How revolutionary was Russia in 1914? Flashcards
Who were the three main revolutionary groups?
The workers, the peasants and the liberals.
What situation were the workers in?
Things hadn’t really improved since 1905.
Why were things no better for the workers?
Wages were less than one third of the European average.
Little reward for increased production.
No real attempt to prove living and working conditions.
Long hours for low pay.
When was the Lena Goldfields Massacre?
April 1912.
What were the events of the Lena Goldfields Massacre?
Workers striking about the poor conditions.
Poor conditions, low pay, working a 14 hour day.
Troops were sent to end the strikes.
What was the outcome of the Lena Goldfields Massacre?
200 were killed with many others injured.
Opened the floodgates to workers’ protests.
Statistics on the number of workers in strikes.
25% of the workforce became involved in strikes in 1914.
80% were involved in the 1917 strikes.
Why had things slightly improved for the peasants?
Better harvests. Some prospered, while others remained impoverished.
What was the situation with the peasants’ discontent?
Simmering resentment rather than major disturbances.
What was one reason for the discontent of the peasants?
Thousands had been encouraged to go to Siberia.
Many returned home, feeling cheated after finding the land was inhospitable - they were heavily resentful.
How revolutionary were the peasants?
Divided and no real threat.
