Nicholas II Quiz Cards

Question 1

Industry

Answer 1

Russian industry was transformed in this period, largely thanks to the Finance Minister, Sergei Witte. He developed the railways to stimulate the growth of heavy industry. This approach led to huge growth making Russia the fifth-largest industrial power by 1914. Yet, the financial and social cost of success was high.

Question 2

Agriculture

Answer 2

Agriculture was largely ignored until Minister of the Interior, Stolypin turned his attention to reform in
1906. His reforms led to increased peasant land ownership and grain production. Yet, land hunger remained.

Question 3

Society

Answer 3

Industrialisation led to the growth of the middle and working classes. Working and living conditions remained poor for peasants and workers. Small improvements in education and social welfare. The ROC held less influence over urban communities but it remained strong. Nicholas II continued Russification.

Question 4

Nicholas II as ruler

Answer 4

Nicholas was determined to rule as his father had done’, but proved incapable of making decisions or providing any sense of direction. Nicholas declared himself ‘unfit to reign’. He was wedded to autocracy.

Question 5

Opposition 1894-1904

Answer 5

There was unrest in towns and countryside as the Tsarist government appeared to offer no prospect of change. The tsar relied on his army and the Okhrana. The 1901 economic slump led to increased unrest and a number of new political groups emerged: The SDs, SRs, Mensheviks, Bolsheviks and Union of Liberation.

Question 6

1905 revolution

Answer 6

Defeats in the Russo-Japanese war added to the unrest at home. Bloody Sunday saw the death of over 100 peaceful workers and led to a series of strikes, riots, assassinations and mutinies throughout 1905.

Question 7

The Dumas 1906-1914

Answer 7

The Tsar could no longer rely on the army and police to restore order so was forced to concede the October Manifesto which promised a state duma. Before the first Duma met the Tsar passed the Fundamental Laws confirming his autocracy. Arguably he did not really establish a constitutional monarchy.

Question 8

Opposition 1906-1914

Answer 8

More moderate opposition groups were placated by the Duma. Radical groups were prevented from sitting on the state duma and their leaders were exiled. Strikes continued, increasing significantly 1910-14

Question 9

WW1

Answer 9

There were problems with supply lines and production in both agriculture and industry. Nicholas decided to lead the army at the front himself leaving Russia to be ruled poorly by the unpopular Tsarina and Rasputin.

Question 10

Feb 1917 Revolution

Answer 10

In the winter of 1917, the pressure of World War One built to a workers’ revolution in Petrograd. The Tsar was encouraged by his ministers and generals to abdicate in March.