Tsardom and Communism Flashcards
- Who was Tsar Nicholas’ grandfather and what was he known as?
- What were his aims?
- How did he die?
- Who was Tsar Nicholas’ father?
- What did Tsar Nicholas think about politics?
- Alexander ll AKA Alexander the liberator
- Reorganising the judicial system; abolishing corporal punishment; ending privileges of nobility; promoting university education etc.
- Assassinated by revolutionaries wanting to overthrow Tsarist autocracy
- Alexander lll
- He showed little interest in it
- When was Tsar Nicholas born?
- When did Nicholas become Tsar?
- Which war did Russia suffer defeat in 1904-1905?
- When was Bloody Sunday and the October Manifesto?
- Who was appointed 2nd PM in 1906 and when were they assassinated?
- 1913 is the —-th anniversary of Romanov rule.
- When did the Tsar abdicate?
- When did the Tsar and his family die?
- May 1868
- Unofficially- November 1894. Officially- May 1896
- The Russo-Japanese war
- 22nd Jan 1905 and Oct 1905
- Stolypin in 1911
- 300
- March 1917
- July 1918
Why were the nationalities a problem in Russia in the late 19th century?
- Only 40% of the Tsar’s subjects spoke Russian as a first language
- Some groups like the Poles and Finns hated Russian rule and Jews were persecuted
What were the industrial problems in Russia in the late 19th century?
- Russia was attempting to modernise quickly
- Oil and coal doubled, iron tripled
- Peasants left the land to go and work in the new industrial centres
- Moscow and Saint Petersburg was overcrowded filthy and disease ridden
- Trade unions were illegal and there was no restrictions on child labour.
- Increasing middle class led to clashes between the capitalists and the workers
What was wrong with Russia’s population?
- Increased by 50% in the late 19th century
- 80% were peasants, few of which could read or write
- 1.5% were aristocracy, but they owned 25% of land.
Why was there growing discontent under the Tsar?
- Demand for a more democratic rule. Autocracy was old-fashioned especially compared to European neighbours like France or England.
- Resources were not being used. Large nation with many raw materials that weren’t sold or mined to boost economy.
- Angry peasants and workers. There was no minimum wage so labour costs were cheaper but they were paid very low. Rich minority and poor peasant population. Tax evasion for rich. No education or health and safety
What political problems caused the 1905 revolution?
•Political problems
- Ethnic minorities (Jews) were persecuted
- No freedom of speech critiquing government
- Influence of Zemstava reduced
Who were the opponents of the Tsar?
•Socialist Revolutionaries
-Aimed to give the nobility’s huge estates to the poor
-Believed in violent struggle and we’re responsible for assassinations and murders they were very popular
•Liberals/Cadets
-Greater democracy, powerful parliament, no autocracy.
-Middle class reformers and Zemstvas, pushed for constitutional monarchy with the right to vote for all men.
•Social democractics
-Believed in Marxism
-Focused on agitation amongst workers in cities
-split into Bolsheviks led by Lenin and Mensheviks led by Martov
What are the definitions of Marxism, Communism and Socialism in that order?
> A political and economic theory where society has no classes. Every worker works for common good and equally there is no more worker exploitation. Monarchy is overthrown
Political and economic belief based on Marxism. Public owns all property and then becomes classless society. Government at first but will dissolve
Idea based on Marxism but gentler than communism. Classless society but still private ownership of property and slower change
What economic problems caused the 1905 revolution?
- Tsar’s regime was funded from tax from peasants. Harsh so periodic riots broke out
- Peasants had to pay Redemption tax to the government to pay the landowners for the loss of slaves
- Bad working conditions, lack of sanitation and running water
- Economic downturn in early 1900’s led to loss of jobs and unemployment
What long term political problems caused the 1905 revolution?
- Ethnic minorities, especially Jews, were discriminated against.
- Less freedom of speech and Zemstavs power was reduced
- Who led the Bloody Sunday protests?
- How many workers went on strike and even though———- , ———-
- When was bloody sunday?
- What was the purpose of Bloody Sunday?
- How many people dies on bloody sunday?
- What was the impact of bloody sunday?
- Russian orthodox priest, father Gregory Gapon, led legal trade union to quell economic discontent.
