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.
What was the immediate cause of the protests in Petrograd in early 1917?
Strikes and bread queues.
Fill in the blank: The disturbances in Petrograd appeared _______ and leaderless.
[spontaneous]
What did the revolutionaries establish to organize food supplies for the city?
A Soviet.
Who was in charge of the Petrograd Military District during the February Revolution?
Major-General Khabalov.
What was the fate of police headquarters during the protests?
Attacked and prisons were opened.
True or False: There were major Bolshevik leaders present during the February Revolution.
False
What did research by James White suggest about revolutionary activity in February 1917?
Small bands of revolutionary activists were at work, influencing events.
What was the public sentiment towards the Tsar during the February Revolution?
Widespread discontent and calls for change.
Who is Viktor Chernov?
A revolutionary figure and leader of the Socialist Revolutionaries, Minister of Agriculture in 1917, and later settled in the USA
Chernov was involved in revolutionary activities from a young age and played a significant role in the founding of the Socialist Revolutionary Party.
What party did Viktor Chernov help found?
Socialist Revolutionary Party
Chernov provided much of the intellectual input for the party’s founding in 1901.
What position did Viktor Chernov hold in the Provisional Government of 1917?
Minister of Agriculture
Chernov was a prominent figure in the government formed after the February Revolution.
How do Soviet historians interpret the February 1917 events?
As the result of an inevitable class struggle between bourgeoisie-proletarian forces and traditional aristocratic forces
This interpretation emphasizes a spontaneous uprising by the oppressed working class.
What surprised both liberals and socialists in February 1917?
The speed of events
The rapid developments took many political actors by surprise, as they were not anticipating the uprising.
Fill in the blank: Viktor Chernov was arrested in 1894 after joining _______.
People’s Will
People’s Will was a revolutionary organization involved in the struggle against the Tsarist regime.
What was the role of the Socialist Revolutionaries in the Second Duma of 1907?
Leader of the Socialist Revolutionaries
Chernov played a significant leadership role during this period.
True or False: The leaders of the Bolshevik Party were present during the February 1917 uprising.
False
Many Bolshevik leaders were either imprisoned or in exile at the time.
What did Soviet historians prefer to emphasize regarding the February Revolution?
The idea of a spontaneous rising driven by the oppressed working class
This perspective was adopted due to the absence of direct Bolshevik leadership.
What event led to the establishment of the Petrograd Soviet?
The emergence of soviets in Petrograd and other cities during the February/March Revolution
When was the Petrograd Soviet set up?
27 February
What was ‘Order No. 1’?
A charter of soldiers’ rights produced on 1 March
List two promises made in ‘Order No. 1’.
- All units to elect a deputy to the Soviet and agree to the political control of the Petrograd Soviet
- All weapons to be controlled by elected soldiers committees - not officers
What was the official title of the Petrograd Soviet?
Soviet of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Deputies
How many members did the Petrograd Soviet have by 10 March?
3000 members
Who dominated the executive committee of the Petrograd Soviet?
Socialist intellectuals, including Aleksandr Kerensky
What happened to Tsar Nicholas II’s train during the revolution?
It was diverted by rebellious railway workers and forced to stop at Pskov
Who pressured Tsar Nicholas II to resign?
General Alexeev, Chief of General Staff
What was the proposed plan for Nicholas II’s abdication?
Nicholas should resign in favor of his son Aleksei, with Mikhail as regent
What decision did Nicholas II make regarding his abdication on 2 March?
He named Grand Duke Mikhail as the new Tsar
What ultimately happened to the offer of the throne made to Mikhail?
Mikhail refused the offer
What was the fate of the Tsar and his family after his abdication?
They were placed under house arrest
What significant dynasty ended with Nicholas II’s abdication?
The Romanov dynasty
What were Soviets originally?
Councils that appeared during the revolution of 1905
True or False: The term ‘Soviet’ originally had a political connotation.
False
Where was the Kronstadt naval base located?
19 miles west of Petrograd at the head of the Gulf of Finland
What significant action did workers take in cities during the revolution?
They seized control of their factories and set up their own soviets
Fill in the blank: The economic distress in Petrograd was more a _______ for the abdication than its sole cause.
catalyst
What should one consider when discussing the reasons for Tsar Nicholas’s abdication?
The situation before February 1917 and both long- and short-term reasons
What is a constitution?
The set of laws by which a country is governed
Constitutions establish the framework for government and the rights of citizens
Identify a prominent member of the Provisional Government who served as the Leader.
Prince G. E. Lvov
Lvov played a key role in the leadership of the Provisional Government
What was the main task of the Petrograd Soviet?
To represent the interests of workers, soldiers, and peasants
The Petrograd Soviet was seen as a more democratic organization compared to the Provisional Government
Fill in the blank: The Provisional Government believed that the power of the state should be based on _______.
the consent of free citizens
This reflects a shift from autocratic to democratic principles
What were some promises made by the Provisional Government?
