest against Austro-Hungarian rule over Slavic people.
What was the Tsar’s decision in July 1914?
To mobilise Russian armies against Austria-Hungary
This decision led to a rapid escalation of the conflict as Germany supported Austria-Hungary.
What were the main military opponents of Russia on the Eastern Front?
Germans and Austro-Hungarians
Russia fought primarily against these two powers during the war.
What was the impact of the defeats at the Battle of Tannenburg and the Masurian Lakes?
300,000 Russian casualties and a temporary retreat from East Prussia
These defeats severely impacted Russian morale and military effectiveness.
Fill in the blank: The initial victories of the Russian army were followed by _______.
defeats at the hands of the Germans
What was the role of the All Russian Union of Zemstva during the war?
To provide support and mobilise resources for the war effort
This organization represented local self-governance bodies and aimed to assist the military.
What was a significant logistical issue faced by the Russian army in 1914?
Lack of suitable weaponry and basic supplies
Soldiers often had to rely on weapons from fallen comrades.
What was the state of Russian infantry’s weaponry in 1914?
Two rifles for every three soldiers
This inadequacy severely hampered the army’s effectiveness.
What was the Brusilov offensive?
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.
What were the consequences of heavy casualties and loss of experienced officers for the Russian army?
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.
True or False: The Russian government was able to effectively provide for the 12 million men mobilised between 1914 and 1917.
False
The government struggled to supply the soldiers with adequate equipment and clothing.
What was the public sentiment towards the Tsar’s command during the war?
Diminishing public confidence and rising discontent
Reports of military incompetence fueled dissatisfaction with the monarchy.
Fill in the blank: The capital of Russia was renamed from _______ to Petrograd.
St. Petersburg
What was the response of the Duma to the war situation?
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.
What belief did everyone who approached the army carry away by the end of 1916?
Complete demoralisation is in progress
Soldiers began to demand peace openly and forcefully.
What was the reaction of officers towards leading their units against the enemy?
They refused due to fear of being killed by their own men
This indicates a significant loss of morale and trust.
What did the Tsarist government establish in July 1914 regarding military zones?
Suspended all civilian authority and assumed military command
This was opposed by the liberal zemstva.
What did the liberal zemstva believe regarding civilian involvement in the war?
Civilians needed to play a major part in running the war
They established a ‘Union of Zemstva’ for medical facilities.
What was Zemgor?
The All Russian Union of Zemstva and Cities
Formed in June 1915 to assist the Tsar’s government in the war effort.
Who chaired Zemgor?
Prince Lvov
Zemgor claimed the right to help the Tsar’s government.
What did the ‘Progressive bloc’ demand from Tsar Nicholas II in August 1915?
Change his ministers and establish a government of public confidence
This was effectively asking for a constitutional monarchy.
What was Nicholas II’s response to the demands for political reform?
He refused to contemplate such a move
This refusal reflected his lack of political astuteness.
What role did Nicholas II take on in September 1915?
Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army and Navy
His decision was disastrous and did not improve the war effort.
What impact did Nicholas II’s new position have on his reputation?
Made him appear more responsible for military disasters
He lacked the military experience needed for effective leadership.
What was Rasputin’s influence on the Tsar’s decisions?
He meddled in political appointments and policy decisions
This distanced Nicholas from developments in Petrograd.
Fill in the blank: The years between 1914 and 1917 were marked by disputes over the organization of the _______.
[war effort]
Who was Prince Lvov?
A wealthy aristocratic landowner and leader of Zemgor
He became head of the Provisional Government after the Tsar’s abdication.
True or False: The Tsar’s decision to take command of the military improved the morale of the troops.
False
It worsened his standing with the General Staff and the public.
What did the Congress of Representatives of Industry and Business aim to do?
Help coordinate production during the war
It included representatives from the dumas and workers.
What event is referred to as the ‘tand revolution’?
The 1917 revolution in Russia
This revolution led to significant social and political changes in Russia.
Who was Rasputin?
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.
What action did Prince Yusupov take in December 1916?
