The rule of Tsar Nicholas II Flashcards
What classes make up Russian society? (in order of highest to lowest)
- Tsar
- Aristocracy
- Clergy
- Bourgeoisie
- Army/secret police
- Peasants/workers
As a man how can Nicholas II be described?
A man of weakness and limited outlook who ruled the nation
How did Nicholas II’s reign get of to a bad start?
- Due to drunkness and poor crowd
control over 1000 people died in a
stampede celebrating his
coronation. - Despite Nicholas’s own interests to
care for injured, He was encouraged
to continue with evening plans,
attending a banquet at French
embassy given there were
important financial backers present. - While Russians died in the street
Nicholas opened the dancing at the
French embassy. - Impression that he was callous and
uncaring spread.
Describe Nicholas II’s politics.
He continued Alexander’s Russification policies:
- Severely enforced policy of
restricting the influence of the non-
Russian national minorities within
the empire by emphasising
superiority of all things Russian.
- The aim was to impose Russian
ways on all peoples within the
empire.
- The nationalists who suffered the
most were the Baltic Germans, the
Poles, The Finns, the Armenians and
Ukrainians.
- State interference on their
education, religion and culture was
widespread.
Who were the greatest victims of Russification?
- The Jewish population (anti-
semitism). - Jewish people were forced to live in
ghettos. - The Black Hundreds (a nationalist
group) were notorious for their
attacks on Jews. - The Tsar actively encouraged these
and used Jews as scapegoats. - In total over 600 new measures
were introduced, imposing heavy
social, political and economic
restrictions on the Jewish
population.
What were the economic problems at the start of Nicholas II’s reign?
- Serfdom ended but peasants still
tied to village communes (mirs) =
little free movement of labour. - Population doubles 1861-1914 to
130 million. - 1880 still subsistence farming - only
half of agricultural land was
producing surplus - mostly owned
by nobles. - Very small business class
- Russia had insufficient funds to
invest in modernisation.
Who was Serge Witte?
- 1880-90’s = railroad manager.
- 1889-91 = director of railway affairs
in finance ministry. - 1892-1903 = finance minister.
- 1903-1905 = chair of citee of
ministers. - 1905-1906 = prime minister.
- Oversaw building of Trans-Siberian
railway as director of railway affairs. - Sympathetic to needs and aims of
business class.
Who were the two finance ministers before Witte?
- 1881-87 Nikolai Bunge.
- 1889-91 Ivan Vyshnegradsky.
What did the finance minister Nikolai Bunge do?
- Passed law to reduce tax burden on
peasants. - Created a peasant land bank which
offered loans to peasants to
increase their land holdings and
make them more productive. - Abolition of poll-tax and
introduction of inheritance tax
(1883-86).
What did the finance minister Ivan Vyshnegradsky do?
- Financial incentives for peasants to
migrate to Siberia. - 1890’s begins to finance Russian
economic development from foreign
loans, mainly from Britain and
France.
Desribe State capitalism during Witte’s ‘great spurt’ of 1892-1903.
- Economic development sponsored
and directed by government:
Believed state should provide the
means (transport, markets and
money) and private businessman
conduct the actual economic
development.
During Witte’s ‘great spurt’ what were his main emphasises?
- Main emphasis placed on
production of capital goods - Iron,
Steel, Coal, oil and textiles. - Emphasis on comms… Trans-
Siberian Railway, opening up
Siberia. incomplete in places in
1914. - 31000km (1891) to 53000km (1900)
to 70000km (1913).
Who helped to finance Witte’s ‘great spurt’ from abroad?
- The most developed countries…
Britain, France and Belgium. - 26% (1890) to 41% (1915) but by
1900 20% budget used for debt and
only 2% used for education.
How did Witte attract foreign investment during his ‘great spurt’?
- 1897 backed rouble with gold
standard (backing currency with
gold reserve). - Foreigners owned almost half of
Russian shares by 1914.
What did Witte do with taxes’s for peasantry during ‘great spurt”?
- Extra taxes levied on the peasantry
to pay for investment and build gold
reserve.
How did Witte protect protect Horne industries during his ‘great spurt’?
- Protected by high import duties
against foreign competition 1887
and 1891 - helped protect metal
industry, hit textile producers.
What was the impact of the Witte system on production of coal, iron and oil?
- Production rose.
- 1880-1890 coal increases 5.9Mt
1890 - 1900 it rises 16.1Mt 1900 -
1910 it rises 26.8Mt. (but remember
population was growing too)
What year was the Trans-Siberian available for use?
1903 = Siberia resources accessible
What was the impact of the Witte system on industrial growth?
Strong growth, particularly of large factories (1900, over 50% industrial workforce in 1000 factories).
