T1 5/02 PPT Class Notes Russia 1914 -1917

Question 1

What was the proper term for Russia’s monarchy?

Answer 1

Lautocracy

Question 2

List the social classes in Russia before 1917.

Answer 2

• Tsar
• Church (Russian Orthodox)
• Army Officers
• Bourgeoisie (Middle Class)
• Proletariat (Working Class)
• Peasants (80% of population)

Question 3

Why was Tsar Nicholas II considered weak?

Answer 3

He was indecisive, resisted reform, and did not want to be Tsar.

Question 4

Why was Tsarina Alexandra unpopular?

Answer 4

She was a German royal and was closely associated with Rasputin.

Question 5

How did WWI affect Russia’s economy?

Answer 5

• Mobilization in 1914 led to 15 million men and millions of horses drafted, reducing food production.
• Loss of Polish territory → Less land for farming.
• Agricultural production decreased, factories focused on war goods.
• Government printed more money, leading to inflation.
• Government spending increased, causing budget deficit and debt.

Question 6

How were Russian soldiers affected by WWI?

Answer 6

• Ill-equipped (lack of rifles, ammunition, boots).
• Restricted ammunition (4 bullets per day).
• Poor infrastructure → Supply shortages.
• Poor leadership → Uncoordinated attacks.
• Mass desertions due to starvation & poor conditions.
• 2 million Russian soldiers died.

Question 7

How did WWI affect Russian civilians?

Answer 7

• Food and medical shortages → Starvation.
• Overcrowding in cities due to refugee influx.
• Prohibition of vodka angered citizens.
• Strikes in Petrograd & Moscow.
• Growing resentment toward the Tsar’s regime.
• Anti-war sentiment increased by 1916.

Question 8

What political mistakes did Tsar Nicholas II make during WWI?

Answer 8

• Appointed himself Commander-in-Chief (1915) → Blamed for defeats.
• Left Tsarina Alexandra in charge → She was influenced by Rasputin.
• Government instability (1915-1917) → Frequent minister changes.
• Duma and public lost trust in the Tsar.

Question 9

What sparked the February Revolution?

Answer 9

A protest by textile workers and Russian women for better rights on International Women’s Day.

Question 10

What happened during the February Revolution?

Answer 10

• Protests grew larger, demanding change and the end of the Tsar’s rule.
• Strikes & demonstrations in Petrograd.
• Soldiers joined protests instead of stopping them.
• Tsar abdicated on March 2, 1917 → End of the Romanov dynasty.

Question 11

What was the major outcome of the February Revolution?

Answer 11

• End of Tsarist rule in Russia.
• Creation of a Provisional Government.
• Dual power system: Provisional Government vs. Petrograd Soviet.
• Continued political instability leading to the October Revolution.

Question 12

Assess how the political, social, and economic impacts of WWI created national division and discontent in Russia.

Answer 12

• Politically: Tsar’s poor leadership, government instability, loss of public trust.
• Socially: Food shortages, mass casualties, refugee crisis, worker strikes.
• Economically: Inflation, food scarcity, budget deficit, economic collapse.