Russia's Problems During War (2 cont.) Flashcards
Total war was too much of a strain on Russia’s economy,
What is total war?
A struggle in which a whole nation, it’s people, resources and institutions are involved
How much did government spending rise between 1914 and 1917?
From 4 million roubles to 30 million roubles
What two methods were used to raise money to raise Russia’s capital?
Borrowing money from abroad and increasing taxes- these were only partially successful
What did the gold standard being abandoned mean?
In the short term, wages could be paid
In the long term, money was made practically worthless
What did the abandonment of the good standard mean?
More money could be printed, so money became worthless, causing severe inflation
How were prices affected between 1914 and 1916?
Average earnings doubled
The prices of food and fuel quadrupled
What did the peasants do due to trading being unprofitable?
Stopped selling food and hoarded stocks
What two farming resources did the state take over during the war?
Horses and fertilisers
What was the first issue for the citizens of Russia?
The army had first claim on the already-limited food rations
How much bread did people receive in 1917?
A quarter of what they had received in 1914
What was the main cause for the shortage of food?
The transport system rather than the decline in food production
How much railway track was there in 1914? What were the issues with it?
44000 miles
Did not meet the demands of the war
What happened to food coming from the countryside?
It rotted in carriages that could not be moved due to a lack of coal
What resources were Petrograd and Moscow receiving by 1914?
A third of their food and fuel requirements
What did the Tsar do in 1915?
Formally taken over the direct command of Russia’s armed services
