Nicholas II Flashcards
What were the cultural changes under NII
Educational opportunities for women grew and they found greater independence in factories. The First All-Russian Congress of Women was attended by 1035 delegates, campaigning for women’s suffrage. Government expenditure grew from 5 million (1896) to 82 million (1914). By 1911 over 6.5 million children between 8-11 were receiving primary education. Still 40% illiteracy by 1914. Secondary and higher education remained elitist, with only 30,000 individuals from peasantry. The relaxation of censorship in 1905 led to the “silver age”, this resulted in experiments in modernism, which were often shocking to convention. By 1914, Russian culture has broadened and diversified.
What was the tercentenary?
Nicholas and Alexandra celebrated the permanency of the autocracy in which they toured the empire. He said “my people love me” and they were met with huge cheering crowds.
How did liberal opposition grow?
The spread of education and the growth of the middle class added to the numbers in favour of better representation and the rule of law. Nicholas dismissed an advisory body as “a senseless dream”. But many liberals continued to campaign for an all class zemstvo at district level and a National Assembly. Many liberal unions were formed, and although they were illegal they attracted a wide range of support. The liberals contributed to the 1905 revolution and were the main beneficiaries (the Duma).
Describe the emergence of the Social Revolutionary Party
For those who wished to appeal for a commitment to land socialisation and decentralised government. They put forward that the ideas of the peasantry and workers were the same - so they should unite to destroy autocracy. They had a wide national base and a large peasant membership. They carried out 2000 political assassinations between 1901-1905. These included two Ministers of Internal Affairs. They also killed Stolypin in 1911. 2365 were executed
How did the Social Democrats Party develop?
The industrial take off made Marxist theories more attractive. In 1898 the First Social Democratic Worker’s Party was held in Minsk. This was broken up by the Okhrana who promptly arrested two of the council. There was split within the party. Lenin argued in favour of a strong disciplined organisation of professional revolutionaries to lead the proletariat. However, the others, led by Martov, believe they should co-operate with other Liberal parties. Lenin did not have the majority support. Bolsheviks - Lenin’s Party, Mensheviks - Martovs Party. By 1906 there were effectively two Parties.
How did Trade Unions prove to be opposition?
The state continued to fear independent working class activity through Trade Unions. As a result, 497 were closed down and 604 denied registration between 1906-1910. From 1907, economic depression and a rise in unemployment combined with political clampdown reduced opportunity for Trade Union action. However the Lena Goldfields sparked a new round of strikes.
Why were the SD and SR parties unsuccessful?
Their leaders were exiled in 1905. The split in the SD was damaging. There was rivalry between the two Parties. The Secret Police were effective in destroying revolutionary cells. Membership declined and there was no nationalisation - they maintained a underground organisation.
Why was the Bolshevik Party revitalised?
In 1912-14 they gained many legal labour institutions and 6 workers deputies in the elections to the fourth Duma. Their newspaper Pravada had higher circulation than the Mensheviks Luch. However, there was limited growing support. They did not have success with the army, navy and nothing came of their promises for a political strike.
What were the political problems of war?
The decision to go to war was initially popular. Strike activity ceased and extremists were imprisoned for a lack of patriotism. The Duma dissolved itself and St Petersburg became Petrograd. However, this patriotic spirit was dampened by the disastrous Battle of Tannenburg which left 300,000 dead or wounded. It was clear that the war would not be a quick victory and reports of military incompetence inflamed simmering discontent.
How was the wartime government organised?
Military zones were set up in which civilian authority was suspended. The sale of alcohol was prohibited. The Union of Zemstva was established to provide medical facilities. In August 1915 some deputies from the Fourth Duma organised themselves into a progressive bloc and demanded a constitutional monarchy. Nicholas was not prepared for this and suspended Duma sittings and it remained officially closed. In September 1915 Nicholas took on the rule of Commander in Chief of the Russian Army and Navy. He did not posses the military experience to turn the war effort around. Rasputin began to meddle in political in appointments and policy decisions and there were rumours against the German Alexandra. The President of the Fourth Fuma warmed against Rasputin but Nicholas did not take action. Rasputin was murdered in 1916. Nicholas showed more concern for his children’s measles than the war effort.
What economic and social problems were caused by the war?
By Christmas 1914 there was a serious shortage of munitions.
What military issues were there?
The Russian government mobilised 15 million men between 1914-1917, but it proved unable to provide for them. Soldiers did not have suitable weaponry, basic clothing or waterproof footwear. There were two rifles for every three soldiers and artillery was limited to 2-3 shells a day. Morale had plummeted by 1916 and there were 1.5 million desertions.
What were the internal problems of war?
Spending rose to 14.5 billion roubles in 1918. Production slumped. Naval blockades brought Trade to a virtual standstill. In some ways conscription relieves population pressure. However, prices offered by the government were too low, tools were in short supply and it was hard to find essential goods. There were inefficient of distribution. Railways had been taken over to transport goods and men to the front line. Town populations swelled as more workers were sought. Rifle production doubled in 1916. Lock-outs and strikes cripples what little industry survived. There was a 300% rise in the cost of living and rising death rates.
