russian revolution key question 2 Flashcards
What were the long-term causes of the February Revolution?
Autocratic rule of the Tsar, failure of reforms, economic hardship, food shortages, and growing opposition movements.
How did World War I contribute to the February Revolution?
Heavy casualties, economic collapse, food shortages, and military defeats weakened support for the Tsar.
What was the impact of military defeats in World War I?
Russia suffered major losses against Germany, leading to low morale and desertions in the army.
Why was Nicholas II blamed for Russia’s failures in World War I?
He took direct command of the army in 1915, making him personally responsible for defeats.
What was the role of Rasputin in increasing dissatisfaction?
Rasputin’s influence over the Tsarina and government decisions led to corruption and a loss of confidence in the monarchy.
How did food shortages contribute to the February Revolution?
Inflation, transport failures, and harsh winters led to widespread hunger and riots in cities.
What role did the working class play in the revolution?
Workers in Petrograd led strikes and protests against poor conditions and government failures.
How did strikes and demonstrations escalate in February 1917?
Protests over food shortages turned into mass strikes, with workers demanding political change.
Why did soldiers refuse to suppress protests?
Low morale, war exhaustion, and sympathy for the protesters led soldiers to join the revolution.
What was the significance of the Petrograd Garrison mutiny?
It showed that the Tsar had lost control of the military, a key factor in his abdication.
What was the role of the Duma in the February Revolution?
The Duma defied the Tsar by forming a Provisional Committee to take control of the government.
Why did the Tsar abdicate?
Loss of military support, mass protests, and the Duma’s opposition forced him to step down on March 2, 1917.
Who took power after the abdication of Nicholas II?
The Provisional Government was formed by the Duma, with Prince Lvov as its first leader.
What was the Petrograd Soviet?
A council of workers and soldiers that shared power with the Provisional Government.
What was Order No. 1?
An order by the Petrograd Soviet that gave soldiers control over their weapons and weakened military discipline.
How did dual power function in Russia after February 1917?
The Provisional Government held formal power, but the Petrograd Soviet had significant influence.
What were the weaknesses of the Provisional Government?
It lacked legitimacy, failed to end the war, and was unable to control radical movements.
How did Lenin respond to the February Revolution?
He saw it as a step toward a socialist revolution and called for ‘All power to the Soviets.’
What was the impact of the February Revolution on World War I?
Russia remained in the war, leading to further unrest and opposition to the Provisional Government.
What was the role of women in the February Revolution?
Women workers played a key role in initiating protests, especially on International Women’s Day (Feb 23, 1917).
What were the key dates of the February Revolution?
Protests began on February 23, 1917, and the Tsar abdicated on March 2, 1917.
How did railway strikes contribute to the revolution?
They disrupted supplies and communication, weakening the government’s ability to respond.
Why was the February Revolution largely bloodless?
Unlike 1905, there was little armed resistance, as the military sided with the protesters.
How did the peasantry react to the February Revolution?
Many were hopeful for land reforms but remained largely passive in February 1917.
What was the role of socialist parties in the February Revolution?
Socialist parties like the Bolsheviks were initially unprepared but later gained influence through the Soviets.
How did workers’ councils (Soviets) impact the revolution?
They organized strikes, controlled factories, and later became a rival power to the government.
What was the impact of the February Revolution on the Russian monarchy?
It ended 300 years of Romanov rule, replacing the Tsarist autocracy with a temporary democratic government.
How did the February Revolution affect Russia’s allies in World War I?
Allies were concerned about Russia’s instability but supported the Provisional Government to keep Russia in the war.
What was the reaction of other nations to the February Revolution?
Western countries saw it as a move toward democracy, while Germany hoped it would weaken Russia.
Why did the Provisional Government struggle to maintain control?
It failed to address key issues like war, land reform, and economic crisis, leading to further unrest.
What was the role of Alexander Kerensky?
Kerensky became a key figure in the Provisional Government, trying to balance socialist and liberal demands.
How did the February Revolution lead to the October Revolution?
The weaknesses of the Provisional Government allowed the Bolsheviks to gain support and seize power in October 1917.
How did radical socialist groups react to the February Revolution?
They saw it as only the first step, pushing for a more complete socialist revolution.
Why did the February Revolution happen in Petrograd first?
Petrograd was the capital, with a large industrial workforce and military presence ready to revolt.
What was the response of the rural population to the revolution?
Many peasants welcomed the fall of the Tsar but were frustrated by the lack of land reforms.
What happened to the royal family after Nicholas II’s abdication?
They were placed under house arrest and later executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918.
What impact did the February Revolution have on Russian politics?
It led to a shift from autocracy to a fragile democracy that struggled to maintain power.
What was the role of Soviet propaganda in the revolution?
Socialist propaganda helped mobilize workers and soldiers against the Tsarist regime.
How did the revolution impact minority groups in Russia?
Many ethnic minorities saw it as an opportunity for greater autonomy, but little changed immediately.
Why was the February Revolution considered spontaneous?
Unlike the Bolshevik-led October Revolution, February’s uprising was unplanned and leaderless.
What was the biggest failure of the Provisional Government?
It failed to withdraw from World War I, leading to continued unrest and eventual overthrow by the Bolsheviks.
