Disset and Revolution (pg 1) Flashcards
Which 2 things to do with his grandfather, Alexander II, and his father, Alexander III, influenced Nicholas greatly?
- Alexander II was blown up by a bomb thrown by revolutionaries
- Alexander III was determined to uphold autocracy without concessions
3 things that helped to weaken political authority in Russia by early 1917
1) Nicholas’ reluctance to innovate (he established a Duma only under duress and did everything he could to undermine it)
2) Problems of state finance
3) Disorganisation due to overlapping institutions
Was entering WW1 initially a popular decision?
Yes, there was a wave of anti-German sentiment, social and political disorder ended and the State Duma dissolved itself to not burden the country with ‘unnecessary politics’
When did the optimism for the war begin to simmer away?
Russian defeat at the Battle of Tannenburg in August 1914 left 300,000 dead or wounded and a defeat at the Masurian lakes in September caused a retreat from East Prussia. This proved war would not be a quick victory and reports of military incompetence made it worse
How many rifles were there for every 3 soldiers in 1914?
Two rifles for every three soldiers
How many rounds per day could artillery be limited to in 1915?
Two to three shells per day
How many desertions were there by the end of 1916?
1.5 million
What arguments (2) can be made to show that Russian military incompetence wasn’t the reason for the Revolution?
Russia managed to tie down the German armies on the Eastern Front for 3 years
In 1916 Russia produced more shells than Germany
What was the ‘Union of Zemstva’?
It was created by the zemstva to provide medical facilities which the state seemed to neglect
What was the ‘Congress of Representatives of Industry and business?
Set up by factory owners and businessmen to coordinate production
What was the ‘Progressive Bloc’?
A collection of over half of the Fourth Duma deputies that demanded the Tsar change his ministers and establish a ‘government of public confidence’ - effectively a constitutional monarchy
When did Tsar become Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army and Navy?
In September 1915 after defeats on the Austro-Hungarian front
Why was it a mistake to become Commander-in-Chief?
He lacked the confidence and support of the General Staff and lacked any military experience. It also made him seem more responsible for failures
How many Prime Ministers were there from 1915-16?
4 different Prime Ministers - increased allegations of Rasputins influence