- 100,000 workers went on strike. Troops were called, though protests were peaceful
- 22 Jan 1905, Fr Gapon led a march to deliver petition to Tsar
- They believed Tsar didn’t know about problems, just blamed the officials and ministers.
- Up to 200 people died
- It showed that Tsar knew, he just didn’t care
Why did the 1905 revolution fail / why did the Tsar survive?
- Japan
- Leadership
- Oppression
- Army
- OM
- Stolypin
- Released army prisoners who went to the aid of the Tsar
- Wasn’t coordinated with clear leader
- By May 1906, they was all dead, hiding or in exile
- The army (most important) was on the Tsar’s side
- October manifesto divided opposition
- Pyotr Stolypin appointed as PM
Who influenced the october manifesto?
What did it say?
What was the reactions?
- Sergei Witte
- Censorship loosened and more freedom of speech
- People have more rights for meetings
- Duma ( parliament) will be set up. No laws passed with out Duma
- Censorship loosened and more freedom of speech
- Liberals were satisfied; Kulaks wanted more; Social Revolutionaries, Bolsheviks and Mensheviks were critical as it didn’t give any more power to the peasants.
- Who were the Council of Ministers?
- Who were the State Council?
- Who were the Duma?
- Most powerful, Tsar’s ministers only elected and answerable to him. Made laws
- Chosen by Tsar and Zemstva. Approved law made by council of ministers
- Voted by male public who approved laws created
What were the fundamental laws? 1.When not in session 2.close 3.change 4.ministers 5.military What did they achieve?
- Tsar can rule independently when Duma not in session
- Right to dissolve Duma at any point
- Power to change electoral system
- Power to appoint ministers he wanted in the Council
- Sole commander of army and navy
He was now still supreme ruler
- When were the 4 dumas?
- Why did the third last longer than the other two?
- Why did the last one stop?
1. May 1906- July 1906
February 1907 - July 1907
1907-1912
2. Because they knew that that had to adhere to Tsars policy else they will be punished
3. Because of WW1what was stolypin’s’ aim?
to reform agriculture to create a prosperous peasantry (kulaks) that would act as a barrier (bulwark) against revolution
what were some of stolypin’s successes? kulaks industry trade unions education
- kulaks prospered, bought larger efficient farms, production increased
- kulaks became loyal to the tsar
- heavy industry increased considerably. by ww1, Russia was 4th in production of steel, coal , iron
- workers joined trade unions and were protected against accidents and illness
- attempts for basic education
what were some of stolypins failures? stolypin’s necktie tsar trust lena goldfields
- he was harsh on revolutionaries and protesters . 20,000 exiled and 1000 hanged
- tsar didn’t trust him - going against traditional values and trying to change russia
- people didn’t trust him - assassinated in 1911
- Lena Goldfield’s massacre shooting. strike at the goldfields on the lena river 200-300 died
By 1914. what were some of Russia’s successes? (5)
Stolypin’s reforms resistance was limited zvemstva helped control russia political parties are allowed duma and october manifesto
By 1914. what were some of Russia’s failures? (6)
Duma had limited power
60% illiteracy rate
1905-1911 2828 assassinations
lena goldfields massacre
wave of strikes in 1913, by 1914, more strikes than 1905
bolsheviks stirring up trouble on trade unions
Who’s ally was Russia?
Who did Russia first declare war on?
Serbia (attacked by Austria-Hungary)
Austria-Hungary
What are the five key points in Russia’s involvement in WW1?
> Failed invasion of German east prussia. Defeat of forces at Tannenberg.(F)
Almost all of Galacia in Russian hands by the end of 1914. Destroyed the city of Przemsl. (S)
Russia forced into strategic retreat after halted after crossing Carpathians. Technical difficulties such as lack of ammunition and artillery. Tsar took over as commander (F)
Brusilov Offensive in June. 100,000s prisoners taken (S)
Strain of war effort caused food shortages causing civil unrest
How did WW1 weaken the Aristocracies trust in the Tsar?
What’s was their opinion before?
- Before they were content with the Tsar as they were well off and lived lavishly compared to the peasants
- Lack of labour due to conscription
- Junior officers, many of whom were future aristocrats, were killed
- People didn’t trust the Tsarina when she was left in power
How did WW1 weaken the peasants’ trust in the Tsar?
