Russian Revolutions Flashcards
How many different nationalities were there in Russia and what percentage of Russia did they make up?
Why would they be discontent?
100 different nationalities made up more than 65% of Russia.
Because of Russia’s policy of Russification. Their religions could not be practiced, school were not allowed to teach their language, Official business had to be conducted in Russian and troops would be stationed outside non-Russian territory to ensure these rules were followed.
Why were the peasants of Russia discontent?
They were not given enough land and were forced to use an inefficient strip method for farming. The poor lack of industrialization meant there was no machinery.
What opposition did the Tsar face?
Liberals who sought for democracy.
Social Revolutionaries who wanted revolution.
Social Democrat - Followers of Karl Marx.
Why was the Russo-Japanese war a disaster?
The Tsar hoped the war would stir up patriotism in Russia, however this did not work as Japan was in the far east and therefore news would be slow to reach the Russians so they were isolated from the war.
Losing the war as Japan was surprisingly well prepared was a humiliation for Russia and showed the Russian people that they were no longer a great nation.
What were the conditions like in Russia before 1905?
Increased taxes and decreased wages, leading to unemployment and strikes. There were poor harvests leading to a lack of food. There were 11 hour working days.
What was the aftermath of Bloody Sunday?
Wave of protest 500,000 on strike. The Tsar’s uncle was assassinated. Unions formed. Peasants rose up seizing land.
What were the terms of the October Manifesto?
Elections for a Duma, limit powers of Okrana, political parties legal, freedom of speech.
What was the Counter Revolution?
Thousands of revolutionaries shot or exiled. Trotsky and Lenin imprisoned. Used army to win control as Russo-Japanese war was over.
What was the Fundamental Laws?
Tsar would have power to veto or dissolve the Duma at anytime.
What were the industrial developments in Russia during 1906-1914?
Russia went through an economic boom. Factories became more efficient. Russia became the 4th largest exporters of coal, pig iron, and steel, and 2nd in oil.
Foreign trade doubled.
However workers benefited little from this and were often exploited.
What were the agricultural developments in Russia during 1906-1914?
Peasants could now purchase land, these peasants became a new class called the kulaks.
Russia saw record harvests, however methods were still inefficient.
What were the educational developments in Russia during 1906-1914?
Primary attendance doubled. Secondary attendance quadrupled. Higher education tripled.
Mainly for males.
Why was life better for Russians during 1906-1914?
The Duma could criticize the government and suggest reform. This was the first change to autocracy for 300 years.
Peasants could now own land. Gentry class owning land decreased by 12%. Grain harvesting was nor more efficient and this period saw record harvests.
Russian industry, foreign trade doubled.
Education increased.
Why was life not better for Russians during 1906-1914?
Petyr Stolypin’s use of terror. Military courts could hang people on the spot. Stolypin’s Neckties.
Working conditions were still bad despite industrial improvement. Workers did not benefit from the economic boom. Taxes still high and wages still low.
Duma had no real power. Fundamental Laws. There was still autocracy. Elections favored the votes of nobles. Freedoms not changed.
Many peasants disliked private ownership, only 2% left communes to become kulaks. very little change.
What happens in regards to the war in 1914?
Russia had 5 million soldiers. The mood of Russia was enthusiastic and patriotic.
Russia suffered defeats in Tanenburg and Masurian lakes which were battles they should have won.
Russian soldiers were not equipped well due to the poor industrialization and distribution for weapons.
