Topic 2/3/4 Flashcards
Name 3 reasons for the February revolution
- (The impact of WW1) World War One was a total disaster for Russia. The Russian army suffered defeat after defeat at the hands of Germany in 1915, which lost them land
- (Tsar’s incompetence) Nicholas II’s decision to take charge meant that he was increasingly seen by the Russian people as having personal responsibility for the military disasters inflicted on Russia.
- (Tsar’s incompetence) Nicholas refused to accept any reduction in the absolute power he held.
- (Tsar’s incompetence) When the Duma was recalled during World War 1, a group of Octoberists and Kadets established the Progressive Bloc. This group wanted to have more control over the war. In response, in 1915, Nicholas closed the Duma. This alienated many liberals.
- (Tsar’s incompetence) The departure of Nicholas II to the front left his wife, Tsarina Alexandra, in control. Alexandra was not hugely popular in Russia.
- (Tsar’s Incompetence) The Tsarina appointed less threatening, sometimes incompetent, ministers to replace those who knew how to govern.
- (Tsar’s Incompetence) Leaving the Tsarina with Rasputin, made the everything problematic as Rasputin soon became a controversial figure; he was accused by his enemies of religious heresy and rape, also rumours of having an affair with the Tsarina
- (Economic problems) Russian industry moved into crisis during the war. Vital raw materials from overseas could no longer reach Russia.
- (Economic problems) Agricultural methods remained backward and still relied on many peasants being able to work the land. Millions of peasant farmers were conscripted into the army. This led to a major shortage of manpower
- (Economic problems) By 1916, inflation had reached 200 per cent
1917 February Revolution events (summarized)
- Strikers from the Putilov Engineering Plantith joined the crowds at the celebration of International Women’s Day ( February 22nd)
- As the number of people on the streets of Petrograd increased (250k), soldiers refused orders to fire on the crowds. Instead they began to join in the protests. (25th February)
- Nicholas II dismissed these events as a “hooligan movement” which would soon be over.
- Isolated and powerless without the support of the army, his reign as Tsar was over - the only option now was abdication. march 2nd
What was the Provisional Government
A temporary government that came after the abdication of the Tsar and elections would be held as soon as possible to draw up a new constitute
Name 3 issues the Provisional Government had to deal with
(War) - Should Russia surrender for immediate peace with all the shame that’ll come with it, or should they continue the war and just defend it’s existing territory
(Land) - Should it be taken from the nobility and handed to the peasants?
(Economy) - How to improve the economy
(Social reform) - improving work conditions, living conditions, working hours, etc
(National minorities) - Give independence to nations such as Poland, Ukraine, etc
What was the April Thesis?
The “April Theses” were a series of ten directives issued by the Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin upon his April 1917 return to Petrograd; aimed at opposing the Bolshevik government
What was the summer offensive?
- Alexander Kerensky, Minister of War, ordered the June Offensive of 1917, an attempt to push the Austrians back. However this failed and contributed to protests during July.
- The morale of the army declined further and there were huge increases in the level of desertions. The soldiers became more receptive to Bolshevik propaganda and the loyalty of a number of units to the Provisional Government was now uncertain.
What were the July days?
- Sailors from Kronstadt protested in the city. Soldiers joined them. Soon thousands of protesters awaited instructions from the Petrograd Soviet and the Bolsheviks.
- Lenin did not take advantage of the situation, perhaps because only small numbers
- The uprising was suppressed by loyal troops who were brought in by the Provisional Government. A number of Bolshevik leaders, including Trotsky, were arrested. Lenin fled to Finland.
Events of the Kornilov Affair (Summarized)
- In August 1917, Lavr Kornilova, a Russian General, made an attempt to seize power for himself. His army advanced on Petrograd.
- The Provisional Government called on the Petrograd Soviet to defend the city. This meant arming the Soviet - a move that would not be easy to reverse.
- Under Trotsky’s direction, the Red Guards organised the defence of the city. Bolshevik agents infiltrated Kornilov’s troops and encouraged them to desert.
- By the end of the month, Kornilov had been relieved of his command and put under arrest.
- An important result of the Kornilov Revolt was a marked increase in support for the Bolsheviks.
Summarized events of the 1917 October Revolution
- After hiding in Finland and watching events unfold, Lenin judged it was the right time to for the Bolsheviks to seize power as the Bolsheviks popularity was at an all time high.
- He felt desperate to start the revolution as he felt as if the provisional government may make peace with Germany, gaining extra support.
- On September 12, Lenin wrote to the Bolshevik Committee urging action, but the other leaders of the committee felt as if it was to early
- After rejecting Lenin’s initial demands, Lenin met them in person to discuss the plans in October, and they agreed.
- However Trotsky demanded to at least wait a little longer to start a revolution so it doesn’t appear as though the Bolsheviks were taking power for themselves, rather, with soviets as well.
- As it was now public knowledge that Bolsheviks intended to take power, Kerensky gave the Bolsheviks a reason to take power, as he tried to shut down Bolshevik newspapers, raise bridges, etc.
- Trotsky was able to secure support from the Petrograd Garrison and Kronstadt sailors.
- The Red guards and Kronstadt sailors gained control of key city infrastructure.
- After storming the winter peace, all Russian congress of soviets met, Bolsheviks had a majority in congress.
- Lenin announced the formation of the Bolshevik Government and moves were made to end the war and give land back to peasants
What were the 3 decrees
- Land decree; gave peasants the power to go take land from the upper classes
- Workers control decree; gave factory committees were given the right to control production and finances in workplaces
- Rights of people decree; gave rights to national minorities
Name a strategy the Bolsheviks wanted to use to stay in power
- Wipe out opposition; closing down opposition press and encourage class warfare
- Build terror; bringing units of the red guard and military units under control
- Go along with popular demands; giving up the war, giving land, etc.
Consequences of the Treaty of Breast- Litovsk
- Seen as a shameful peace
- Half of human, industrial and agricultural resources of the Tsar was lost
-This encouraged patriotic Russians to join anti Bolshevik groups, meaning civil war was inevitable
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Who was the head of the Provisional Government
Prince Lvov
What did Order No 1 State, in the dual power agreement’ state
Soldiers and workers should obey the Provisional Government, but on the condition the Soviets agreed with the Provisional Government
What was the first major disagreement between the Soviet and the Provisional Government
Whether the war should continue
- Provisional Government believed war efforts should continue
- Soviets believed that the war should just end immediately (just quit)
