russian revolution key question 1 Flashcards
What were the long-term causes of the 1905 Revolution?
Autocratic rule under the Tsar, poor living and working conditions, economic hardships, and growing opposition from political groups.
What economic factors contributed to the 1905 Revolution?
Widespread poverty, food shortages, industrial strikes, and poor working conditions in factories fueled discontent.
What role did political opposition play in the 1905 Revolution?
Liberals, socialists, and revolutionary groups like the Social Democrats and Socialist Revolutionaries pushed for change.
What short-term events triggered the 1905 Revolution?
The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) and Bloody Sunday (January 1905) were major triggers.
How did the Russo-Japanese War contribute to the revolution?
Russia’s defeat in the war humiliated the Tsar, weakened the economy, and exposed government incompetence.
What was Bloody Sunday?
On January 22, 1905, peaceful protesters led by Father Gapon were fired upon by soldiers at the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, killing hundreds.
What was the impact of Bloody Sunday?
It shattered trust in the Tsar, sparked nationwide protests, and led to widespread strikes and uprisings.
What were the key events of the 1905 Revolution?
Strikes, peasant revolts, mutinies (e.g., Potemkin Mutiny), the formation of Soviets, and the issuing of the October Manifesto.
What was the Potemkin Mutiny?
A mutiny aboard the battleship Potemkin where sailors rebelled against their officers, showing unrest within the military.
How did the Tsar respond to the 1905 Revolution?
He issued the October Manifesto, promising reforms, but later used repression to regain control.
What was the October Manifesto?
A document issued by Tsar Nicholas II in 1905 granting limited political freedoms and the creation of the Duma.
Why did the Tsar issue the October Manifesto?
To appease protesters and prevent a full-scale revolution while maintaining his control.
How did the October Manifesto impact Russian society?
It granted civil liberties and created the Duma, but the Tsar later restricted these freedoms.
What were the Fundamental Laws of 1906?
Laws that reaffirmed the Tsar’s absolute power, limiting the Duma’s influence.
What was the role of the Duma?
The Duma was a legislative body but had limited power as the Tsar dissolved it multiple times.
How many Dumas were there between 1906 and 1914?
Four, with the first two being dissolved quickly, while the third and fourth were more conservative.
Why did the first two Dumas fail?
They were too radical and demanded reforms the Tsar was unwilling to grant.
Who was Pyotr Stolypin?
The Russian Prime Minister (1906-1911) who introduced reforms and harsh repression.
What were Stolypin’s agricultural reforms?
He aimed to modernize agriculture by giving peasants more land and ending communal farming.
How successful were Stolypin’s reforms?
Agricultural production increased, but reforms were slow, and many peasants remained poor.
What was Stolypin’s repression?
A campaign of arrests and executions to crush opposition, earning the phrase ‘Stolypin’s necktie’ for the noose used in hangings.
What was the impact of Stolypin’s assassination in 1911?
Reform efforts slowed, and the government became more reactionary.
What role did workers’ strikes play between 1905 and 1914?
Strikes continued, showing dissatisfaction with conditions and the government’s failure to implement meaningful change.
How did Tsar Nicholas II maintain control after 1905?
He used repression, limited reforms, and relied on the loyalty of the army and secret police.
What was the role of the Okhrana?
The secret police that spied on and suppressed political opposition.
How did the relationship between the Tsar and the people change after 1905?
Many lost faith in the Tsar’s promises, leading to growing resentment and revolutionary sentiment.
What was the Lena Goldfields Massacre (1912)?
A massacre where troops fired on striking miners, reigniting revolutionary tensions.
What was the impact of the Lena Goldfields Massacre?
It fueled further worker unrest and highlighted the continued brutality of the regime.
How did the Russian economy change between 1905 and 1914?
There was some industrial growth, but economic inequality and worker unrest persisted.
What role did the Orthodox Church play in supporting the Tsar?
It promoted loyalty to the Tsar and discouraged revolutionary ideas.
How did the peasantry view the Tsar after 1905?
Many remained loyal, but land shortages and repression led to increasing dissatisfaction.
How did military loyalty affect the survival of the Tsarist regime?
The army largely remained loyal to the Tsar, allowing him to suppress revolts and maintain power.
How did World War I affect the stability of Russia?
It worsened economic and social conditions, ultimately leading to the 1917 Revolutions.
What effect did censorship have on revolutionary movements?
It restricted opposition, but underground groups and illegal newspapers spread revolutionary ideas.
What was the role of the Soviets in 1905?
They were councils of workers and revolutionaries that coordinated strikes and protests.
What was the impact of the 1905 Revolution on opposition groups?
It strengthened revolutionary movements and increased opposition to the Tsarist regime.
How did foreign governments react to the 1905 Revolution?
Some supported reform, but most European powers continued to recognize Tsarist rule.
What was the role of the Black Hundreds?
A pro-Tsarist paramilitary group that violently suppressed revolutionaries and minorities.
How did nationalism influence unrest in the Russian Empire?
Ethnic minorities sought greater autonomy, leading to tensions with the central government.
How did the Tsar attempt to control revolutionary groups after 1905?
Through arrests, exile (e.g., Lenin), executions, and police infiltration.
Why was the 1905 Revolution significant despite its failure?
It forced the Tsar to make concessions, exposed weaknesses in the regime, and set the stage for further unrest.
