Russia 1901 - 1917 Flashcards
What were the 3 main aims of the Russo Japanese war?
1)To pursue an expansionist policy in the Far East, to make up for what it saw as its relative decline
in Europe.
2)To obtain an ice-free port – all Russia’s major ports on its northern coastline were frozen up for
some part of the year.
3)To distract attention from Russia’s domestic troubles by rallying the nation in a patriotic
struggle!
When was the Russo Japanese war?
1904
What were the consequences of the Russian defeat in the war in 1904?
1)Port Arthur fell in Jan 1905
2)Russian surrender of Mukden in Feb 1905
3)Russian Baltic fleet destroyed at Tsushima , may
1905 (after sailing for 8 months to get their was
sunk immediately
4) The signing of the treaty of Portsmouth
How did the defeat in the war impact prestige for Russia?
National humiliation for Russia, who were defeated by a smaller Asian country,
who were deemed as ‘inferior’.
First major defeat of a European power by an Asian opponent.
How did the defeat in the war impact the economy for Russia?
Russian fleets now destroyed and in need of replacement, especially the Baltic
Fleet. Loss of trading rights in Far East, especially Manchuria.
The Russian government increased military spending by 50%, exacerbating a
recession in Russia. (Took out large loans from France 800 million
Francs/Germany)
Food shortages, high prices and unemployment. Wages dropped by 20%
How did the defeat in the war have an impact politically for Russia?
The Russian public associated military incompetence with the governance of the
Tsar. This led to discontent at home, ironic as the purpose of the war was to stop
discontent.
Strained relationship with GB, as fishing vessels were attacked by the Baltic fleet en
route to Port Arthur, and GB had an alliance with Japan at this time.
How did the defeat in the war have an impact socially for Russia?
Workers were discontent at the poor living conditions.
Conditions in Russia worsened due to money being spent on the war and transport/communications industry.
Led to urbanisation to solve the comms issues, but this then led to a decline in standards of health-care.
How did the defeat in the war have an impact on the support for the tsar ?
Mobilised opposition groups against the Tsar. He was associated with the military
commanders’ failures.
Seen as incompetent and reckless.
Seen as a catalyst for the 1905 Revolution.
How did the defeat in the war have an impact on territory in Russia?
Russia lost Port Arthur, claims in Korea and Manchuria.
Expansionist policy misguided.
Loss of taxable populations in East Asia/Loss of industry in East Asia.
What factors led to the 1905
Revolution? (social)
There were social injustices, e.g.
80% population peasants living in
poverty
Rapid population expansion – 98
million (1885) to 125 million (1905)
It became harder to grow enough
food for peasants to support
themselves as a result.
