Tsar's Demise

Question 1

What were the long-term causes of the Tsar’s abdication?

Answer 1

• Socio-economic problems in Russia
• Backwardness of Autocracy
• The legacy of 1905
• Limitations of Stolypin’s reforms
• The Fundamental laws

Question 2

What did the Tsar prohibit at the start of the war? Why was this bad for his reputation?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

When did Nicholas become the commander-in-chief of the army? Why does this prove fatal?

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Why was Alexandria disliked by the Duma?

Answer 4

• She was very distant and not engaged with stately affairs
• She was German
• She had close relations with Rasputin

Question 5

When did the Tsar permit the Duma to reassemble?

Answer 5

July 1915

Question 6

What three organisations emerged to help coordinate the war effort?

Answer 6

Zemgor
War Industries Committee
Special Councils

Question 7

What was the shell production like in Russia in 1916 compared to Germany?

Answer 7

It had surpassed that of production levels in Germany

Question 8

When was the Progressive Bloc formed? Who made it up?

Answer 8

August 1915 - it was made up of Kadets, Octobrists, Nationalists and Progressivists. They had 236/442 seats in the Duma.

Question 9

Which party often voted for Progressive bloc resolutions even though they weren’t part of it?

Answer 9

SRs

Question 10

Between 1915 and 1916, how many prime ministers/ ministers of defence/ ministers of the interior were there?

Answer 10

PM - 4
MoD - 3
MoI - 6

Question 11

Why did the Nobility dislike Alexandra and Rasputin?

Answer 11

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

Question 12

When was Rasputin killed? Who were the main complicit figures?

Answer 12

December 1916

Prince Yusupov and Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich

Question 13

When did the Council of Ministers submit their resignation? What was formed on the same day?

Answer 13

27th February 1917

A Temporary Committee of the Duma made up of 12 representatives

Question 14

Where did strikes begin on 18th February?

Answer 14

The Putilov Iron Works

Question 15

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?

Answer 15

• The increase in temperature
• The fact it was international womens’ day
• 100,000 protestors

Question 16

Which two unsuccessful forces increased the size and violence of the protestors?

Answer 16

Police and Cossacks

Question 17

What revolutionary actions were carried out 27th/28th February?

Answer 17

• Palace of Justice was burnt down
• St Peter and Paul’s fortress was broken into
• Police offices were ransacked
• Barracks and arsenals were seized

Question 18

What was the more socialist part of “dual authority” in the Tauride Palace? Which party had a leading role in its establishment and leadership?

Answer 18

Petrograd Soviet

Mensheviks

Question 19

When did the Tsar try to return to Petrograd? Where did he actually end up following mutinous troops intercepting the train?

Answer 19

28th February

He ended up at Pskov

Question 20

Who persuaded the Tsar to abdicate on the 2nd March?

Answer 20

The Stavka along with Rodzianko

Question 21

When was the provisional government set up?

Answer 21

1st/2nd March 1917

Question 22

What proportion of strikes in Moscow factories in 1917 included demands for higher wages?

Answer 22

90%