IMPERIAL RUSSIA Flashcards
Tsar Nicholas II
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.
Bureaucratic inefficiencies
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
Lack of Accountability
The autocratic system of government meant that there were little accountability for officials or the Tsar himself. Corruption, nepotism and favouritism were rampant
Divided Power
The balance of power between the imperial court, the nobility, and the government was often unclear, leading to conflicts and power struggles
Economic Stagnation
The Russian economy was largely agrarian, with limited industrial development. This led to economic stagnation, poverty, and social inequality
Social Inequality
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
Nationalities Problem
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
Military inefficiencies
The Russian military was often plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and poor leadership, which contributed to defeats in wars with neighbouring countries
The 1870s
The Alexander II government attempted to reform the Russian bureaucracy, but these efforts were hampered by opposition form conservative circles and the nobility
The 1880s
The government’s attempts to modernise the economy and industry were hindered by corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies
The 1890s
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
The early 20th century
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
Nationalisation of Industry
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
Redistribution of Land
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
Establishment of Social Welfare Programs
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
Implementation of a Progressive Tax System
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
Establishment of Trade Units
The Bolsheviks established trade unions, which gave workers a collective bargaining power to negotiate for better wages and working conditions
Land Reform
The government confiscated land from landowners and redistributed it to peasants
Nationalisation
Key industries such as banking, mining, and manufacturing were nationalised to reduce corporate power and increase government control
Income Redistribution
The government implemented a system of income redistribution through taxes on the wealthy and subsidies for working-class families
Education and Healthcare
The government invested heavily in education and healthcare services, making them free or low-cost for all citizens
Labor Rights
The government passed laws to protect workers’ rights, including collective bargaining and unionisation
Economic Collapse
The nationalisation of industries led to a decline in productivity and economic efficiency
Political repression
The Bolsheviks used violence and repression to maintain their power and silence opposition
Social inequality persisted
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
Autocracy
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
Unlimited power
The Tsar has complete authority over all aspects of government, including legislation, justice, and foreign policy
Lack of checks and balances
There were no institutions or mechanisms to limit the Tsar’s power or hold him accountable
Censorship and Repression
The government tightly controlled information, and dissenting voices were often silenced or punished
Economic problems
The Russian economy was struggling with poverty, famine and industrial decline
Social unrest
Growing social and economic inequalities sparked widespread discontent among the working class and peasants
Nationalist movements
Ethnic groups within Russia, such as the Ukrainians and Finns, sought greater autonomy or independence
Communism
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
Early influences
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
The February revolution
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
The October revolution
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
The rise of communism
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
Th red terror (1918-1922)
A period of intense repression and violence against perceived enemies of the revolution, including the bourgeoisie, aristocrats and former Tsarist opposition
War communism (1918-1921)
A period of economic mobilisation during WW1, characterised by state control over resources, forced labor, and rationing
The Cheka (1917-1922)
A secret police force established by Lenin to enforce communist rule and crush opposition
The new economic policy (1921-1928)
A policy introduced by Lenin to relax economic controls and allow for limited private enterprise
The Russian civil war (1918-1922)
A brutal conflict between the Bolsheviks and various anti-communist forces, including the white army and foreign interventionists
Grain requisitions and food shortages
Critics argued that the Bolsheviks’ grain requisitions led to widespread famine and suffering
Repression of dissent
The Bolsheviks persecuted and executed anyone deemed counter-revolutionary or oppositional to their role
