February Revolution Flashcards
What significant event occurred in February 1917 that took many by surprise?
The revolution
The Bolsheviks were among those surprised, as they were not in the country at the time.
What role did the war play in the Russian revolution of 1917?
It acted as a catalyst for pre-existing causes
The cost of war exacerbated existing issues.
What urban unrest was seen in Russia starting in 1916?
Shortages of food, fuel, and basic necessities
These shortages caused inflation and deteriorating working conditions.
How did the number of workers on strike change from 1914 to 1916?
Increased from 10,000 to 880,000
1914: 10,000; 1915: 540,000; 1916: 880,000.
What issues did peasants face that contributed to unrest?
Conscription and grain requisition for the army
Peasants faced hardship due to these factors.
What misconception did the Tsar have regarding the unrest?
He believed they could face the challenge down as in 1905
The okhrana had informed him of the scale of the problems.
What event on February 1, 1917, exacerbated the situation leading to the revolution?
Government announced further rationing of bread
This led to panic buying and demonstrations.
What was the significance of February 23, 1917, in the context of the revolution?
International Women’s Day encouraged strikes
Workers at the Putilov factory joined the protests.
What was the size of the crowds by February 25, 1917?
Over 200,000
This indicates the scale of the unrest.
What did workers begin to form during the revolution?
Soviets to represent them
These were councils of workers and soldiers.
What was the response of the cossack troops to the rebellion?
They refused to use force to suppress it
This was a critical moment in the revolution.
What happened on March 2, 1917, regarding the Tsar?
Representatives of the Duma demanded his abdication
The Tsar lost the faith of the Russian elite.
What was created to replace the Tsarist rule?
Dual Authority
Soviets represented workers and the Duma formed a provisional government.
Who led the Provisional Government?
Prince Lvov
Members were largely from middle-class parties.
What was the relationship between the Soviets and the Provisional Government?
They were largely at odds with their aims and representations
The Soviets were seen as more powerful.
What did the Provisional Government recognize about its authority?
It would be temporary
A Constitutional Assembly was to be created after the war.
What were some reasons for public discontent with the Tsar?
- Military incompetence
- Disregard of Duma
- Rasputin conspiracy
- Out of touch with the people
- Spending most time outside the country
- Food shortages
- Fuel shortage
- Poor infrastructure
- Poor working conditions
- Growing disparity between wages and prices
These factors contributed to the overall dissatisfaction with the Tsar’s rule leading up to the revolution.
Identify the major political groups involved during the Russian Revolution.
- Bolsheviks
- Mensheviks
- Socialist Revolutionaries
- Rightists
- Oktoberists
These groups had differing ideologies and approaches to political change in Russia.
What was the structure of the Russian government before the abdication of the Tsar?
- The Tsar
- The Council of Ministers
- The State Council
- The Duma
- Zemstva
This structure illustrates the hierarchy of governance in pre-revolutionary Russia.
Fill in the blank: On the 23rd of February 1917, mass demonstrations began when women textile workers in the _______ district decided on a day of protest.
Vyborg
What was the response of General Khablov to the protests on February 25, 1917?
He banned public gatherings in Petrograd and warned that troops would fire on crowds who disobeyed.
This response indicates the government’s attempt to suppress dissent.
What was the Tsar’s perception of the protests according to his communications with the police?
He was informed that the situation was minor and controllable.
This misjudgment contributed to the Tsar’s inability to effectively respond to the growing unrest.
What significant event occurred on February 27, 1917, regarding the Petrograd garrison?
The Petrograd garrison mutinied and sided with the protesters.
This marked a critical turning point in the revolution as the military withdrew its support from the Tsar.
What did Mikhail Rodzianko communicate to the Tsar regarding the situation in the capital?
He stated, ‘there is anarchy in the capital. The government is paralysed.’
This highlights the desperation and urgency of the political climate at the time.