What was the impact of the Witte system on the urban population?
- large urban population growth (eg.
1818 -1914 St P = 1M to 2M) - Poor living and working conditions,
with many living in slums eg.
wooden barracks, with 2.7 million
families separated by partitions
with no ventialtion.
Apart from the impact on industrial growth, production and urban population, what other effects were there as a result of the Witte system?
- military development
- merging of urban and rural lives -
peasants aged 20-40 often worked
outside village and then retired to
their allotment of land and families. - increase in direct taxes (on products
= reduces standards of living) - poor working conditions, brutal
discipline and low safety standards. - Russia much more dependant on
foreign loans and investments. - Light engineering (eg. machine tool
production) fell behind heavy
industry
what 3 sections can Tsar Nicholas II’s opposition be split into?
- CONSTITUTIONAL (eg. Zemstva
calling for a greater say in
government - ‘senseless dreams’
largely quiet until 1905) - PEASANT (increasingly hard line
following the famine - opposed to
the influence of the mir, wished to
reclaim the land from the nobility) - RADICAL (the rise of marxism as a
result of Witte’s industrialisation…..
= most important)
Who are Marxists?
Followers of Karl Marx and his beliefs
Which political party believed in marxism?
The Social democrats (RSDLP)
Who were the Social democrats?
- Formed in 1898 by George
Plekhanov. He had translated Marx’s
work and was known as the father
of Russian marxism. - Social democrats believed that the
rapid industrialisation of the late
19th century would eventually
produce and industrial working class
which would revolt and bring about
the socialist state thats the social
democrats wanted
In 1903 what two groups did the Social democrats split into and later became separate political parties?
Mensheviks and Bolsheviks
Who were the Mensheviks?
- Led by Julius Martor.
- They believed that:
- The party should
attract as many members as it
could - The working class in
Russia was not yet large enough
to hold a successful revolution. - The Mensheviks should work
with the SR’s and the liberals so
that industry could develop and
a large enough working class
would eventually be produced.
- The party should
Who led the Bolsheviks?
Vladimir Ulanov, known as Lenin.
What did the bolsheviks believe?
- The party should consist of a small
number of committed members,
who would carry out the revolution
on behalf of the industrial working
class known as ‘proletariat’. - Since the party would act as the
‘vanguard’ of the proletariat and
carry out the revolution, there was
no need to wait for the bourgeois. - There should be no co-operation
with other parties. The Bolsheviks
alone would lead the revolution.
What weaknesses did the Social democrats have?
- Most of the Bolshevik and
Menshevik leaders were in foreign
countries to escape the tsar’s
secrete police (Okhrana). - Despite this, the Okhrana had
managed to place its agents in
senior positions in the social
democratic party. - 1914 3 of 7 man committee were
police agents. - To make matters worse, support for
the Social democrats was divided,
since the Mensheviks and the
Bolsheviks increasingly treated each
other as enemies rather than
friends.
Who were Liberals?
Believed in freedom of speech and that the government should be elected by the people.
What was Zemstva?
- In 1864 Tsar Alexander II had
introduced elected local councils
which were called Zemstva.
However the peasants had only 40%
of the membership. - Dominated by landowners,
increasingly these landowners
supported Liberal views. - No liberal parties until 1905.
Which two parties were formed in 1905 that represented liberal beliefs?
Octobrists and Kadets
Who were the Octobrists?
- Hoped for slow gradual reform, to
be introduced by the tsar. - They were called the Octobrists
because they agreed with the Tsar’s
October manifesto. - Their main support came from rich
land owners and large industrialists.
Who were the Kadets?
- The Kadets, or constitutional
democrats, believed in a faster pace
of reform than octobrists. - They demanded a national
parliament elected by the people. - This would introduce equal rights
for all people and limit the power of
the tsar. - The main support came from
professionals such as lawyers,
smaller industrialists and
landowners.
What weaknesses did the liberals have?
- They received very little support
from the peasants and industrial
workers. - Most liberals were frightened by the
violence and disorder of peasant
and worker protests.
Who were the Populists?
- In the 19th century there were a
number of who were made up of
mainly young people. - They hoped to gain the support of
the peasantry to force the land
owners to give up their land and
divide it amongst the peasants. - However, in general the peasants
did not trust them.
Who were the ‘people’s will”?
- With the failure to gain support of
the peasants some populists turned
to terrorism and formed a group
called ‘people’s will’. - Their most significant success was in
1881 when they asassinated Tsar
Alexander II with a bomb.
Who were the Social revolutionaries (SR’s)?
- Formed in 1901 by Victor Chermov.
