Russia during Wartime - 1914 Flashcards
What were the political problems of war?
Nicholas II didn’t take help from the Dumas (dissolved). Took on the role at the head of the military - made him responsible for defeats. Alexandra left in Moscow - not trusted as she was German and close to Rasputin. Discontent in the capital. Nicholas ignores warnings from the Duma about the situation.
What were the economic problems of war?
Shortage of munitions and food. War was expensive. The workforce severely affected. Disruption of trade. Hard to transport grain, High unemployment. Increase in living costs. Many on the brink of starvation. Riots
What were the social problems of war?
Nobles assassinate Rasputin. Not enough food so people striking as starvation sets in. High death rates.
What the military problems of war?
Large army but unprepared. Many died - dampened spirits. Lots of defeats. Low morale. Soldiers mutinised, Lost experienced officers in early stages, Lacked weaponry. Mainly conscript peasants.
What happened during the strikes and protests in February 1917?
14th - 100,000 strikers in Petrograd. 22nd - 20000 strikers from Pulitov Iron Works. 23rd - International womens day, strikers, queues for food = chaos. 24th - 200,000 strikers. 25th - 250,000 strikers, Petrograd comes to a standstill, violence erupts, Cossacks wouldn’t attack strikers.
What did the strikes and protests show about the Tsar?
Lost control of his own people. Own soldiers aren’t fighting for him. Can’t sort it out as he’s away
What was the political reaction to the strikes etc in the absence of the Tsar in February 1917?
26th - Duma warns Tsar about the chaos which he ignores. 27th - Tsar wants order restored by the military. soldiers join the protesters and arm them. Duma sets up a provisional committee. Revolutionaries set up Petrograd Soviet - organise food
What does the response of the Tsar to the strikes show about the Tsar?
Makes him look weak. Makes the situation worse. Shows how little support he has - own soldiers mutinising
What shows a loss of confidence in the Tsar as a leader in February/March 1917?
28th - Tsar wants to share power with the Duma but they say no. 1st - Petrograd Soviet issues Order Number 1. 2nd March - Nicholas’s train is stopped and he agrees to resign.
What is the Order Number 1?
Charter of soldiers rights. Elect a deputy to the soviet. Weapons to be controlled by elected soldiers committee, soldiers enjoy full citizens rights when off duty
What two institutions made made up dual power?
The Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet.
What was the Provisional Government?
Chairman - Prince Lvov. Members - influential elites. Constitutional monarchy. Temporary then elections would be held for a Constituent Assembly. Make constitutional changes. Support from army and police
What was the Petrograd Soviet?
More democratic. Dominated by Mensheviks and SRs - some Bolsheviks. Radical socialists. Had more power but lacked confidence to assume direct control. Supported by workers, soldiers and peasants.
Who was Alexander Kerensky?
Member of both. Could act as an intermediate and help negotiations.
What promises were made under dual power?
Amnesty for political prisoners. Civil liberties. Right to organise trade Unions and strikes. Constituent assembly to be elected. Freedom of religion and press.
