PPT RUSSIA FROM 1914 - 1917 Flashcards
What type of government did Russia have before 1917?
Russia was a monarchy, properly referred to as an autocracy.
Who was at the top of the Russian social hierarchy?
The Tsar.
What were the main social classes in Russia before 1917?
Tsar, Church (Russian Orthodox), Army Officers, Bourgeoisie (Middle Class), Proletariats (Working Class), Peasants (80% of the population), Nicholas II and the Romanovs.
Who was the Tsar of Russia during WW1?
Nicholas II.
What were some of Nicholas II’s weaknesses as a ruler?
He was weak, indecisive, and did not want to be Tsar.
Who was Tsarina Alexandra and why was she controversial?
She was a German royal, and she was heavily influenced by Rasputin, which created distrust among Russians.
How did Russian mobilization in 1914 affect the economy?
15 million men and millions of horses were drafted, reducing food production.
What happened to agricultural and factory production during the war?
Agricultural production decreased, and factories focused on war supplies instead of consumer goods.
How did the government try to address economic problems?
They printed more money to pay workers, increasing government spending and leading to budget deficits and debt.
How did WW1 contribute to food shortages in Russia?
The war took away workers and land, leading to less food production, which decreased trust in the government.
What were some problems Russian soldiers faced during WW1?
They were ill-equipped, lacked basic supplies, and had poor leadership.
Why were soldiers ordered to limit their ammunition use?
Due to shortages, soldiers were ordered to fire only four bullets per day.
How did infrastructure affect Russian soldiers?
Poor roads and railways led to food shortages at the front.
How many Russian soldiers died during WW1?
Around 2 million.
How did poor conditions affect the morale of soldiers?
Many abandoned their posts to survive.
How did the war affect civilians in Russia?
There was a lack of food and medical supplies, causing starvation.
What was the impact of refugees fleeing war zones?
Overcrowding in major cities.
Why did the prohibition on vodka make people angry?
Many Russians saw it as government overreach and resented the restriction.
What kind of protests occurred in cities like Petrograd and Moscow?
Strikes demanding better conditions and an end to the war.
By 1916, what was the public’s attitude toward the war?
There was growing support for Russia to leave the war.
What major military decision did Tsar Nicholas II make in 1915?
He appointed himself as Commander-in-Chief of the Russian army.
What role did Tsarina Alexandra and Rasputin play in the government?
Alexandra, influenced by Rasputin, took control of government affairs, leading to instability and distrust.
How did government instability between 1915-1917 contribute to discontent?
Frequent ministerial changes created chaos and reduced trust in the Tsar’s leadership.
What event sparked the February Revolution?
Textile workers, mostly women, marched for better work rights on International Women’s Day.
How did this protest escalate?
It grew into a massive protest against the Tsar’s regime, demanding change.
Why was the February Revolution significant?
It marked the beginning of the end of Tsarist rule in Russia.
