Reasons for the March 1917 Revolution- Unit 2

Question 1

What are the main causes?

Answer 1

• Impact of WWI.
• Nicholas’ leadership.
• Rasputin.
• Criticism in the Duma.

Question 2

When did Nicholas take control of the army?

Answer 2

1915
Now personally responsible for Russia’s performance in war.

Question 3

Why did Nicholas take control of the army?

Answer 3

Defeats at Tannenberg and Masurian Lakes.

Question 4

Tsar’s poor leadership of the army:

Answer 4

1916, failure of Brusilov offensive.
Nicholas’ ‘peasants in uniform’ began to desert.

Question 5

Criticisms of the Duma:

Answer 5

• August 1914, Duma showed full support to Tsardom by voting for its own suspension for the duration of the war.
• Reassembled July, 1915.
• Duma urged Tsar to replace incompetent cabinet with a ‘ministry of national confidence’. Nicholas rejected.
• Milyukov (Kadet leader) said Nicholas had ‘brushed aside the hand that was offered’.
• 236 of 422 Duma members formed ‘progressive bloc’, became focal point of opposition.
• Octoborists demanded he get rid of corrupt ministers.

Question 6

Tsar’s stupidity in Duma:

Answer 6

• Rejects ‘ministry of national confidence’, leading to formation of ‘progressive bloc’.
• Did not co-operate with non-governmental organisations like Union of Zemstva and Union of Municipal Councils, who at the beginning of the war were willing to help the war effort.
• Union of Zemstva and Union of Municipal Councils formed Zemgor, successful in helping wars wounded.

Question 7

Influence of Rasputin:

Answer 7

• Khylist, notorious for sexual depravity.
• Formally invited to imperial court, but hated due to his behaviour.
• 1907, introduced to Tsar and Tsarina, saying he could cure sons haemophilia.
• Alexandra made him his confidant.
• Scepticism of Alexandra’s nationality, German, who is her support in?
• Nicholas away from home 1915, Alexandra and Rasputin= new government of Russia.
• People could not support, ‘the German woman’ and the Monk.
• Tsar’s reputation declined.