The Russian war effort (1) Flashcards
What was the main cause of Russia’s involvement in WWI?
In June 1914, the Austrian, Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by a young Slav, Gavrilo Princip, in the town of Sarajevo, part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
How did the assassination involve Russia?
Because the assassination was a protest against Austria’s rule over Slav peoples and the Austro-Hungarian Emperor held the serb government responsible. Pan-Slavism was strong in European Russia and in July 1914 the Tsar began to mobilse his armies to support Serbia.
Due to Russia Helping Serbia what did the mean?
meant that Germany immediately went to the aid of its ally, Austria, Russia was rapidly drawn into war with Germany.
Why was Russia struggling in WWI in terms of help?
Because Russia’s allies were Britain and France but they fought largely on the Western-front leaving Russia struggling on the Eastern-front against Germany and Austria.
Was the Tsar’s decision to go to war popular?
Yes initially and supported by a wave of anti-German sentiment.
What happened to Russia’s capital?
Its went from its Germanic name “St Petersburg” and became the new Slavonic “Petrograd”
What were the Germans amazed by?
The speed at which this Russia “steam-roller” was able to get to the Front.
What was Pan-Slavism?
A belief that Slav races should be united
What disaster forced the Russian’s to retreat temporarily from East Prussia?
Russia defeat to Germany in the Battle of Tannenburg in East Prussia ugust 1914, which left 300,000 dead or wounded. Thousands were taken prisoner.
What was Russia laking in the first world war?
Despite them mobilising around 12 million men between 1914 and 1917, mainly conscripted peasants, it proved unable to provide for them.
What sorts of things were they unable to provide for the Soldiers?
lacking suitable weaponry, warm clothing and properly fitting, waterproof footwear.
In 1914 what did the infantry have?
only 2 rifles for every 3 soldiers and in 1915 it was non unusual to be limited to two to three shells per day.
In July 1914 what did the Tsarist government set up?
“military zones” within which all civilian authority was suspended and the military assumed command.
Who opposed the set up of military zones?
the liberal zemstva who regarded the government as insensitive to the needs of the people and believed that civilians needed to play a major part in running the war.
What did the zemstva establish?
A “Union of Zemstva” to provide medical facilities which the state seemed to neglect, while factory owners amd businessmen had set up a Congress of representatives of Industry and Business to help production.
What happened in June 1915 with the Zemstva and municipal dumas?
They had joined to form Zemgor the All Russian Union of Zemstva and Cities.
Who was leader of the Zemgor 1915?
Prince Lvov
What did Prince Lvov claim to do and what did Nicholas think?
He claimed the right to help the Tsar’s government in the war effort however Nicholas shunned it and it turned into focus for liberal discontent.
What did over half the Fourth Duma deputies do?
Organised themselves into a “progressive bloc” and demanded that the tsar change his ministers and establish a “government of public confidence”.
What rumours involved Rasputin and Alexandra?
That Rasputin was having an affair with Alexandra, who, as a german, was accused of sabotaging the Russian war effort.
Who warned the Tsar about Rasputin and what about?
The President of the Fourth Duma, Mikhail Rodzianko, warned Nicholas in vain of Rasputin’s unpopularity and the damage he was doing ti the Tsarist cause.
