Russia at the turn of the century Flashcards
Roughly how many different nationalities were there in Russia at the turn of the century?
200
Who was Tsar from 1894-1917?
Nicholas II
What is an autocracy?
A country led by a ruler, often unelected, with absolute power.
Name five raw materials in which Russia was rich.
Gold, silver, iron ore, coal, oil.
What was russification?
The tsarist policy of making non-Russians in Russia speak Russian, wear Russian clothes and follow Russian customs.
What percentage of people were peasants, and what percentage were nobles?
80, 1
What were peasants known as before their emancipation (freeing) in 1861?
Serfs
What were better off peasants, who hired labour and rented land, known as?
Kulaks
Most soldiers in the army were:
Peasant conscripts, badly paid and poorly fed
Which group of people were known for their loyalty to the Tsar, fighting spirit and independence?
The Cossacks
How old was Tsar Nicholas when he had his “epic chestnut battle” with Prince George of Greece, and what does this show?
26; that he was immature and unfit to be Tsar.
How did Tsar Alexander III (Nicholas’ father) refer to him, and what training did he give him in being Tsar?
Girlie, and a dunce; none
What was the main religion in Russia?
Russian Orthodox Christian
How does Figes describe Nicholas’ abilities as Tsar?
“With his limitations, he could only play at the part of autocrat.”
Who did the Tsars believe had appointed them to rule?
God.
