February/ March Revolution Flashcards
What was the aim of the Feb 1917 revolution?
To end the Tsarist regime in Russia
How did military factors influence the Feb revolution?
WW1 was a disaster for Russia as they suffered defeat after defeat at the hands of Germany for example in 1915 Germany launched a series of offensives on Russia and large areas of Russian territories were overrun
The effort/cost of war meant that soldiers were suffering, e.g. 2 million s killed so morale was affected and people looked for someone to blame
How did leadership impact the Feb revolution?
In 1915, Tsar Nicholas II took personal command of the army. He left St. Petersburg and moved to army headquarters in Russian Poland, the Tsar knew little about the command and organisation of large military forces, and the series of defeats and humiliations continued. Nicholas II’s decision to take charge meant that he was increasingly seen by the Russian people as having personal responsibility for the military disasters inflicted on Russia
How did government impact the Feb revolution?
The departure of Nicholas II to the front meant that the effective government of Russia now came under the control of the Tsarina Alexandra. As a result, members of the government tended to be increasingly weak and ineffective men who owed their positions not to their ability and effectiveness, but to winning favour with the Tsarina.
How did Rasputin impact the Feb revolution?
He advised the Tsarina on appointments to the government; he interfered in important decisions; he could do no wrong in the Tsarina’s eyes - excuses were always made for his excessive, antisocial behaviour. To the Russian people, Rasputin symbolised everything that was wrong with imperial government.
What was the “Hooligan Movement”?
In February 1917, rioting began in the capital city of Petrograd, formerly St. Petersburg, as crowds attacked bakeries in the desperate search for bread which was due to be rationed on March 1st. In the following days, strikes and demonstrations took place and even soldiers began to join in the protests. Police struggled to keep order
Why did a strike occur on Wed 22nd Feb?
22,000 workers were locked out of the Putilov factories by managers after pay talks collapsed and workers from other factories also went on strike to support them
When was International Women’s day?
Thursday 23rd February
What was International Women’s day?
90,000 workers went on strike and 50 factories closed. The striking workers joined women for a march in Petrograd. Chaos on streets estimated 240,000 people. Desperate police force restored order
What was “La marseillasie”?
200,000 workers went on strike overturning Tsarist statues, waving red flags, singing slogans such as “La Marsiellaise” to end Tsarist Russia
What did Cossacks refuse to do?
Suppress the protests and instead were reported to be handing out rifles and bread- significant as these people were supposed to be loyal to Tsar
Why was he Feb revolution not considered a “Bolshevik Revolution”
As most Bolsheviks were in exile or imprisoned e.g. Lenin was in New York and people accepted the idea of a spontaneous uprising driving by the working class
What was the Tsar’s abdication?
Representatives of the Duma met with Tsar on board his train and requested his abdication. The tsar agreed to abdicate on 2nd March
What were the reasons for the Tsar’s abdication?
His senior generals were not willing to support him and he lost the support of the middle class due to rumours of corruption and incompetence in the wartime goverment
Mutiny of soldiers?
Mutiny began where sergeant soldiers shot his army commander dead- 66000 soldiers mutinied and joined the protesters- arming them with 40,000 rifles
