February/March Revolution Of 1917 Flashcards
Who was Leon Trotsky?
Lev Davodovich Bronstein, a Marxist revolutionary and theorist
Trotsky was exiled to Siberia in 1898 for his involvement in radical groups
What significant event did Trotsky participate in 1917?
He became a leader in the Bolshevik Revolution of October 1917
Trotsky was in the USA during the first revolution in February 1917
What telegram did Rodzianko send to the Tsar on 27 February?
‘The last hour has come when the fate of the fatherland and the dynasty is being decided!’
This telegram indicated a critical moment in Russian history
What was Tsar’s reaction to Rodzianko’s telegram?
He dismissed it as nonsense and refused to respond
The Tsar underestimated the significance of the situation
In what year was Trotsky exiled to Siberia?
1898
Trotsky was involved in radical groups prior to his exile
What did Trotsky do after escaping from Siberia in 1902?
He went to London, met Lenin, and returned to found the St Petersburg Soviet in 1905
This marked his active involvement in revolutionary politics
What position did Trotsky hold after returning to Russia in May 1917?
He became a Bolshevik and chaired the Petrograd Soviet
His leadership was crucial during the October Revolution
What committee did Trotsky organize to plan the Bolshevik takeover?
The Military Revolutionary Committee
This committee was instrumental in executing the Bolshevik strategy
What role did Trotsky serve in the Bolshevik government?
Commissar for Foreign Affairs
This position was significant in shaping Soviet foreign policy
In what year was Trotsky expelled from the Communist Party?
1929
His expulsion marked a significant shift in Soviet politics under Stalin
What happened to Trotsky in 1940?
He was murdered by a Stalinist agent in Mexico
This assassination was part of Stalin’s purges against political opponents
What was the key catalyst for the February/March Revolution in 1917?
The shortage of bread.
On what date did the International Women’s Day march occur in 1917?
23 February 1917.
How many workers were on strike in Petrograd on 24 February 1917?
200,000 workers.
What songs did the crowds sing during the protests on 24 February 1917?
‘La Marseillaise’.
What was the response of the police to the protests on 23 February 1917?
Order was restored by a desperate police force.
Fill in the blank: The events leading to the February Revolution were sparked by the _______.
shortage of bread.
What significant event occurred on 26 February 1917 involving Rodzianko?
He sent a telegram to the Tsar warning him of the serious situation.
What did the Tsar order the Duma to do on 27 February 1917?
To dissolve.
True or False: The protests on 25 February 1917 were organized by radical political parties.
False.
What was the approximate number of people on strike in Petrograd by 25 February 1917?
250,000 people.
What happened to Shalfeev, the officer in charge of the mounted police, on 25 February 1917?
He was dragged from his horse, beaten, and shot.
What was the role of Cossacks during the protests on 25 February 1917?
Some refused to attack a procession of strikers.
What was the outcome of the mutiny that began on 28 February 1917?
Soldiers joined the protesters.
Fill in the blank: The major Bolshevik leaders were _______ and Julius Martov.
absent.
What was the public sentiment among soldiers ordered to suppress protests?
Many had peasant or worker backgrounds and sympathized with the protesters.
What were the striking workers waving during the protests on 24 February 1917?
Red flags and red rosettes.
On what date did the police attack the crowds as they struggled to keep order?
22 February 1917.
What were the workers’ actions on 23 February 1917 during the International Women’s Day march?
They joined the traditional march along with militant students and women from bread queues.
What did the telegram sent by Rodzianko to the Tsar indicate?
The serious situation in Petrograd.
Fill in the blank: The protests in Petrograd led to a virtual _______ of the city.
standstill.
What event is referred to as the February/March Revolution of 1917?
A series of protests and strikes in Petrograd leading to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.
Who was Aleksandra Kollontai?
A Bolshevik leader who studied Marx and fought for women’s rights in Soviet government.
What was the outcome of the mutiny in the Volynskii regiment?
66,000 soldiers mutinied and joined protestors, arming them with 40,000 rifles.
Fill in the blank: The Tsar ordered Major-General Khabalov to restore order by _______.
[military force]
What significant action did the Duma take on February 27, 1917?
Set up a 12-man Provisional Committee to take over the government.
True or False: Nicholas II successfully restored order in Petrograd after the protests began.
False
Which social class did many soldiers who were ordered to shoot demonstrators belong to?
Peasant or worker background.
What did the revolutionary workers group based in Vyborg district aim to do?
Influence the events of the February 1917 disturbances.
Fill in the blank: The Duma’s decision to support the Provisional Committee came after the army’s High Command ordered troops to _______.
[halt and give support]
Who were the Bolshevik leaders absent during the February 1917 protests?
Vladimir Lenin, Julius Martov, Leon Trotsky.
What did Nicholas II propose to Rodzianka in his telegram?
To share power with the Duma.
What was the reaction of Rodzianka to Nicholas II’s proposal?
‘The measures you propose are too late. The time for them has gone.’
What role did Aleksandra Kollontai play in the government after returning from exile?
Fought for the simplification of marriage and divorce.