Tsar's Demise Flashcards
What were the long-term causes of the Tsar’s abdication?
- Socio-economic problems in Russia
- Backwardness of Autocracy
- The legacy of 1905
- Limitations of Stolypin’s reforms
- The Fundamental laws
What did the Tsar prohibit at the start of the war? Why was this bad for his reputation?
The production and sale of alcohol was banned - this was unpopular as alcohol was a popular beverage (especially in hard living conditions) and a crucial source of state income through taxes
Which sex-loving faith healer was instrumental in the Tsarist household and court?
Rasputin
When did Nicholas become the commander-in-chief of the army? Why does this prove fatal?
August 1915 - it meant that the failings in the war could be attributed to him. he had to bear responsibility. Likewise, this left a power vaccuum back at home which Alexendria was incapable of filling - this led to greater disaffection with Rasputin.
Why was Alexandria disliked by the Duma?
- She was very distant and not engaged with stately affairs
- She was German
- She had close relations with Rasputin
When did the Tsar permit the Duma to reassemble?
July 1915
How did the Tsar fail to initially cooperate with the Duma?
He didn’t establish a “ministry of national confidence” as was suggested by the Duma and instead, prorogued the Duma in September 1915
Who said the Tsar and his advisors “brushed aside the hand that was offered them”?
Miliukov (Kadets’ leader)
What three organisations emerged to help coordinate the war effort?
Zemgor
War Industries Committee
Special Councils
How did Zemgor weaken the Tsar’s position?
Zemgor coordinated transport and supplies during the war and arranged aid for wounded soldiers. This made the Tsarist government look ineffective at coordinating its duties. Zemgor (combined from Zemstvos and Municipal Councils) had a loose democratic base and thus showed democracy to trump autocracy
What was the War Industries Committee?
A group of industrialists and businessmen coordinated by Guchkov who agreed, separate to the Tsarist government, to ramp up armaments production in return for greater political influence. They aimed to break down the monopoly of big munitions producers.
What was the shell production like in Russia in 1916 compared to Germany?
It had surpassed that of production levels in Germany
When was the Progressive Bloc formed? Who made it up?
August 1915 - it was made up of Kadets, Octobrists, Nationalists and Progressivists. They had 236/442 seats in the Duma.
Which party often voted for Progressive bloc resolutions even though they weren’t part of it?
SRs
The Tsar ignored much of the progressive bloc: “The whole purpose of the Bloc was to prevent a revolution so as to enable the government to finish the war”. Who said this?
Vasily Shulgin - an ardent monarchist
Why was the Progressive bloc disappointed by the appointment of Boris Stürmer as Prime Minister when they reconvened in February 1916?
Because he declared that now was not the time for constitutional concessions
Why was Stuermer forced to resign?
When the Duma reconvened in November 1917, Miliukov and Kerensky vehemently attacked Stuermer. For example, Miliukov gave his “stupidity or treason” speech. This prompted Grand Dukes Alexander and George to call on the Tsar to sack Boris.
The dismissal of which effective Minister of War in March 1916 worsened Duma-Govt. relations?
Polivanov