Russia Depth Study 3 Flashcards
In 1916 Russia was ruled by…
Tsar Nicholas II
What were the economic impacts of WW1 upon Russia?
- Supply problems as railways failed to cope with the demands.
• Acute shortages of food and fuel during winter 1916-1917.
• The government came to rely on printing money which only
devalued their currency.
• Inflation on prices of good hugely outstripped wage increases.
• Rise in key consumer goods 300%!
• Leads to Feb 1917 International Women’s Day strikes and marches.
Who were the “Progressive Bloc?”
A group of 6 parties within the DUMA who got together in 1916 and began to call for reform. They would all vote the same causing the Tsarists to be in the minority within the DUMA.
What was the name of the offensive where the Russian naval General actually won land during WW1 that was then lost due the Tsar’s incompetent leadership?
The Brusilov Offensive
Russian people began to suspect that a “black bloc” was forming within the leadership of Russia, what did they mean by this?
That Russian leadership had been infiltrated by pro-German advisers who wanted peace / would betray Russia altogether. This led to military doubting their orders.
In three years of war how many Russians had died?
1 700 000
In three years of fighting how many had been wounded?
5 000 000
In three years of fighting how many were held prisoner?
2 500 000
Within the supply lines to the front, there was an …………………… famine.
ammunition
How did the Tsar’s direct takeover of troops effect the army?
Severely lowered morale as their beliefs were now confirmed he was not an effectual leader.
To oppose the Tsar was becoming during this era a ……………….. …….
Patriotic Act
Although industry could meet the demands due to their access to raw material a lack of …………….. …………… in the cities slowed production
Skilled workers
The treasury secured loans to pay for the war but when this wasn’t enough they were forced to resort to ………
Printing money
Printing more money has what effect overall on a country’s currency?
It devalues it and causes high inflation increases on the prices of goods.
The average rise in the price of consumer goods by 1916 was ……%
300%
What happened on 23rd February 1917?
International women’s day March - women workers in Petrograd took to the streets to protest against useless and inefficient queuing for food. The protest grew to include male industrial factory workers and even some army officers. The general of the Tsar’s garrison in Petrograd withheld the information about this uprising in his letter to the Tsar.
Who led the All-Russian Union of Zemstvo?
Prince Lvov
What was the goal of the Union of Zemsto?
To work together to coordinate industry to the demands of the military to improve efficiency. They also worked hard digging trenches and graves but were then shut down by the Tsar for being “too like a private army” (the tsar felt threatened by them).
Give some examples of the high turnover of ministerial posts within Russia between 1914 and Feb 1917.
- 4 prime ministers
- 6 ministers of internal affairs
- 4 ministers of war
- 4 ministers of agriculture
- 3 ministers of transport
- 4 ministers of justice
Who was Rasputin?
A mystic faith healer who seemed the only person able to calm and look after Prince Alexei who suffered from haemophilia.
The Tsarina was disliked because…
She was rumoured to be having an affair with Rasputin
She was German
When was Rasputin assassinated?
December 1916
How did the tsar detach himself from the people and the situation in Russia over the winter 1916-1917?
He went away to his country retreat!
How had Rasputin arguably helped keep the Tsar in power?
People (before Rasputin’s death) blamed him rather than the Tsar for Russia’s difficulties, after the murder, there was only the Tsar to blame.
The murder of Rasputin changed a lot or a little in Russia?
A little. The war carried on going from bad to worse, ministers were replaced rapidly and the tsar’s indifference didn’t alter.
Causes of the February Revolution
Impact of WW1
Industrial strikes 1916 over a million workers on strike.
Workers and military became politicised by the revolutionaries
Feb 1917 DUMA called for Tsar’s removal
Petrograd came under rebel control
Provisional government is formed
Tsar attempts to get troops to Petrograd but fails as trains are diverted.
Tsar is forced to abdicate.
Problems with Provisional Government from day 1
No legitimate authority to rule
Decided to keep fighting in WW1
Petrograd Soviet actions after Tsar’s abdication…
Met in the Tauride Palace
Called for a worker’s dictatorship
Couldn’t agree on what form the new dictatorship should take
Dvoevlastie - Dual power, explain…
Between the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet.
Soviet had more influence on workers and military.
The two were clearly rivals under an illusion of cooperation.
June 1917 - Congress of Russian Soviets meets, what happened?
They agree not ready for revolution yet.
Lenin jumps up and says his party the Bolsheviks are and manages to rally some more supporters, importantly the intelligent and charismatic man Trotsky.
Lenin published what expressing his thoughts, ideology and way of working.
April Theses
Lenin refused to work with…
The Middle classes
Other revolutionary groups like the Mensheviks
The Bolshevik newspaper Trotsky became editor of was called
Pravda
This event saw 250 000 people take to the streets with Bolshevik flags and banners and head towards the Tauride Palace. The Provisional Government sent in loyal troops to disperse the crowds. Lenin and other leading Bolsheviks distanced themselves from the event.
The July Days.
The Provisional Government failed to issue a date for _____________ causing even more people to doubt their competency.
Elections for a more permanent government in Russia
What was the Kornilov Affair?
Kerensky’s last attempt to gain control of Petrograd.
He sent General Kornilov to take back the city, but the pair fell out with each other before the order was undertaken.
Kerensky started to become paranoid that Kornilov was attempting a right wing revolution himself and labelled him a Counter Revolutionary!
At this point Kerensky and the Prov Govt had lost control.
When was the Kornilov Affair?
August 1917
What announcement forced Lenin to call for revolution in October 1917
Kerensky set an election date for November 1917
Causes of the October Bolshevik Revolution
Poor leadership in Russia (PG) (Lvov resigns after only 5 months).
Kerensky’s actions - Kornilov and elections
Dvoevlastie was doomed from day 1
Carrying the war was a mistake
Impact of the war upon Russia
Lenin’s determination for revolution
Other SR groups don’t stop the Bolsheviks.
The Bolshevik Consolidation of Power
Cheka - secret police were created
Decrees issued - attempt to show and legitimise Bolshevik control
Dissolving of Constituent assembly after only 1 day’s meeting.
Red Guard - Army created to serve the Bolsheviks. Led by Trotsky.
Made temporary truce and then eventual peace with Germany. (Treaty of Brest Litovsk).
A summary of the era 1916-1918
Russia had three main rulers Tsar Nicholas II, Kerensky and Lenin.
All faced with problem of WW1
Tsar - ineffectual incompetent ruler too reliant on his divine right to rule
Kerensky - strong ruler but lacked authority and support
Lenin - callous and ruthless.
Lenin comes to be as fanatical as any Tsar as dictator.
