Topic 1 - WW1 and Causes of February Revolution Flashcards
1
Q
what was the romanov tercentenary?
A
300th anniversary of romanov rule
2
Q
how did the tsar rule russia?
A
the tsar was an autocrat which meant that he had absolute power as no government had been established. this meant that he mainly made decisions himself which is what made him a terrible leader
3
Q
what did the tsar establish?
A
a secret police force known as the okhrana which had been granted with absolute power when arresting opponents
4
Q
who was the tsarina alexandra?
A
- married to the tsar
- had german ancestors
- alleged affair with rasputin
- felt like she was in power most of the time
5
Q
who is rasputin?
A
- a man lived by women
- healer to the tsar’s son
- alleged affair with tsarina
- advisor to the monarchy
- felt like he was in power when tsar was away
- killed in 1916
6
Q
who was sergi witte?
A
a leading westerniser who implemented ideas economically
7
Q
what was the economic state of russia?
A
- inflation was caused because the government decided to raise taxes and loans so money was ultimately worthless in 1917
- supplies of food to towns fell due to shortages of workers in agriculture as lots of people moved from rural to urban
- russian trade had reached a virtual standstill because tradable items had lost their value due to inflation
8
Q
what was the social state of russia?
A
- railway system virtually collapsed as they were unable to meet demands due to the lack of coal. also the transport was taken over by men and goods for the war
- due to lack of fuel this meant food was left to rot in the carriages
9
Q
how was their discontent in russia?
A
- strikes
- violence
- outbursts
10
Q
what was the political impact of WWI
A
- nicholas reduced to work with the duma and other organisations
- he rejected to replace the incompetent cabinet
- he destroyed the last opportunity of restraining the support of the politically progressive parties
- tsarina relies on rasputin whenever the tsar was away
- 1916 = rasputin murdered by prince yusupov