He murdered Rasputin
This act was an attempt to save the reputation of the monarchy.
What did Nicholas II express more concern about in his letters to Alexandra?
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.
What economic challenges did Russia face during World War I?
Massive inflation, increased taxes, and reliance on loans
The war severely damaged industrial and agricultural productivity.
What happened to the Russian railway system during the war?
It virtually collapsed under the strain of war
Transport of goods was severely affected, leading to food shortages.
What was a significant consequence of the war on food supplies?
Food supplies to towns fell due to worker shortages and hoarding by peasants
This contributed to widespread hunger and discontent.
By February 1917, what was the general sentiment among the Russian populace?
Loss of confidence in the Tsar and government
Discontent was widespread across all levels of society.
How did workers express their discontent in early 1917?
Through strikes, riots, and violence
These actions reflected their anger over unmet everyday needs.
True or False: The cost of living in Russia increased by 300 percent during the war.
True
This increase contributed to the widespread discontent among the population.
Fill in the blank: The government increased taxes and raised huge loans to pay for the _______.
war
What factors contributed to the acute hunger in Russia during the war?
Transport failures, food hoarding, and military conscription
These issues led to severe food shortages in urban areas.
What was the impact of the naval blockades on Russian trade?
Brought Russian trade to a virtual standstill
This was due to the loss of overland routes and ports.
What was a notable issue faced by non-military factories during the war?
They were forced to close or reduce operations
This added to the economic strain and unemployment.
What did the rank and file of the army experience on the front line?
Near mutiny due to poor conditions
Soldiers were discontent with their situation and the lack of resources.
Who were the founders of the Progressive Bloc?
Pavel Milyukov and other liberal leaders
They sought political reform and were critical of the Tsar’s government.
What event led to the arrest of two spokesmen in the context of worker discontent?
They were arrested as unreliable elements under emergency regulations
This indicates the repressive measures taken against those expressing discontent.
What was the inflation rate increase in Russia by the beginning of 1917?
300 per cent rise in the cost of living
This significant inflation contributed to widespread hardship among the population.
In January 1917, how many workers went on strike in Moscow?
30,000 workers
In Petrograd, 145,000 workers also went on strike, reflecting widespread discontent.
What was the general sentiment of ordinary Russian citizens towards the Tsar by February 1917?
Loss of confidence in the Tsarist regime
Despite their struggles, many still claimed love for the Tsar but were indifferent to the rulers’ fate.
What were the conditions faced by soldiers on the front line during the winter of 1916 to 1917?
Appalling operating conditions with temperatures falling to 35 degrees below zero
This led to near mutiny among some regiments.
Who was Aleksandr Guchkov and what did he attempt regarding the Tsar?
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.
Fill in the blank: Lenin rejected the majority view and claimed that the war must be turned into a _______.
civil war of the proletarian soldiers against their own governments.
What was the reaction of the Russian army rank and file to their conditions during the war?
Desertion and near mutiny
This reflects the soldiers’ growing discontent and hardship.
What did Pavel Milyukov accuse the Tsar’s ministers of in November 1916?
Seeking peace with Germany behind the Duma’s back
This accusation highlighted the lack of trust in the Tsarist government.
What was a major consequence of the strikes and lock-outs in urban centers?
Financially crippled what little industry survived
This resulted in increased unemployment and economic instability.
Who was Prince Lvov and what did he indirectly ask about in January 1917?
He asked Grand Duke Nicholas if he would be prepared to take over the throne
This indicates a potential shift in leadership considerations.
True or False: By February 1917, most ordinary men and women were no longer patriotic.
False
Most were still patriotic but became indifferent to the fate of their rulers due to their struggles.
What was the impact of the First World War on the Russian people as summarized in the government’s Okhrana report?
The report highlighted widespread discontent and hardships faced by the population
It reflects the government’s awareness of the growing unrest.
What major political party did Pavel Nikolayevich N. help found?
Constitutional Democratic Party
He played a significant role in Russian politics before the revolution.
Fill in the blank: Aleksandr Ivanovich Guchkov was a wealthy _______ businessman.
Moscow
