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.