IMPERIAL RUSSIA

Question 1

Tsar Nicholas II

Answer 1

The last emperor of Russia, ruling from 1894 until his forced abdication in 1917. Born on May 6 1868, ascended to the throne in 1894after the death of his father. In February 1917, a revolution broke out in Petrograd, and Tsar was forced to abdicate the throne on March 2, 1917. Nicholas and his family were placed under house arrest in Siberia, and were executed on July 17, 1918.

Question 2

Bureaucratic inefficiencies

Answer 2

The Russian government was characterised by a complex, decentralised and often corrupt bureaucracy. The ministries were fragmented, and decision-making processes were slow and ineffective

Question 3

Lack of Accountability

Answer 3

The autocratic system of government meant that there were little accountability for officials or the Tsar himself. Corruption, nepotism and favouritism were rampant

Question 4

Divided Power

Answer 4

The balance of power between the imperial court, the nobility, and the government was often unclear, leading to conflicts and power struggles

Question 5

Economic Stagnation

Answer 5

The Russian economy was largely agrarian, with limited industrial development. This led to economic stagnation, poverty, and social inequality

Question 6

Social Inequality

Answer 6

The Russian empire was marked by significant social and economic disparities between the nobility, bourgeoisie, and peasants. The majority of the population lived in poverty and was excluded from the decision-making process

Question 7

Nationalities Problem

Answer 7

The Russian empire was a multi-ethnic state with over 100 nationalities. The Tsarist government’s policies towards these nationalities were often repressive, leading to nationalist sentiment and demands for independence

Question 8

Military inefficiencies

Answer 8

The Russian military was often plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and poor leadership, which contributed to defeats in wars with neighbouring countries

Question 9

The 1870s

Answer 9

The Alexander II government attempted to reform the Russian bureaucracy, but these efforts were hampered by opposition form conservative circles and the nobility

Question 10

The 1880s

Answer 10

The government’s attempts to modernise the economy and industry were hindered by corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies

Question 11

The 1890s

Answer 11

Tensions between the imperial court and the government led to a series of ministerial crises, which weakened the government’s ability to respond effectively to internal and external challenges

Question 12

The early 20th century

Answer 12

The government’s handling of the Russo-Japanese war and WW1 was marked by poor leadership, inadequate preparation, and corruption, contributing to significant military defeats

Question 13

Nationalisation of Industry

Answer 13

The Bolsheviks nationalised key industries such as banking, mining, and manufacturing, taking them out of the hands of private owners and placing them under state control. This was done in order to reduce the concentration of wealth and power among a small group of individuals

Question 14

Redistribution of Land

Answer 14

The Bolsheviks implemented a program of land redistribution, taking land away from large landowners and distributing it to peasants. This was done in order to reduce poverty and inequality among rural communities

Question 15

Establishment of Social Welfare Programs

Answer 15

The Bolsheviks established a range of social welfare programs aimed at reducing poverty and improving living standards among the working class. These programs included free education, healthcare, and unemployed benefits

Question 16

Implementation of a Progressive Tax System

Answer 16

The Bolsheviks introduced a progressive tax system, which taxed the wealthy at higher rates than those with lower incomes. This was done in order to reduce income inequality and redistribute wealth

Question 17

Establishment of Trade Units

Answer 17

The Bolsheviks established trade unions, which gave workers a collective bargaining power to negotiate for better wages and working conditions

Question 18

Land Reform

Answer 18

The government confiscated land from landowners and redistributed it to peasants

Question 19

Nationalisation

Answer 19

Key industries such as banking, mining, and manufacturing were nationalised to reduce corporate power and increase government control

Question 20

Income Redistribution

Answer 20

The government implemented a system of income redistribution through taxes on the wealthy and subsidies for working-class families

Question 21

Education and Healthcare

Answer 21

The government invested heavily in education and healthcare services, making them free or low-cost for all citizens

Question 22

Labor Rights

Answer 22

The government passed laws to protect workers’ rights, including collective bargaining and unionisation

Question 23

Economic Collapse

Answer 23

The nationalisation of industries led to a decline in productivity and economic efficiency

Question 24

Political repression

Answer 24

The Bolsheviks used violence and repression to maintain their power and silence opposition

Question 25

Social inequality persisted

Answer 25

While some social inequality was reduced, it did not disappear entirely. Many workers continued to live in poverty, while a new elite emerges around the communist party

Question 26

Autocracy

Answer 26

Refers to the absolute power and authority of the Russian monarch, Nicholas II, before the February revolution in 1917. During this period, Nicholas ruled as an autocrat, meaning that he held complete control over the government, army and people, and was accountable to no one

Question 27

Unlimited power

Answer 27

The Tsar has complete authority over all aspects of government, including legislation, justice, and foreign policy

Question 28

Lack of checks and balances

Answer 28

There were no institutions or mechanisms to limit the Tsar’s power or hold him accountable

Question 29

Censorship and Repression

Answer 29

The government tightly controlled information, and dissenting voices were often silenced or punished

Question 30

Economic problems

Answer 30

The Russian economy was struggling with poverty, famine and industrial decline

Question 31

Social unrest

Answer 31

Growing social and economic inequalities sparked widespread discontent among the working class and peasants

Question 32

Nationalist movements

Answer 32

Ethnic groups within Russia, such as the Ukrainians and Finns, sought greater autonomy or independence

Question 33

Communism

Answer 33

Played a significant role in the Russian revolution. The revolution was a complex and multifaceted event that involved various political factions, social classes and ideologies

Question 34

Early influences

Answer 34

Karl Marx’s theories on communism had already gained popularity in Russia by the late 19th century. Many Russian intellectuals, such as Vladimir Lenin and Georgy Plekhanov, were influenced by Marx’s ideas

Question 35

The February revolution

Answer 35

In February 1917, popular protests against food shortages and poverty led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II. The provisional government that took power was dominated by the liberal democrats, who sought to create a constitutional monarchy

Question 36

The October revolution

Answer 36

By October 1917, Russia was a state of economic crisis, with widespread famine, poverty and social unrest. The Bolshevik party, led by Vladimir Lenin, seized power in a violent coup known as the October revolution. The Bolsheviks took control of key institutions, including the government, military and media

Question 37

The rise of communism

Answer 37

The Bolsheviks established a communist government, with Lenin as its leader. They implemented a series of radical reforms aimed at transforming Russian society and economy. These reforms included: Nationalisation of industry and land, establishment of a planned economy, redistribution of wealth and resources, creation of a new social hierarchy

Question 38

Th red terror (1918-1922)

Answer 38

A period of intense repression and violence against perceived enemies of the revolution, including the bourgeoisie, aristocrats and former Tsarist opposition

Question 39

War communism (1918-1921)

Answer 39

A period of economic mobilisation during WW1, characterised by state control over resources, forced labor, and rationing

Question 40

The Cheka (1917-1922)

Answer 40

A secret police force established by Lenin to enforce communist rule and crush opposition

Question 41

The new economic policy (1921-1928)

Answer 41

A policy introduced by Lenin to relax economic controls and allow for limited private enterprise

Question 42

The Russian civil war (1918-1922)

Answer 42

A brutal conflict between the Bolsheviks and various anti-communist forces, including the white army and foreign interventionists

Question 43

Grain requisitions and food shortages

Answer 43

Critics argued that the Bolsheviks’ grain requisitions led to widespread famine and suffering

Question 44

Repression of dissent

Answer 44

The Bolsheviks persecuted and executed anyone deemed counter-revolutionary or oppositional to their role