The Romanov Dynasty Flashcards
Russo-Japanese war
In Feb 1904, Japan launched a surprise attack on Port Arthur and Russia dismissed them as a rival to fear. Due to a series of Russian blunders and lack of industrialisation in Russia, Russia suffered an embarrassing defeat which ended in September 1905.
Nicholas II as an autocrat
Nicholas was 26 years old when he became Tsar in 1894 as a quiet family man who openly claimed to be unprepared for ruling.
He famously stated that “What is going to happen to me…to all of Russia? I am not prepared to be a Tsar. I never wanted to become one. I know nothing of the business of ruling, I have no idea of how to even talk to ministers.”
Tsarovich Alexei
Born in 1904 with Hemophilia as the only male heir, causing concern within the Royal family
Tsarina Alexandra
German princess and granddaughter of Queen Victoria who married Nicholas II in 1894. She was incredibly religious and turned to Rasputin for all matters, stirring rumours
Grigori Rasputin
infamous monk who gained influence in St Petersburg’s elite circles and trust of the Royal family. It was believed that he could heal Alexei. He was murdered by Prince Yuspov in 1916
five key social groups of Russia
Tsar and ruling class, gentry class, Bourgeosie, Proletariat, Peasantry
Tsar and ruling class
The Tsar wad surrounded by an elite group comprised of the Royal family. They lived in great luxury and were shielded from poverty, making up 0.5% of the population.
Gentry class
comprised of noble landlords, leading figures in church and military and senior figures in the imperial bureaucracy. They made up 10% of the population who lived in comfort, but had no political power.
Bourgeoisie
Small, non-influential middle class who engaged in commerce, law or medicine. They were highly educated and made up 2% of the population.
Proletariat
A non-influential, small working class limited due to lack of industrial development in Russia who made up 6% of the population.
Peasantry
Largest social group making up 80-85% of the population who live in poverty and are politically powerless.
development of opposition to Romanovs
1903: strikes throughout the country
1904: increased food prices
1905: failure of Russo-Japanese war, Bloody Sunday, Putilov Steelworks mutiny, October Manifesto
1906: Fundamental Law, First Duma
major events in 1905 revolution
Dec 1904: Putilov Steelworks strike spreads in Russia
Jan 1905: Bloody Sunday
May 1905: first Russian ‘soviet’ established
Jun 1905: unrest in Russia’s military, Potemkin ship mutiny
Aug 1905: peasant groups and minorities demand autonomy
Oct 1905: Nicholas II released October Manifesto
October Manifesto
Released in October 1905, the October Manifesto was a decree which promised:
- civil liberties for all
- a state Duma
- Duma having the ability to create laws and be elected
Most liberals and progressives accepted the manifesto, but Socialist Revolutionaries were quite critical of it.
The Fundamental Law
Right before the first Duma meeting, Nicholas II issued the law in April 1906 where he claimed his right to:
- have supreme autocratic power
- initiate legislation and approve laws
- appoint and dismiss ministers
- summon and dissolve Duma
This showed that the Tsar had no interest in becoming a Constitutional Monarchy. He dismissed Duma’s who weren’t in his favour constantly.
revolutionary parties included:
Bolsheviks, Mensheviks, Socialist Revolutionaries, Cadets, Octobrists.
Bolsheviks
Marxist and social democrat party that supported the urban working class and soldiers from WW1. Leon Trotsky and Vladimir Lonin were main personalities. They called for an alliance between working class and a rapid overthrow of the Tsar to attain socialism.
Mensheviks
Marxist and social democrat party that supported the urban working class, lawyers and other professions, and cautious socialist. Julius Martov and Fedor Dan were main personalities. They called for cooperation of the middle class to overthrow the Tsar CAUTIOUSLY move to socialism.