- A general amnesty for political prisoners
- Civil liberties
- The abolition of legal disabilities based on class, religion, and nationality
- Freedom to organize trade unions and to strike
- The election of a Constituent Assembly
These promises were aimed at gaining support from the populace
True or False: The Provisional Government was initially accepted as legitimate by the old tsarist civil service.
True
This acceptance was crucial for the Provisional Government’s initial authority
What was the Dual Authority in Russia?
Governance by an alliance of the Provisional Government and the Soviet
This arrangement characterized the political landscape in Russia after February 1917
What was the reaction of the mass of workers, soldiers, and peasants towards the Provisional Government?
They regarded it as a self-appointed committee of the wealthy
This perception hindered the Provisional Government’s legitimacy among the general populace
Name two prominent members of the Provisional Government besides Prince G. E. Lvov.
- P. N. Milyukov (Foreign Minister)
- A. I. Guchkov (Minister of War)
These individuals played significant roles in the governance during this period
What key policy did the Provisional Government state regarding the war?
They aimed to continue fighting until a ‘just peace’ had been achieved
This policy was controversial and led to protests
What did the Petrograd Soviet establish as its headquarters?
The left wing of the Tauride Palace
This location became a center for its operations and influence
Fill in the blank: The Provisional Government was predominantly composed of _______.
liberals, moderate socialists, and Kadets
This diverse composition aimed to reflect a broad political spectrum
What was the significance of ‘Order No. I’ issued by the Soviet?
It instructed soldiers to obey the Soviet rather than the Provisional Government
This order was a pivotal moment in the power dynamics between the two authorities
Identify a key weakness of the Dual Power arrangement.
Lack of confidence needed to assume direct control
This weakness contributed to political instability
True or False: The Provisional Government rejected the idea of elections for a Constituent Assembly.
False
They committed to elections, although these were delayed
What was the original intention behind the establishment of the Provisional Government?
To be temporary and hold elections for a new Constituent Assembly
This intention reflected the desire for a more democratic governance
What did the Provisional Government do to the tsarist police?
Replaced them with a new police structure
This was part of broader reforms to establish a new order
What was the general sentiment of soldiers regarding the Provisional Government’s authority?
Soldiers were encouraged to defy authority and assert their rights
This sentiment was fueled by the hardships of war and demand for reforms
What significant changes did the government make after the February Revolution?
Freedom of religion and the press, abolished the death penalty at the front, replaced the tsarist police force with a ‘peoples militia’, dismissed Provincial Governors, and transferred their work to elected zemstva.
These changes were part of the reforms implemented by the Provisional Government following the abdication of the Tsar.
What was the main directive of the Soviet’s Order No. I?
Soldiers and workers should obey the Provisional Government’s decisions only when the Soviet agreed with them.
This created a power struggle between the Provisional Government and the Soviet.
What was the stance of the Provisional Government regarding the war?
They committed to an all-out effort to win the war, despite widespread unpopularity.
This commitment conflicted with the Soviet’s view of ending the war quickly without territorial annexation.
What triggered the resignation of Milyukov and Guchkov in May 1917?
Milyukov’s announcement that the government would continue fighting until a ‘just peace’ was won, which led to a storm of protest.
Their resignation was a response to popular pressure from the Petrograd Soviet.
Who replaced Milyukov and Guchkov in the Provisional Government?
Socialists from the Soviet, including Viktor Chernov as Minister of Agriculture and Aleksandr Kerensky as Minister of War.
This change reflected the increasing influence of socialist factions within the government.
What was the outcome of the Provisional Government’s situation regarding elections for a Constituent Assembly?
Elections were constantly postponed due to fear that the SRs and Bolsheviks would win.
The Provisional Government was hesitant to proceed with reforms, such as land redistribution, pending the elections.
What characterized the leadership of the Soviet during this period?
It was largely SR and Menshevik, focused on protecting the rights of workers and peasants.
They believed their main task was to support the bourgeois revolution as outlined by Marx.
What event in February 1917 led to the collapse of the autocracy?
A spontaneous breakdown of order in Petrograd and a mutiny in the Tsar’s garrisons.
This led to the abdication of the Tsar and the formation of the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet.
What two bodies claimed authority after the Tsar’s abdication?
The Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet.
These bodies represented traditional elites and the workers and peasants.
True or False: The Provisional Government was able to implement significant reforms effectively.
False.
The uneasy relationship with left-wing forces led to paralysis in governance.
Fill in the blank: The Provisional Government relied on _______ loans for survival.
French
This reliance on foreign loans created additional pressures on the government.
Who succeeded Lvov as Chairman (effectively Prime Minister) in July 1917?
Kerensky
This change marked a shift in leadership during a critical period of the revolution.