What were their feelings before?
- Famine, starvation and poor hygiene were common so there was already huge discontent.
- 9.15 million casualties
- The government didn’t pay for food or give widows and orphans in the countryside the state war pensions
How did WW1 weaken the Workers trust in the Tsar?
What were their feelings before?
- Lots of discontent.
- Although the war contracts created around 3.5 million job, the workers received poor wages.
- Major food and fuel shortages due to lack of transport- The rail network couldn’t cope with the needs of the Army, industry, and city population
How did WW1 weaken the trust of the middle class and army towards the Tsar?
- The middle class had to create organisations that provided supplies to the front which was supposed to be the government/Tsar’s role
- Russia suffered humiliating defeats. When the Tsar decided to take control of the army in September 1915 (he was not encouraged to do so) the blame was now placed on the Tsar so many of the soldiers stopped supporting the Tsar.
How did Rasputin weaken the Tsar’s credibility? (4)
- He was famous for his petty theft, drunkenness, promiscuity and antisocial behaviour
- Their was a rumour that he was the Tsarina’s lover
- It was his decision to send the Tsar as in control of the army and leave German Tsarina in charge of Russia.
- Many felt he had too much control- accompanied royal family on important appointments and decisions.
Why did the Tsar abdicate in March 1917?
- Army
- conscriptions
- organisation
- tactics
- Who hated the war?
- gone
- control
- spies
- Russian army lacked munitions
- Peasant conscriptions were poorly trained
- Poor organisation
- Military leadership was poor (used out of date maps and tactics predating machine guns)
- Peasants hated the war
- Mass desertion and 2 million casualties by 1915
- Tsar took personal control of the army
- Suspicions whether Tsarina and Rasputin were spies
What else caused the February 1917 revolution?
– 15 million men joined the army so there wasn’t enough workers to keep factories and farms going
– This caused shortages of food and materials
Why was the railway system very poor?
> could not supply the troops
could not supply the towns
food prices rose
Why was St. Petersburg changed to Petrograd?
ORDER OF ABDICATION
1. When did — steelworkers go on strike?
2. What happened on International Women’s day?
3. What happened on Feb 25?
4. How many were killed when — ordered to open fire on (date)?
5. What did the Tsar do on Feb 26th?
6. On Feb 27th what did the soldiers do and with whom?
7. When did the Tsar try to return to Petrograd?
8. When did the Tsar lose support of the army? What happened?
9. When did the Tsar abdicate?
10. Who refused the throne on March 3rd?
To sound less Germanic
- Feb 22, 20000 steelworkers
- Feb 23, women joined the strikes
- Over half of Petrograd on strike
- 40 killed when Tsar ordered troops to fire on Feb 26.
- Tsar closed the Duma.
- Soldiers mutinied and established ‘Petrograd Soviet’ with workers and sailors
- February 28th
- His train was diverted on March 1st
- March 2nd
- Tsar’s brother, Grand duke Michael
- Who formed the Provisional Government?
- What was the purpose of the PG?
- Who were the Petrograd Soviet?
- What was the outcome of power?
- Members of the Duma
- Run the country till elections to choose a government (temporary)
- Council of 2500 deputies of workers and soldiers
- A dual power arrangement occurred.
Who was…
- Alexander Kerensky?
- Prince Lvov ( Georgy Yevgenyevich)
- Lavr Georgiyevich Kornilov
- Russian lawyer, politician and statesman. Key political figure between March 1917 and October 1917 where he was justice minister and later Prime Minister of the Russian Provisional Government
- Was a Russian social reformer and statesman who was the first head of the Russian provisional government established during the February revolution
- Was an imperial Russian general accused of attempting to overthrow the provisional government established in Russia after the February revolution of 1917 and replace it with a military dictatorship
What were the three important decisions the PG had to make and what did it do instead?
The important decisions were:
- Continue war or make peace
- To distribute land to the peasants (who had already started taking it) or wait until after the election.
- to get food to starving workers
What did the PG do?
- Agreed to stay in the war. Kerensky rallied the army for a huge offensive which failed, and the army began to fall apart.
- Asked to wait until elections were over, but peasants ignored them
- Were unable to find a solution so people continued to starve.
