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
Why was Stuermer so unpopular?
He possessed a great amount of power (at one point in 1916 he was PM, MoI and MoF). Likewise, 1916 saw worsening food shortages and the transport system break down. Rasputin gained in influence under him.
The appointment of which General was unsupported?
Bezobrazhov
Who said in November 1916 “We have lost faith in the ability of this government to achieve victory”?
Miliukov
Which new PM was met by the Duma with calls of “down with the ministers!” and forced to decide with the tsar, tsarina and Rasputin when to close the Duma until?
Trepov
Between 1915 and 1916, how many prime ministers/ ministers of defence/ ministers of the interior were there?
PM - 4
MoD - 3
MoI - 6
Why did the Nobility dislike Alexandra and Rasputin?
Alexandra was feared to be Pro-German during the war and Rasputin had a growing influence at court which nobles were jealous of and concerned about
When was Rasputin killed? Who were the main complicit figures?
December 1916
Prince Yusupov and Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich
Who was the general involved in a secret meeting with Duma ministers who said “A revolution is imminent” and “we will support you”?
Krymov
How was the situation in Petrograd described in an Okhrana report in January 1917?
“The proletariat of the capital are on the verge of despair”
When did the Council of Ministers submit their resignation? What was formed on the same day?
27th February 1917
A Temporary Committee of the Duma made up of 12 representatives
Where did strikes begin on 18th February?
The Putilov Iron Works
What measure did the Government propose on the 19th February which particularly displeased the hungry masses?
The further cutting of bread rations from 1st March
What were the two key factors driving more people onto the streets on 23rd February? How many people are estimated to be on the protest?
- The increase in temperature
- The fact it was international womens’ day
- 100,000 protestors
Which two unsuccessful forces increased the size and violence of the protestors?
Police and Cossacks
How does Orlando Figes describe the movement on the 25th February?
“virtually a general strike”
Who told the Tsar that the “uprisings… are taking on uncontrollable and threatening dimensions” on the 26th February? What was the Tsars immediate response and measures?
Rodzianko
The Tsar declared “More rubbish from that fat pig!”. He then ordered the Duma to disband and military force to be used to put down the uprisings.
Who said “we had lost all authority” about the 27th Feb?
Petrograd city governor Balk
Which regiment did Linde famously lead to mutiny in February?
The Preobrazhensky regiment
Who cabled the Tsar on the 27th Feb saying the situation could not be dealt with?
Khabalov (in charge of defense)
What revolutionary actions were carried out 27th/28th February?
- Palace of Justice was burnt down
- St Peter and Paul’s fortress was broken into
- Police offices were ransacked
- Barracks and arsenals were seized
Where were the leaders of the revolutionary groups during the February revolution?
Lenin and Martov were in Zurich
Trotsky was in New York
Chernov was in Paris
What was the more socialist part of “dual authority” in the Tauride Palace? Which party had a leading role in its establishment and leadership?
Petrograd Soviet
Mensheviks
When did the Tsar try to return to Petrograd? Where did he actually end up following mutinous troops intercepting the train?
28th February
He ended up at Pskov
Who persuaded the Tsar to abdicate on the 2nd March?
The Stavka along with Rodzianko
Who denied the appointment of Tsar after Nicholas’ abdication?
Grand Dke Mikhail
When was the provisional government set up?
1st/2nd March 1917
During the February revolution, how many members of the Petrograd Garrison remained loyal? Which two major regiments mutinies?
Only 1000 out of 66,000
Preobrazhensky and Volynsky Guard Regiments both mutinied
What proportion of strikes in Moscow factories in 1917 included demands for higher wages?
90%
What did Rodzianko warn the Tsar on the 14th February?
“there is not one honest man left in your entourage; all the decent people have either been dismissed or left”
