Feb/March revolution 1917 Flashcards
What mistake did the Tsar make in August 1915?
In August 1915 the Tsar took direct control of the army at the front. This was a mistake as he ended up taking the blame for the war effort and left the Tsarina in charge of government under the influence of Rasputin. Nobility, natural supporters of the Tsar, began to join the Progressive Bloc in the duma. The secret police - the Okhrana- reported on growing despair and the revolutionary attitude of the people.
What was the Progressive Bloc?
Under pressure the Tsar reconvened the Duma in July 1915 (it had been suspended during the war) and a ‘Progressive Bloc’ formed from 2/3 of deputies demanded greater say in the war effort. The Tsar then suspended the Duma although it met briefly again in 1916 and 1917.
What did low confidence in the government lead to?
Support for the Tsar evaporated due to the loses in war. and the confidence in government was low leading to zemstvo and municipalities forming their own bodies to provide medical care and look after the returning wounded. Businessmen and professionals formed the War Industries Committees to shift economy to military production. This shows us just how significant the inaction of the government was, and the Tsar was suspicious of these non-government organisations.
Describe the problem of wartime inflation
Wages doubled 1914-1916, but food and fuel prices quadrupled.
What were most officers selected based off?
With the exception of Brusilov, most officers lacked experience and were selected by loyalty to the Tsar than ability.
When were the Russians driven out of Poland?
Late 1915
What was ‘Dual Authority’?
A compromise with the Soviets representing the workers and the Provisional Government formed from the Duma.
It was recognised that this would be temporary with a Constituent Assembly being created after the war.
Who was the Provisional Government led by?
Prince Lvov and members who were largely from middle class parties.
What were causes of discontent?
War caused inflation as wages stagnated and working conditions deteriorated.
Strikes were banned however in 1916 there were 880,000 on strike.
Peasants were also angry as they were more likely to be conscripted and grain was frequently requisitioned to feed the army.
What happened on International Women’s Day 23rd Feb?
Workers at the Putilov factory joined the women and there were crowds of over 200,000 by Feb 25th
What happened on International Women’s Day 23rd Feb?
Workers at the Putilov factory joined the women and there were crowds of over 200,000 by Feb 25th
What did Workers begin to do?
The workers began to form soviets to represent their demands and Cossack troops (fiercely loyal to the Tsar) refused to use force to stop the rebellion. This led to the representatives of the Duma meeting the Tsar on 2nd March demanding his abdication as he had lost the faith of the Russian people and the elite.
Tannenburg
Took place between the 23rd and 30th of August 1914. Dampened the spirit of national solidarity.
Masurian Lakes
Took place from the 2nd to the 16th of September. Forced the Russian army into a temporary retreat from East Prussia. The Russian army didn’t have enough resources
Features/roles of the Petrograd soviet
They were worried that the army might be used to crush them so they passes Order no 1.
Soldiers could only obey military order if they were approved by this organisation. This gave them military power.
Looked after workers rights.
