Wars evaluation Flashcards
Evaluation of the Crimean War
Socially, brought about the Emancipation of the Serfs (1861), largest liberating movement ever. Was a reform that signified change in Russia from the backwards feudal system. However, it’s impact is often overstated. Instead of being indebted to landowners, peasants were now indebted to the Mir. Redemption payments were huge, and they would often be passed down to children. Alexander II believed the Kulaks (land-owning peasants) would become increasingly more common, this happened a little, yet most peasants saw little change to their life - they overpaid for often poor land and still remained indebted.
Economically, infrastructure improved w construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway and railway construction improved sevenfold in a few years. However, the TSR was proved inefficient during the Russo-Japanese War in 1904, despite all the investment
Politically, creation of the Zemtzva was a turning-point, ye they had little power at this stage. It was, however, a change from complete Tsarist autocracy
Evaluation of the Russo-Japanese War
Politically, it was extremely significant. Duma was set up (yet powers limited by Fundamental Laws 1906), first national parliament in Russian history. New factions, Bolsheviks & Mensheviks held conferences. Defeat couldn’t be blamed on serfdom like the Crimean. Image of strength through Tsarism was crushed
Socially, Bloody Sunday (caused by poor working conditions & poverty) crushed the image of the Tsar as the caring ‘Little Father’. 1905 Revolution also highlighted widespread opposition to the Tsar
Evaluation of WW1
Most important as it caused the collapse of Tsarism, a 300 year reign. Nicholas taking charge of the disastrous army meant he took all the blame, and the mysterious relationship w Alexandra & Rasputin (assassinated in 1916) highlighted social discontent.
Nicholas’ abdication on March 2nd 1917 was the ultimate sign of change from WW1.
Should consider, however, that the war just served to highlight Russia’s issues, and Tsarisms fall may well have occurred otherwise
