Nicholas II - Knowledge Organiser Flashcards
The Gold Standard definition
This is when the amount of money in circulation is limited by a country’s gold reserves. It makes a currency more stable.
The SDs definition
The Russian Social Democratic Worker’s Party. A Marxist party. Split into Mensheviks and Bolsheviks in 1903.
The SRs definition
Socialist Revolutionary Party. Founded in 1901, supported land redistribution among peasants. Advocated terrorist methods.
Mensheviks definition
Formed in 1903 when SDs split. Led by Martov. Wanted to wait for a bourgeois revolution before a workers revolution.
Bolsheviks definition
Formed in 1903 when SD split. Led by Lenin. Wanted a small group of educated men to lead the workers in a revolution.
Union of Liberation definition
A liberal organisation which pressed for constitutional change as well as social evolution along European lines
General strike definition
A strike of workers in all or most industries
State Duma definition
A national, elected governing body promised in the October Manifesto.
Octobrists definition
A moderate conservative party, supported by landowners and industrialists, that accepted the October Manifesto.
Kadets definition
Members of the Constitutional Democratic Party who accepted the October Manifesto
1894
-Alexander III died
-Accession of Nicholas II
1898
-Establishment of the Russian Social Democratic Workers Party
1901-05
-Economic slump following world-wide depression and failed harvests. Increased unrest.
1901-06
New opposition groups ; the SRs, Mensheviks, Bolsheviks, Union of Liberation
1904-05
Russo-Japanese War ends in defeat for Russia
1905
Bloody Sunday begins a year of unrest in Russia - the 1905 Revolution
1905-06
-October Manifesto promised a State Duma
-Fundamental Laws protected autocracy
1906-11
Stolypin’s agrarian reforms improve agriculture
1906-17
-Four State Dumas were elected
-The first two were short-lived
1914
-WW1 begins
-Germany declared war on Russia
Feb 1917
-Revolution
-Nicholas II abdication in March
Industry
Russian industry was transformed in this period, largely thanks to the Finance Minister, Sergei Witte, He developed the railways to stimulate the growth of heavy industry. This approach led to huge growth making Russia the fifth-largest industrial power by 1914. Yet, the financial and social cost of success was high.
Agriculture
Agriculture was largely ignored until Minister of the Interior, Stolypin turned his attention to reform in 1906. His reforms led to increased peasant land ownership and grain production. Yet, land hunger remained.
Society
Industrialisation led to the growth of the middle and working classes. Working and living conditions remained poor for peasants and workers. Small improvements in education and social welfare. The ROC had less influence over urban communities but it remained strong. Nicholas II continued Russification.
Nicholas II as ruler
Nicholas was determined to rule ‘as his father had done’ but proved incapable of making decisions or providing any sense of direction. Nicholas declared himself ‘unfit to reign’. He was wedded to autocracy.
Opposition 1894-1904
There was unrest in towns no countryside and the Tsarist government appeared to offer no prospect of change. The tsar relied on his army and the Okhrana. The 1901 economic slump led to increased unrest and. number of new political groups emerged: the SDs, SRs, Mensheviks, Bolsheviks and Union of Liberation.
1905 revolution
Defeats in the Russo-Japanese war added to the unrest at home. Bloody Sunday saw the death of over 100 peaceful workers and led to a series of strikes, riots, assassinations and mutinies throughout 1905.
The Dumas 1906-1914
The Tsar could no longer rely on the army and police to restore order so was forced to concede the October Manifesto which promised a State Duma. Before the first Duma met the Tsar passed the Fundamental Laws confirming his autocracy. Arguably he did not really establish a constitutional monarchy.
Opposition 1906-14
More moderate opposition groups were placated by the Duma. Radical groups were prevented from sitting on the state Duma and their leaders were exiled. Strikes continued, increasing significantly 1910-14.
World War One
There were problems with supply lines and production in both agriculture and industry. Nicholas decided to lead the army at the front himself leaving Russia to be ruled poorly by the unpopular Tsarina and Rasputin.
February 1917 election
In the winter of 1917, the pressure of WWI built to a workers’ revolution in Petrograd. The Tsar was encouraged by his ministers and generals to abdicate in March.
