Unit 3/4 Flashcards
What were the institutionalized weaknesses and tensions in Tsarist Russia?
Economic and social inequalities, discontent with tsarist autocracy, and lack of political reform.
These factors contributed to the revolutionary climate leading up to the Russian Revolution.
Who was Tsar Nicholas II?
The last Emperor of Russia, who ruled from 1894 until his abdication in 1917.
His reign saw the fall of the Romanov dynasty and significant political unrest.
What was Lenin’s perspective on achieving socialism?
Lenin believed that socialism could not be achieved without a struggle.
This reflects the revolutionary context in which he operated.
What calendar system did Russia use prior to February 1918?
Julian Calendar.
The Julian Calendar was replaced by the Gregorian Calendar after the Bolshevik Revolution.
What significant change occurred in October 1917 regarding the calendar?
The Bolsheviks implemented the Gregorian Calendar by dropping the 1-13th of February 1918.
This change affected how historical events are dated.
What geographical features separated Europe and Asia in the Russian Empire?
Ural Mountains.
This geographical divide marked the boundaries of the Russian Empire.
What was the population of the Russian Empire in 1897?
126 million.
This population included a diverse mix of ethnicities and social classes.
What percentage of the Russian population was of Slavic descent?
45%.
The population included over 60 different nationalities.
What were the five social classes identified in the 1897 Census?
- Ruling Class - 0.5%
- Upper Class - 12%
- Commercial Class - 1.5%
- Working Class - 4%
- Peasant Class - 82%.
This social hierarchy limited mobility for individuals.
What was the outcome of the 1905 Revolution in Russia?
It led to the establishment of the Provisional Government and ongoing unrest.
This revolution was a precursor to the larger revolutions of 1917.
How long did the Romanov dynasty rule Russia?
300 years.
The Romanovs ruled autocratically, supported by the Russian Orthodox Church and state police.
What did Nicholas II express about becoming Tsar?
He proclaimed, ‘I am not prepared to be a tsar. I never wanted to be one.’
This reflects his lack of confidence in ruling.
What characterized the Romanov dynasty’s approach to modernization?
Limited modernization and reform with little economic or political growth compared to Europe.
The emancipation of serfs in 1861 was a significant but limited reform.
What was the Edict of Emancipation of 1861?
A reform that aimed to liberate serfs and modernize agriculture in Russia.
It allowed serfs to own land but imposed heavy financial burdens.
What was the role of the Mir in post-emancipation Russia?
A local commune that organized redemption payments and land distribution among peasants.
The Mir system created new dependencies for the freed serfs.
What was the significance of the People’s Will group?
They adopted terror tactics to oppose the Tsar and successfully assassinated Tsar Alexander II in 1881.
This event led to increased repression under Alexander III.
What was the impact of the Crimean War on Russia?
It unveiled Russian backwardness and contributed to a push for modernization.
The war highlighted the inefficiencies of the Russian military and economy.
What was the primary consequence of the famine from 1891-1892?
The Tsarist government’s failed attempts to mitigate the effects of famine due to lack of infrastructure.
This contributed to public discontent and dissatisfaction with the regime.
What event is referred to as Bloody Sunday?
A massacre of peaceful protesters on January 9, 1905, in St Petersburg.
When was Tsar Nicholas II’s coronation?
1896
What conflict occurred from 1904 to 1905?
Russo-Japanese War
What treaty ended the Russo-Japanese War?
Treaty of Portsmouth, September 5th
What was a significant social issue in Russia before the revolution?
Economic slump and growing discontent among peasant, working, and upper class
Name two reformist opposition groups during the 1905 revolution.
- Octobrists
- Kadets
Name two revolutionary opposition groups during the 1905 revolution.
- Populists
- Socialist Revolutionaries
- Social Democrats
What ideology is characterized by the belief in gradual reform and constitutional government?
Liberalism
What percentage of Russia’s population was peasantry?