- The SR’s were an alliance of various
populist groups, they wanted to
abolish land ownership and return
land to ‘those who worked it’, as a
result they were very strongly
supported by peasants. - The SR’s also hoped to gain the
support of the industrial workers. - Their battle organisation continued
the terror attacks of ‘people’s will’
1901 - 1905 - 2000
What were the weaknesses of the Social revolutionaries?
- Although probably the party with
most support, the SR’s were not a
single party, but were made up of
different groups with different aims. - The moderates were willing to take
part in Duma - the parliament set up
by the tsar in 1906. - The more extremist SR’s rejected
the Dumas and wanted a revolution.
When was the Russo-Japanese war?
8 February 1904 – 5 September 1905
What were Russia’s 3 main motives in the Japanese war?
- To pursue an expansionist policy in
the far east, to make up for what it
saw as its relative decline in Europe. - To obtain an ice-free port - all
Russia’s major ports on its northern
coastline were frozen up in parts of
year. - To distract attention from Russia’s
domestic troubles by rallying the
nation in patriotic struggle.
Describe the course of the Russo-Japenese war.
- Port Arthur fell to Japan, Jan 1905.
- Russian surrender of Mukden, Feb
1905. - Russian fleet destroyed at
Tsushima, May 1905.. Russia
surrender.
What were the reasons for the Russian defeat in the Russo-Japenese war?
- Military commanders had not
prepared effectively … poor
knowledge of opponent and terrain. - Russian ignorance of conditions
allowed Japanese to out manoeuvre
the Russian forces. - Weak supply line due to large
distance = lack of men + materials - Trans-Siberian railway incomplete.
What was the effect of Russia’s defeat to the Japanese on public opinion towards the Tsar?
- National humiliation
- Excited social unrest that it had
been started to help dampen. - strong cause for 1905 revolution.
What are the 2 long term causes of the 1905 revolution?
Economic discontent and political problems
Why was their economic discontent among the peasantry helping to cause the 1905 revolution?
- Russia had no income tax, Tsar
taxed produce to raise money for
his regime. Tax burden so great riots
common. - When peasants freed from serfdom,
in order to give the peasants land,
gov had to buy it of farmers. Gov
made peasants pay this ‘loan’ back
as redemption payment. - Common famine such as
widespread famine in 1901. Even
though they did not have enough to
feed themselves, they were
expected to produce surplus grain
for export.
Why was their economic discontent among the workers helping to cause the 1905 revolution?
- Terrible working conditions and
trade unionism was banned so little
to protect safety/pay of workers.
..11.5 hr working day. - Horrendous living conditions,
developers struggled to deal with
demand for accommodation. - Limited sanitation + water, high
mortality rate. - Due to pop increase…. urbanisation
due to industrialisation.
how were political problems a cause (long term) for the 1905 revolution?
- Ethnic minorities greatly oppressed
by Russification. - Jewish people persecuted by state-
sanctioned programs. - Influence of Zemstva was reduced.
- Officials criticising gov were purged.
- Middle class industrialists were
unhappy that they had no say in
how the country was run. - Increased industrialisation and
urbanisation had led to major social
and economic problems for workers
and peasants. - Discontent provided revolutionaries
groups with a bed of support that
could be used to create change.
What were the 2 short term causes of the 1905 revolution?
- Defeat in R-J war
- Bloody sunday
How did the protests start that led to bloody sunday?
- 3rd Jan, 5 men sacked from Putilov -
factory St P. - 7th Jan, 105,000 workers on strike in
protest. - Sunday 9th Jan, Father Gapon
organises large demonstration,
banned by police. Governor general
deploys thousands of troops.
Describe the events of Bloody sunday when the crowds march to winter palace?
- Crowds demand reforms, singing
national anthem. - Troops try to disperse crowd by
persuasion then by firing on them. - Some marchers reach palace
square, soldiers use rifles + artillery
to fire on them. 200 killled, 800
wounded, woman, children = Father
Gapon.
How was bloody sunday a cause for the 1905 revolution?
- Peasants appalled tsar would kill
priest, children and woman. - Revolutionaries expelled form St P,
spreading the news. - Strikes in major cities, Milyukov led
the liberal groups in a “union of
unions”, peasants seizure of land,
Soviets formed, mutinies in services
eg. Potemkin mutiny.
how were soviets formed during 1905 revolution?
- In a number of cities, workers
formed themselves into an elected
soviet. - They began as organisations
to represent the workers demands
for better conditions. - their potential as bases for political
agitation was immediately
recognised by revolutionaries. - Trotsky became leader of St P
soviet, organising several strikes in
capital.
How did the Tsar/Gov recover from 1905 revolution?
- Return of Witte.
