T1 Test Question/Practice/ Discontent in Russia + 1917 Revoloution Flashcards
What were the long-term causes of the February Revolution?
Weak Tsarist Rule – Nicholas II resisted political reforms
Economic Hardship – Land shortages, low wages, inflation
Social Discontent – Extreme inequality between rich and poor
These factors created a volatile environment leading to revolution.
What were the short-term causes of the February Revolution?
WWI (1914-1917) – Military defeats, food shortages, low morale
Tsar’s Leadership Failures – Took control of the army (1915), left unpopular Tsarina Alexandra in charge
Protests in Petrograd (March 1917) – Workers and soldiers joined protests, leading to the Tsar’s abdication (March 2, 1917)
The combination of these immediate crises catalyzed the revolution.
What government was formed after the Tsar abdicated?
Dual Authority – Provisional Government & Petrograd Soviet
This arrangement created tension between the two governing bodies.
Why was the Provisional Government weak?
Led by Alexander Kerensky
Promised democracy, land reform, and to end war but failed to act
The lack of decisive action diminished public support.
What was the Petrograd Soviet’s role?
Workers’ council holding real power
Order No. 1 (March 1917) – Soldiers only obey Soviet-approved orders
This order significantly limited the authority of the Provisional Government.
How did Lenin return to Russia?
Germany helped him return from exile in Switzerland
This was part of a strategic move by Germany to destabilize Russia during WWI.
What were the key points of Lenin’s April Thesis?
“Peace, Land, and Bread” – Appealed to workers, peasants, and soldiers
No support for the Provisional Government
Push for a Bolshevik revolution
These points became central to Bolshevik propaganda.
What was the June Offensive (June 1917), and what was its impact?
Kerensky ordered an attack on Germany – Huge failure, mass desertions
Weakened the Provisional Government, increased Bolshevik support
The failure of this military campaign further eroded confidence in the Provisional Government.
What happened during the July Days (July 1917)?
Armed protests by angry soldiers and workers
Bolsheviks blamed, Lenin fled to Finland, some leaders arrested
Showed Bolsheviks were not yet ready for revolution
This event highlighted the challenges the Bolsheviks faced at that time.
What was the Kornilov Affair (August 1917)?
General Kornilov attempted a military coup
Kerensky freed and armed Bolsheviks to defend Petrograd
Bolsheviks gained popularity as defenders of the revolution
This incident significantly elevated the Bolsheviks’ status among the populace.
Why did the Provisional Government fail?
No land reforms
Continued WWI
Food shortages remained unsolved
These failures contributed to the loss of support from key social groups.
How did the Bolsheviks gain strength?
Promised “Peace, Land, and Bread”
Gained control of Soviets in Petrograd & Moscow
Their promises resonated with the war-weary and impoverished population.
What was Lenin’s role in the revolution?
Planned an armed uprising
Convinced Bolsheviks to act quickly
His decisive leadership was crucial for the success of the October Revolution.
How did the Bolsheviks seize power?
Red Guards (Bolshevik militia) seized key locations (bridges, railways, banks)
Storming of the Winter Palace (November 7) – Provisional Government overthrown, Kerensky fled
This marked the effective end of the Provisional Government.
What was the result of the October Revolution?
Bolsheviks took power under Lenin
End of Provisional Government and democracy in Russia
Start of Bolshevik one-party rule, leading to Communist USSR
This revolution fundamentally altered the political landscape of Russia.
What happened in February 1917?
Tsar abdicated, Provisional Government formed
This marked the beginning of significant political change in Russia.
What did Lenin declare in April 1917?
April Thesis – Called for Bolshevik revolution
This declaration was pivotal in rallying support for the Bolsheviks.
What was the result of the July Days (July 1917)?
Bolshevik protests failed, Lenin fled
This event demonstrated the precarious position of the Bolsheviks at the time.
What was the Kornilov Affair (August 1917)?
Bolsheviks gained weapons & support after stopping Kornilov’s coup
This incident significantly strengthened the Bolshevik position in the lead-up to the October Revolution.
What happened in October 1917?
Bolsheviks overthrew Provisional Government, took power
This event is often viewed as the culmination of the revolutionary process.