82%
What was the role of Zemstvos after the emancipation of the serfs?
Local councils providing infrastructure like roads, schools, and medical services.
What was the main concern of Father Georgi Gapon?
Welfare of the poor and working class rights.
What was the goal of the Assembly of Russian Factory Workers founded by Gapon?
To affirm national consciousness and improve workers’ conditions.
Fill in the blank: The workers in St Petersburg experienced a wage drop of ______ from October 1903 to October 1905.
¼
True or False: Tsar Nicholas II was present during the Bloody Sunday incident.
False
What was the estimated number of people who were killed during the initial violence on Bloody Sunday?
40 people
What did the crowd carry during the peaceful march on Bloody Sunday?
Religious icons and sang hymns.
What was the reaction of the Tsar’s government to the planned peaceful march?
Troops were sent to reinforce the garrison in St Petersburg.
What phrase did the marchers hold on their signs during the procession?
‘Soldiers do not shoot at the people!’
Following Bloody Sunday, how did the perception of Tsar Nicholas II change among the people?
He was referred to as ‘Nicholas the Bloody’ instead of ‘Little Father’.
What did the workers’ petition to Tsar Nicholas II demand?
Justice and protection from oppression and poverty.
What was the response of the Tsar to the proposals presented by Prince Mirskii?
He rejected most of them.
What significant event marked the beginning of Tsar Nicholas II’s reign?
Tsar Nicholas II’s Coronation in 1896
What major conflict contributed to growing discontent in Russia leading up to the 1905 Revolution?
Russo-Japanese War
What was the outcome of Bloody Sunday in 1905?
It sparked widespread protests and discontent against the Tsar.
What document was issued in response to the 1905 Revolution that promised reforms?
October Manifesto
What were the Fundamental Laws?
A set of laws that outlined the powers of the Tsar and limited the Duma’s authority.
What percentage of deputy positions in the First Duma were held by peasants?
38%
Which political party was the largest in the First Duma?
Kadets with 37% of deputy seats
What demands were included in the ‘Address to the Throne’ by the First Duma?
- Freedom to strike
- Freedom to assemble
- Abolition of capital punishment
- Political amnesty
- Abolition of the State Council
- Significant reform to civil service
- Ministerial responsibility to Duma
- Universal and direct voting
- Redistribution of land estates
How long did the First Duma last before being dissolved?
73 days
What was the Vyborg appeal?
An appeal by Kadet and other deputies urging Russians to refuse tax payments and disobey conscription.
Who was appointed Prime Minister after the dissolution of the First Duma?
Peter Stolypin
What characterized the Second Duma compared to the First?
It was more radical and included participation from Social Revolutionaries and Social Democrats.
When was the Second Duma dissolved?
3rd June 1907
What did Stolypin’s electoral reforms aim to achieve?
To reduce the influence of radical deputies and increase the representation of conservative classes.
What was the impact of the Imperial Manifesto of June 3, 1907 on the Duma?
It drastically reduced the number of Duma delegates and restricted the right to vote.
What was Stolypin’s ‘wager on the strong’ policy?
Aimed at creating a new class of prosperous peasant landowners.
What was the purpose of the agrarian reforms under Stolypin?
To dismantle the village commune and encourage private land ownership.
What was the nickname given to the hangman’s noose in Russia during Stolypin’s time?
“Stolypin’s necktie”
What were the results of Stolypin’s land reforms by 1915?
Only about 15% of peasant households had consolidated land as private plots.
What was the Third Duma’s political composition compared to previous Dumas?
It had a higher number of deputies from the landed gentry and fewer from peasants and workers.
What was the Fourth Duma known for?
It was the most conservative and faced many crises, including Stolypin’s assassination.
What was the Lena Goldfields Massacre?
A 1912 event where 500 miners were killed by government forces.
What was the historical interpretation of the Dumas by the CPSU?
They viewed the Dumas as an impotent appendage of Tsardom.
