Key Topic 1: The Tsarist Regime and its Collapse 1914 -1917 Flashcards
Describe how Russia was ruled under the Tsar before the February Revolution 1917
Russia was an autocracy- Tsar had complete power. He could appoint or sack ministers or make any other decisions without telling anyone else. A weak Parliament (Duma) that failed to represent the people’s views. The Tsar used his secret police (Okhrana) to get rid of anybody who went against him. These people were usually exiled to Siberia.
Explain why the Tsar was a weak leader
He avoided making important decisions. In a country as huge as Russia where tasks had to be delegated (shared out) this was a problem because the Tsar tried to getting involved in everything! The system of autocracy (unlimited rule by one person) worked only if the Tsar was strong but Nicholas was not a strong character. He showed little understanding of in politics and how to run a country. For example, he appointed family members and friends to important positions. Many where incompetent and corrupt and accepted bribes.
Explain why there was a revolution in 1905? (Bloody Sunday)
Causes: Bad harvests in 1900 and 1902. Russia was at war with Japan (1904-05). This was disastrous and humiliated both the Tsar and Russia. The war produced food shortages. Peasants and workers were forced to join the army. People were fed up of a poor life- bad working conditions and low wages.
What were the key features of Bloody Sunday?
200,000 people protested outside the Tsar’s Winter Palace. The demonstrators wanted the war with Japan to end, better working conditions and a higher wage. The Tsar’s soldiers fired on the crowd without warning and killed hundreds and wounded thousands.
What were the effects of Bloody Sunday and the 1905 revolution?
Chaos spread throughout the country- There were Strikes, riots and mutiny (revolt) in the navy. Strikers formed Soviets- worker’s council to organise strikes. Tsar issued the October Manifesto (1905) to stop further chaos. He promised: freedom of speech, a national parliament (Duma), an end to censorship, the right to form other political parties.
Describe the problems of ruling Russia in 1917
Russian empire in 1917 was HUGE! (92 times as big as Britain). Its size made it hard to rule. Communications were difficult. Roads were unpaved and slow. Even the new railways only connected a fraction of the country. Farming methods were old-fashioned and slow. Population was rising so more food was needed and food shortages were common.
Describe the key features of political parties in Russia before World War I
Constitutionalists (Cadets)- Wanted a democratic style government. They wanted the Tsar’s power LIMITED by a constitution and an elected parliament. Revolutionaries believed in the OVERTHROW of the Tsar. The largest group was the Socialist Revolutionaries (SRs), who believed in a revolution by the peasants. The Social Democrats believed in a revolution led by the workers in towns. Split into two groups. Bolsheviks (led by Lenin) - wanted a small party who would organise the revolution. Mensheviks - wanted a mass party and were prepared for slow change.
Explain the effects of the First World War on Russia in 1917.
In 1915 the Tsar took personal command of the army. The Tsar became unpopular as Russia faced many humiliating defeats. The Tsar left the Tsarina in charge of Russia. Many didn’t trust her (she was German) and did not like the influence Rasputin had. This made the Tsar MORE UNPOPULAR. There were shortages of fuel and food because workers and Farmers were sent to fight the war. This made it harder to grow enough food and keep factory production up. The army also took horses from farms which made it hard to plough the land.
Explain why there was a revolution in Russia in February 1917?
Russia was at war. This caused food shortages. Tsar left his wife in charge- and the Tsar was out of touch with the growing anger of the people. Very cold winter affected food supplies to cities and towns. Prices got high and food had to be rationed- people got hungry and angry.
What were the key features of the February Revolution?
Strikes- people began to demand food. The Tsar lost support and control. He ordered his soldiers to shoot at the mobs but many refused and joined the people. Unrest turned into revolution! The soldiers and workers fought together to capture the main weapons store. They fought the police. On 27-28 Feb they stormed prisons and released political prisoners. The Duma (government) took control and set up the Provisional Government to take over.
What were the effects of the February Revolution?
Russia now had a Provisional Government. This meant that the new government could face opposition from revolutionaries who wanted power for themselves- Bolsheviks. The Petrograd Soviet issued Order No 1 to the army in Petrograd. It said the army must obey the Provisional Government, (as long as its orders agreed with those of the Petrograd Soviet.) The Tsar abdicated (gave up his throne) and was taken prisoner.
Explain why the February Revolution succeeded.
The army joined the people bringing weapons and ammunition. Before this the people did not have an organised revolution (just angry demonstrations against the government). The suddenness of it and the way the Tsar made things worse by ordering troops to fire, were important factors. The army then became an important part of the Petrograd Soviet and getting the Provisional government accepted.
What happened at the battle of Tannenburg?
The Battle of Tannenburg in August 1914 was Russia’s worst defeat in World War One. In fact, the Russian army never fully recovered from the battle at Tannenburg. The commander of Russia’s Second Army - Alexander Samsonov - was badly let down by the commander of Russia’s First Army - Renennkampf, who had failed to advance his army to support Samsonov. Also, Russian telegrams were intercepted by the Germans, who surrounded and destroyed the Second Army.
What happened at the battle of Masurian Lakes?
The commander of Russia’s First Army, having failed to support Samsonov’s Second Army which was destroyed at Tannenburg, was then defeated himself by the same German generals. The Russians lost 125,000 men.
Explain the effects of the Kornilov Affair.
Kerensky (leader of PG) had to give weapons to the Bolsheviks to save his government from a military takeover. These weapons were later used by the Red Army against the Provisional Government in the October revolution. The PG had lost support of the army and the Bolsheviks were now the real power in Russia. Lenin encouraged Trotsky to prepare plans for seizing power.
