Russia before rebellion Flashcards
Nicholas’s upbringing
Not expected to be Tsar but had been tutored by arch-conservative Pobedonostsev, seen his grandfather assassinated by rebels.
Russian entry into WW1
Driven by desire to dominate Balkans and ‘pan-Slavism’ came in defence of Serbia, initially popular move, accompanied by anti-German sentiment and the dissolution of the Duma to prevent ‘unnecessary politics’, St Petersburg renamed Petrograd.
Disaster defeats in war
Battle of Tannenburg 1914 leave 300 000 dead or wounded, later defeats at the Masurian Lakes led to retreat from East Prussia.
Weaponry
By 1914 only 2 rifles for every 3 soldiers, by 1915 often limited to two or three shells per day.
How many desertations
1.5 million by end of the war.
Zemstva
Liberal local governments who accused Tsar’s military zones of not providing for the people, formed the Zemgor in 1915 chaired by Prince Lvov claimed right to help with the war but was shunned by Nicholas.
Duma reform
1915 over half Duma deputies formed the ‘Progressive Bloc’ demanding more influence and a constitutional monarchy, Tsar refused.
Commander in Cheif
September 1915 Nicholas take control and travelled to front line, made him seem more responsible and distanced him from Petrograd and Rasputin.
Economy in war
To pay for war railed taxes and huge loans, inflation meant money worthless by 1917, shortage of men especially in countryside, and trade blockaded by Germany, railway collapsed and severe fuel shortages, unemployment soared leading to lock outs and strikes, 300% rise in the cost of living, mass strikes in major cities January 1917.
Political discontent
Progressive Bloc openly discussed a possible coup and indirectly asked Grand Duke Nicholas if he would be willing to take over, less from the left as most were in exile, Lenin had little followers at this point.
