The formation of Mensheviks and Bolsheviks + causes of 1905 revolution

Question 1

The social Democrats split

Answer 1

= led by George Plekhanov, lenin
= 1903 second congress of social democrat party.
lenin makes an issue abt who had the right to join
lenins aim= force sd to choose btw p and Martox idea of broad based party and l = small, tight knit.
issues so diversive that vote held. the resokt inconclusive so party splits in two.
by 1912 two distinct and opposed marxist parties. 1917 menshiv party larger than bolshevik

Question 2

why was social democrats split pivotal oment.

Answer 2

Lenin’s party split in 1917 allowed him to maintain control over his own party, despite not exercising this control during his exile. He used the split to spread radical views on revolution and undermine the’minority’ Mensheviks, allowing him to navigate through disagreements and maintain control over a broad-based political party.

Question 3

causes of 1905 revolution= discontent amongst peasantry

Answer 3

In 1901, poor harvest led to famine due to rent, grain tax, landlessness, and declining land ownership among peasants. Hunger led to long journeys for work.

Question 4

Peasant action bc of discontent

Answer 4

1902-1903 saw a peasant revolt in Kharkov and Poltava, causing extensive property destruction and suppression by the army. From 1903-1904, the government created committees to investigate the cause.

Question 5

Causes of 1905 revolution: discontent amongst the workers

Answer 5

The government’s policy of taxing peasants for industrialization led to millions forced to work in towns, with workers feeling unjustly treated. Excessive fines and low wages made Russian workers the lowest paid in Europe. The early 1900s recession worsened conditions, with large strikes and violent government responses.

Question 6

causes of 1905 revolution= educated class

Answer 6

Anti-governmental sentiment among the educated class began during Tsar Alexander II’s reign, primarily driven by student radicalism. The government responded with expulsion, exile, forced military service, and education system overhaul. The first national assembly in Russian history, the National Zemstvo Congress, demanded a constitution, and Nicholas II’s manifesto promised expanded Zemstvo authority, industrial worker insurance, and censorship abolition.

Question 7

Causes of 1905 revolution= Russo- Japanese War

Answer 7

At the turn of the 20th century, Russia and Japan were interested in expanding into Manchuria and Northeast China and North Korea. Russia had gained influence by pressure on China and planned to build a railroad across Manchuria. Japan, a rising power with imperial ambitions in the Pacific, recognized Russia’s presence in Manchuria and Japan’s influence in Korea. Negotiations lasted for two years, and Russia delayed making deals to build up military presence in Manchuria. Japan realized the futility of diplomacy and signed the Anglo-Japanese Alliance in 1902.