Impact of WW1 Flashcards
What were the long term causes of Russia entering WW1?
They were concerned about the growing power of Germany
They were rivals with Austria (control over the Balkans)
Guardians of Slavic group
Short term causes for Russia entering WW1?
Triple Entente alliance
Immediate causes for Russia entering WW1?
FF assassinated, Serbia is at war, Russia mobilise to help Serbia, Germany declare war on Russia on August 1st
What were Russia’s early actions during WW1?
Within 2 weeks Russia invade Germany by surprise however the 2 Russian armies fail to co-operate and instead compete with each other to be the first to gain victory. This allows Germany to counter attack.
Why were Russia not ready for a WW1?
They had an army of 6.5 million but only had 4.6 million rifles. The railway was unable to transport food and ammunition to soldiers and could not carry vast amount of casualties.
What was the consequence of Russia not being ready for WW1?
Nicholas had leave Petrograd and go to the front line
What were the 2 consequences of Nicholas going to the front line?
He was now responsible for army failures
He removed himself from the capital and had to rely on others to inform him about what was happening
Why did military failures contribute to the Tsar’s downfall?
There was a huge number of Russians killed e.g. Battle of Tannenburg 300,000 dead or wounded ( as well as the thousands that were taken prisoner) and a loss of experienced officers. People were angry about the way the Tsar was conducting the war- no suitable weapons and clothes. The tsar did not have the military experience to turn the war effort around
Why did difficult living conditions contribute to the Tsar’s downfall?
High unemployment in P+M as non military factories closed. 300% rise in cost of living. Deaths caused by starvation increased, Tsar dismissed “young boys and girls screaming that they have no bread” said it will pass. Food was left by railways to rot due to disruption with transport. Peasants angry about conscription.
Why did the role of Rasputin contribute to the Tsar’s downfall?
Tsar left his wife and Rasputin in charge of the government. Many Russians accused the Tsarina of sabotaging the war effort as she was German. Rasputin interfered with government appointments. Ministers were changed frequently.
Why did the failure to make political reforms contribute to the downfall of the Tsar?
Nicholas dismissed the “Progessive Bloc” who offered to rule the country. This was rejected as well as their policy of “war until victory” which meant the ministers were forced out of government. Prince Lvov wanted Nicholas’ grandfather to take the throne. Many Russians wanted to force the abdication of Nicholas.
By 1917 what had inflation reached?
200%
In 1917 how much percent of it’s grain requirement did Petrograd receive?
48%
What did the army have to reduce its rations to?
From 4000 calories to 2000
Between 1914 and 1917 what did the population of Petrograd rise to and why?
From 2.1 million to 2.4 million because people were needed to work in war factories
