The Four Dumas and Opposition to Tsar

Question 1

What political parties were formed after the October Revolution?

Answer 1

RSDP, Trudoviks (SRs that joined the Duma), Kadets, Octobrists, Union of the Russian Empire

Question 2

Features of the First Duma (27th April - 8th July 1906)

Answer 2

Dominated by Socialists and Trudoviks and strongly ant-government. Main topic was land reform and many wanted the state council to be abolished. Nicholas dissolved the duma as it damaged the Aristocracy and it was far too radical. Liberals were left disappointed.

Question 3

Features of the Second Duma (February 1907 - June 1907)

Answer 3

SR joined the elections. Stolypin saw the second duma as a larger threat and dissolved it at June 1907. Revolutionary parties saw that their aims could not be achieved via elections.

Question 4

Third Duma (Nov 1907- Nov 1912)

Answer 4

Lasted the entire term. Stolypin changed the election rules and rigged the election so more conservative deputies were elected. Liberals were shocked that the Tsar was being dishonest. Opposition was weakened, the Tsar can rely on the duma to pass laws.

Question 5

Fourth Duma

Answer 5

Dominated by conservatives. Opposition was too weak to make an impact on laws.

Question 6

Time between third and fourth duma

Answer 6

There was strong police repression, revolutionary parties were not able to operate. Factories can fire striking workers. Peasants were intimidated by Stolypin’s repression.