Impact of WW1 on Russian politics and economy

Question 1

Why did the Tsar temporarily close the Duma in 1915?

Answer 1

the Duma formed the Progressive Bloc - consisted of different groups inc. Kadets - aim was to convince Tsar to establish a Ministry of Public Confidence to help run the war - Tsar saw this as attempt to weaken his autocratic power

Question 2

Why did the Tsarina gain greater political control in 1915?

Answer 2

Tsar went to front, she was left in charge

Question 3

Why was the Tsarina the wrong person to run the state?

Answer 3

• German hence unpopular (WW1), foreign
• Appointed incompetent politicians e.g. Alexander Protopopov - Minister of Internal Affairs
• Sacked able politicians e.g. Alexei Polivanov - Minister of War
• Did not trust organisations e.g. Zemgor, War Industries Committee
• influenced by Rasputin, monk who treated her sons illness

Question 4

Why was being associated with Rasputin bad for the Tsarina’s credibility?

Answer 4

People thought of him as a womaniser, a drunk

Question 5

When was Rasputin assassinated?

Answer 5

December 1916

Question 6

How did the Tsars control rapidly collapse?

Answer 6

• strikes and protests began to occur in major cities e.g. Moscow, Petrograd
• Tsar ordered strikes to be ended by force, Tsar ignored requests to return from front, by the time he agreed railway strikes prevented him from doing so
• country in chaos, lost support of armed forces
• 2nd March 1917 Tsar Abdicated

Question 7

What was the economic impact of WW1 on Russia?

Answer 7

• 1916 Russian economy struggling to meet needs of armed forces and population - finances struggling
• By 1917 inflation had reached 200%
• Tsar banned sale/production of alcohol - reduced tax revenues - countrys national debt quadrupled
• growth of war economy meant more people were needed in the city - massive city population increases e.g. Petrograd 14-17 2.1m-2.7m
• Rise in inflation & living standards decline resulted in labour unrest - strikes increased
• Constant issues surrounding agricultural production - crisis 1916 - peasants could not get stable price for grain
• Many peasants hoarded grain for their own use - 1917 only 10% grain sold to markets
• trains diverted to war, not for food transportation to cities e.g. Moscow 1914 2200 railway wagons of grain/ month, Dec 16 only 300

Question 8

What was the result of peasants hoarding their grain and there being a lack of trains available to transport grain to the cities?

Answer 8

• In Jan 17 Petrograd received 48% grain requirements

- army forced to half its calorie ration from 4000