Impact of WW1

Question 1

How did WW1 impact morale?

Answer 1

• Huge loss of life - estimated 1.7mil soldiers
• Failure of the Brusilov Offensive in Summer 1916 led to mass retreats and 1.5mil deserters
• Prohibition contributed to social unrest as vodka had been used as a way to escape

Question 2

How was WW1 not that bad for morale?

Answer 2

Initial successes against the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman armies until 1915 when Nicholas took over as Commander in Chief

Question 3

How did WW1 impact the Russian economy?

Answer 3

• Rural and industrial workforce severely affected by conscription – production slumps
• Spending on war rose from 1,500m roubles in 1914 to 14,500m in 1918
• Russia abandoned the gold standard which allowed it to print more money to pay workers causing inflation - food prices rose by 200%

Question 4

How did WW1 impact food and transport?

Answer 4

• By 1916 Petrograd and Moscow were receiving only a third of their grain and fuel requirements
• Peasants began hoarding their grain
• In 1917, Petrograd had only received 300 wagons of food when it need 1000

Question 5

How did WW1 impact Russia politically?

Answer 5

• In 1915 Nicholas left to go be Commander in Chief of the armed forces left Alexandra and Rasputin in charge - rumours of their affair scandalised the Romanov family and humiliated Nicholas
• Alex was german which led to anxieties of her loyalty as Russia were fighting Germany
• Tsarina appointed and dismissed 3 prime ministers until she found one she could control - those fired included Polikanov - a capable war minister