Impact of the First World War

Question 1

Money and Inflation

Answer 1

17,000 Million roubles spent
Increased Tax, Loans, Borrowing from abroad
Gold standard abandoned
Average earnings doubled
Price of food and fuel quadrupled

Question 2

Food Supplies

Answer 2

Took 15 million men away from the countryside and farming. Requisitioning of farm horses and supplies. e.g. Chemicals for fertilisers used in munitions
Peasants hoarded food
Army were first in queue for food supplies

Question 3

Transport

Answer 3

Delays across country
Archangel, supplies sank into ground due to build-up
Trucks tipped down embankments to make way for others
Moscow - Wagons of food declined from 2,200 to 700. (1914 - 1917)

Question 4

Army

Answer 4

Lack of ammunition, uniforms and equipment
Shipment of resources was poorly organised
Desertions were prominent
1915: Nicholas assumed leadership of the army

Question 5

Military Achievements

Answer 5

August 1914 - Patriotism for the Tsar and the Russian army
August 1916 - Brusilov offensive. Romania joined Russia. Massive success but 1 million Russian casualties.

Question 6

Military failures

Answer 6

1914 - Battle of Tannenburg, 30,000 men died, General Samsonov shot himself
1915 - Nicholas took control of the army. This was a failure. Trotsky said he was ‘Not capable of running a post office’
1916 - Major desertions in army, 1.6 Million died

Question 7

Conscription

Answer 7

1917- 36.7 million men conscripted to army.