Long Term Discontent impact on 1917 Revolution

Question 1

What were the reasons for Long term discontent with previous Tsars + the Tsarist regime?

Answer 1

Alexander II:
- Nobles wanted revolution and to industrialise Russia yet he failed to make changes and his reforms weren’t analysed.

• Introduced the Emancipation of the serfs where he freed the peasantry however found serfs would have to buy lands from landowners which no one could ever afford which started huge riots.

Alexander III:

• Traditional monarchist + strongly autocratic
• Forceful and hated idea of representative government.
• Introduced policy of Russification designed to force Russian culture upon everyone living there.

Question 2

What were there key causes of the 1905 Revolution?

Answer 2

• Nicholas sparked a war with Japan during a period where Russia was in mist of economic depression

War exacerbated the economic + social climate leading to; shortages of food, resources, rising prices + caused military catastrophe.

• Log term discontent within the peasantry due to the effects of the emancipation of the serfs + due to people forced to suffer famines, poverty and high taxation.
• Wittes economic policy meant that he taxed peasantry more squeezing them too hard.
• The revolution broke out after Bloody Sunday when Tsar ordered open fire on protesters in streets after they went on strike.

Therefore throughout 1905 Nicholas was at war with his own people and full of endless series of strikes + protests.

Question 3

What was the Dumas + when was it introduced?

Answer 3

The Dumas was equivalent to a Russian parliament created as result of 1905 revolution.

• Originally held loads of support as initially created political representation but Tsar could overrule and dissolve it at any time and overtime became more in favour of tsarist regime instead of ordinary people.

Question 4

State the Core long term - medium issues with Tsar Nicholas

Answer 4

• Held very little experience in Government or the Army
• Determined Russia wouldn’t be left out of scramble for territorial possessions he was fixated on Russian expansion shown when he provoked war with Japan in 1904.
• War with Japan sparked the 1905 revolution following huge defeats + losses which Nicholas responded by ordering the army to shoot/open fire on protesters demanding radical reforms + became notorious for Bloody Sunday.
• He was forced to grant constitution after opposition against him grew which introduced the Dumas however his concessions were very limited + underestimated the discontent against the tsarist regime.
• Refused to accept any reductions to his absolute power even at the expense of all his people.
• The outbreak of WW1 led to his disastrous decision to take direct control + appointed himself commander and chief of the Russian army in 1915, prompting the huge losses + disasters to be associated with him.