- Tsar issued October manifesto.
- Liberals placated, peasants bought
off, workers crushed. - Fundemental laws restored tsar’s
absolute power.
What was the October manifesto?
- On Witte’s advice, Tsar agrees to
manifesto promising reforms to
appease opposition groups. - Accepted proposal for elected
national representative parliament
(Duma) with real power - no laws
would be made without its
parliament. - Proposed freedom of speech and
religion; civil rights; and legal unions. - More constitutional monarchy than
autocracy.
What do the government announce in November 1905?
Redemption payments will be reduced and then abolished altogether.
What were the reaction of the opposition parties to the October Manifesto?
- Octobrists: accept manifesto as an
important final reform. - Kadets: accept manifesto as the first
step to more reform. - Mensheviks, Bolsheviks and SR’s:
not satisfied with the manifesto and
wanted more radical reform.
How was concession a factor in the failure of the 1905 revolution?
The appeasement of the October manifesto and redemption payments ( took out the liberals and the peasants).
how did suppression help cause the failure of the 1905 revolution?
- Armed forces and pro-government
terror groups (black hundreds)
remained loyal. - St P November strike not supported
by MC or workers, St P Soviet shut
down by force, leaders arrested. - Moscow strikes in support, put
down by military after 2 weeks.
1000 + workers died.
how was the political opposition a cause for the failure of the 1905 revolution?
- Lack of unity, coordination and
popular appeal amongst the
revolutionaries. - SD’s want socialist state - peasants
don’t understand. SR’s want to
nationalise land - peasants just want
to divide up the land between
themselves.
What were the Electoral laws?
- Not equal or fully representative
- Dec 1905, allowed only male
landowners over the age of 25, with
estates of more than 200 Ha to vote
directly for their representatives. - Peasants only had an indirect vote
(electing someone to vote on their
behalf). - Factory workers of businesses
employing less than 50 workers,
construction workers, casual
tradesmen, all excluded from voting. - Soldiers + woman not allowed to
vote.
When did Witte resign as prime minister?
22nd of April 1906. just before first Duma.
What did Stolypin state his guiding principles were upon his closing as new PM in July 1906?
“Suppression (of revolution) first and then, and only then, reform”
When were the Fundamental laws issued?
23rd April 1906
What did the fundamental laws state?
- Tsar appointed his own ministers,
who were accountable to him and
not the duma. - Retained complete control over
foreign affairs, military matters and
the declaration of states of
emergency. - Had supreme power, all law would
require his approval. - Article 87 stated that under
‘exceptional circumstances’ the tsar
could dismiss the duma and
legislate on his own.
What happened at the first Duma of June 1906?
- SR’s and SD’s boycotted elections
for the first duma. - 37% kadets a progressive liberal
party advocating for further
reforms, including protections for
civil rights and more representative
government. - 20% Trudaviks, a breakaway faction
of the SR’s which was a radical
socialist party that believed
peasants and workers were the key
revolutionary classes. - Issued 391 statements criticising
actions of gov. Dissolved by tsar
after only 73 days. Tsar ruled
without parliament until Feb 1907.
what happened at the second duma Feb-June 1907?
- SD’s + SR’s end boycott and
participate. - more radical than first.
- Impossible for tsar and Stolypin to
work with this duma, they refused to
support Stolypin land
proposals/reforms. - Early June, SD’s accused of plotting
to overthrow Tsarist regime Men +
Bol deputies had parliementary
privileges suspended. - Same day Stolypin brings on large
changes to electoral system, Voting
suspened in certain districts tsar
believed not developed enough.
What occured at the third Duma, November 1907 - June 1912?
- As a result of Stolypin’s new voting
laws, Tsar + Duma achieved more
conservative and compliant Duma. - Third Duma was elected in 1907 and
permitted to serve its full 5 year
term.
what happened in the 4th Duma?
(nov 1912 - Aug 1914)
- Term plagued by mounting tensions
and increase in protests from
industrial workers. - Protests spurred on by Lena
Goldfields incident, 500 miners on
strike shot by government forces. - Stolypin assassinated September
1911 by revolutionaries. - Although arguably most
conservative Duma, the relationship
between parliament and
government was strained and duma
deputies became increasingly critical
of the government.
Describe Stolypin’s reforms and actions.
- last great statesman of Russia
Tsarist era. - He declared martial law, in an
attempt to brutally crush the
aftermath of the 1905 revolution
(lots of executions) - Introduced sweeping agrarian land
reforms, giving peasants
opportunity to own private land. - Hoped to create a class of self-
sufficient and prosperous peasants
who would be more likely to obey
and remain loyal to the government. - Assassinated long before his
reforms gave results.
