February Revolution (Downfall of the Tsar) Flashcards
Social Discontent
-In 1914 - 2.5 million factory workers - 1.88% of the population.
- industrial workers faced unsafe working conditions, low wages, and overcrowded housing.
-Russian peasants - 80% of population, lived in extreme poverty with poor farming methods and limited land.
-By 1916, taxation without income tax caused widespread riots due to economic strain.
-Workers migrating to cities lived in unsanitary conditions, with cesspools of human waste creating health risks.
-In St. Petersburg, living conditions were particularly poor, especially for women.
Political Repression:
The Tsar used a strict autocratic system to maintain power. The Okhrana (secret police) infiltrated opposition groups to arrest threats.
-Legal punishment for dissent often included exile to Siberia, where prisoners were isolated from political influence.
The Orthodox Church was heavily tied to the Tsarist regime, promoting loyalty by portraying the Tsar as chosen by God.
Strikes and protests over poor working conditions often led to violent crackdowns.
A revolution nearly occurred in the early 1900s, threatening the Tsar’s control over Russia.
Who was Stolypin?
in July 1906 Tsar dismissed Witte as Chief Minister and replaced him with Stolypin
What happened to the Dumas?
1st Duma was elected in 1906 and was dissovled 75 days after in May. It was Critical of the Tsar’s regime.
1907 Duma was also critical of the Tsar amd was therefore dissolved.
3rd duma 1907 autumn - tsar changed voting system to ensure richest 1% voted for 2/3 of representation - generally suppportive of tsar and lasted 5 yrs
4th Duma 1912 and also met with the tsars wishes
Stolypin’s Policy of repression
He set up Field courts for civilians to provide justice for those deems “obviously guilty”
Just over 1000 people were arrested, tried and executed for their role in the revolution.
21,000 people were sent to Siberian Prison camp under his policies
Between 1907 and 1911, 1,800 were hanged (Noose nicknamed “Stolypin’s necktie”)
Stolypin’s policy of reform
His agricultural reforms gained peasant support by He allowed peasants to buy land and set up a Peasants’ Bank to assist them.
The kulaks - class of richer farmers that emerged from this.
Also included Improvements in education, introduction of a social security scheme, and better conditions in the armed services.
To boost military capacity a A naval building program was established under him.
He supported industrial growth as Encouragement was given for the building of new and larger factories.
His reform programme ended following his assassination in 1911.
Impacts of Stolypin’s Policies
Industrial production rose by 100% during this period-
Rapid industrial growth led to poor living and working conditions for industrial workers.
Resulted in a wave of strikes before 1914.
1912 Lena goldfields strike: Troops killed over 200 strikers and injured hundreds. This event sparked widespread strikes in urban areas and a general strike in St. Petersburg (July 1914).
The Incompetence of Tsar Nicholas ii
Poor Leadership: Tsar Nicholas II ruled ineffectively, made poor decisions, and refused to reduce his absolute power.
Alienation: He was detached from the struggles of the Russian people and alienated ethnic minorities and liberals.
Duma Crisis (1915): Closed the Duma after the PROGRESSIVE BLOC in September - Alliance of political forces in the Duma, formed during ww1 to push for political reforms. Held 236/442 seats and opposed the Tsar’s Autocratic rule. (Octoberists and Kadets)
Became Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army on September 5, 1915 and moved to army hq is Russian Poland - leaving behind a weakened Government. He lacked knowledge of military tactics, Oversaw continued defeats, disorganisation, and severe shortages of ammunition, equipment, and medical supplies - placed under blame and held directly responsible for military disasters
Issue of Raputin
Background: Rasputin, a monk from Siberia, known for drunkenness, womanizing, and rumored ties to the Khlyst sect.
Connection to the Tsar: In April 1907, Tsarina Alexandra sought Rasputin’s help for her son Alexei’s haemophilia.
Influence: Rasputin gained significant influence over the Tsarina. He advised the Tsarina on government appointments and interfered in important decisions.
Public Perception: Viewed by Russians as a symbol of corruption, leading to ridicule of the royal family.
Death: Murdered by royalists in 1916, but his influence had already damaged the imperial reputation.
Discontent amongst peasants
Conscription: A third of the Russian Army was made up of peasants, many of whom were injured by 1916.
Scorched Earth Policy: The army’s retreat in 1915 destroyed farmland, leaving peasants’ livelihoods devastated.
Grain Shortages: Food shortages led poorer peasants to hoard grain, worsening hardships.
WW1 discontent amongst peasantry
Many of those conscription into the army had come from the Russian peasantry. By 1916 a third had been injured.
Scorched Earth Policy: The army’s retreat in 1915 from from Poland and Lithuania destroyed farmland, leaving peasants’ livelihoods devastated.
Food shortages led poorer peasants to hoard grain, worsening hardships.
Revolutionary Groups in Russia Before 1914
weakened by Stolypin’s tactics and the Okhrana by 1914.
Groups remained underground and continued to attract support.
18 September 1911, revolutionaries assassinated Stolypin.
Pravda: The Bolshevik newspaper gained significant popularity among workers.
Despite Bolshevik influence, Lenin did not participate in the February Revolution, believing revolution should be organized, not spontaneous.
Economic Problems in Russia During World War I
By 1917, Russia faced near economic collapse due to the war.
Industrial Crisis: Shortages of raw materials and finished goods led to severe supply shortages for the army.
Transport Issues: Russia’s underdeveloped railway system struggled to meet wartime demands, hindering food supply to cities.
Agricultural Decline: Conscription of millions of peasants reduced farm labor, leading to food shortages and declining production. - By 1917, approximately 15 million people had been conscripted.
Inflation: By 1916, inflation hit 200%, the rouble’s value dropped, and basic food prices soared, making life harder for the poor.
Discontent Among Workers in Petrograd (1917)
War Economy Strain: The war economy led to overcrowded cities, rising unemployment, and deteriorating living conditions due to food shortages.
Food Shortages -The abandonment of Poland and Lithuania in 1915 deprived Russia of farmland.
Peasants hoarded grain, and railways prioritized the war effort over city supplies.
Petrograd received only half the required grain in 1917.
Social Unrest:
January 1917: 140,000 workers went on strike in Petrograd to mark Bloody Sunday (6th Jan)
February 1917: Riots broke out, with crowds attacking bakeries over bread shortages.
Strikes and protests escalated, especially after bread rationing was announced.
International Women’s Day (1917): Strikers from the Putilov Engineering Plant joined protests, and soldiers began to join, refusing to fire on the crowds.
The Tsarina’s Role During World War I
Tsarina Alexandra took control of Russia’s government.
Alexandra was unpopular, reserved, awkward, and a German princess, raising suspicions about her loyalty.
Aexandra appointed weaker, less competent ministers who were loyal to her and her husband, undermining the effectiveness of the government.
Decisions led to an increasingly ineffective government, which worsened Russia’s situation during wartime.
Political reasons for the Tsar’s downfall
1915: Tsar Nicholas II personally took over as Commander-in-Chief after defeats in Galicia, leaving governance to Tsarina Alexandra, a German-born princess widely mistrusted + reliance on Rasputin further undermined confidence in the monarchy.
The Progressive Bloc (1915)
