Impact of war and revolution

Question 1

Describe the main outcome of the Crimean War (1853-1856).

Answer 1

The main outcome of the Crimean War was the Treaty of Paris (1856), in which Russia conceded territory in Bessarabia and was prohibited from maintaining a fleet in the Black Sea.

Question 2

Explain the significance of the Siege of Sevastopol in the Crimean War.

Answer 2

The Siege of Sevastopol was significant as it marked the surrender of Russian troops, which was a pivotal moment in the Crimean War leading to Russia’s defeat.

Question 3

Define the Akkerman Convention and its impact on Russian-Turkish relations.

Answer 3

The Akkerman Convention allowed Russian merchant shipping easier access through the Straits, but when the Sultan reneged on the agreement, it contributed to the outbreak of war.

Question 4

How did the Crimean War affect the social structure in Russia?

Answer 4

The Crimean War highlighted the outdated economic and social infrastructure in Russia, particularly serfdom, which was tightly controlled by aristocrats and preserved autocracy.

Question 5

Discuss the demographic impact of the Crimean War on Russia.

Answer 5

The Crimean War resulted in the deaths of between 650,000 to 750,000 people, with approximately 450,000 being Russian soldiers.

Question 6

What changes did the Emancipation reform bring to Russian agriculture?

Answer 6

The Emancipation reform allowed for entrepreneurialism in agriculture, enabling peasants to sell surpluses at markets and facilitating the movement of rural labor to urban industries.

Question 7

Explain the modernization of the Russian military following the Crimean War.

Answer 7

The modernization of the military involved reducing the obligation of peasants to serve as conscripts and implementing changes in recruitment, organization, and training.

Question 8

Describe the role of zemstva in post-Crimean War Russia.

Answer 8

Zemstva were local government bodies that emerged after the Crimean War, bridging the gap between emancipated peasants and the rest of society, and introducing some elements of democracy.

Question 9

What was the impact of the railway system development in Russia between 1861 and 1878?

Answer 9

The development of the railway system involved nearly 2 billion roubles spent on constructing over 20,000 km of track, which facilitated transportation and economic growth.

Question 10

Discuss the origins of the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878).

Answer 10

The Russo-Turkish War was rooted in the increase of Slav nationalism within the Ottoman Empire during the 1870s, alongside the significant Slavic population in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Question 11

Describe the significance of the Treaty of San Stefano in 1878.

Answer 11

The Treaty of San Stefano marked a significant victory for Russia, as it regained lost regions of Bessarabia, imposed a war indemnity on Turkey, and created a large Bulgaria, reflecting Russia’s influence in the Balkans.

Question 12

Explain the impact of the Congress of Berlin in 1878 on Russia.

Answer 12

The Congress of Berlin resulted in Russia retaining rights to Bessarabia but also led to Austria-Hungary and Great Britain gaining territorial rights, which diminished the size of Bulgaria and showcased the limitations of Russian expansion.

Question 13

How did the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) affect Russia’s international standing?

Answer 13

The Russo-Japanese War severely damaged Russia’s international standing, as it suffered humiliating defeats, revealing the incompetence of its military leadership and leading to doubts about the tsar’s ability to govern.

Question 14

Define pan-Slavism and its role in Russian nationalism during the 1870s.

Answer 14

Pan-Slavism was a movement aimed at uniting Slavic peoples under Russian leadership, which contributed to rising nationalism in Russia during the 1870s, particularly in the context of conflicts involving the Ottoman Empire.

Question 15

Do you think the social unrest in Russia was influenced by the outcomes of the Russo-Japanese War?

Answer 15

Yes, the social unrest in Russia was influenced by the outcomes of the Russo-Japanese War, as the defeats led to increased criticism of the tsar and demands for reform, particularly from pan-Slavic supporters.

Question 16

Explain the reasons behind Japan’s attack on Port Arthur in February 1903.

Answer 16

Japan attacked Port Arthur in February 1903 due to Russia’s failure to withdraw its forces from Manchuria as promised, which Japan perceived as a threat to its own security and regional influence.

Question 17

Describe the consequences of the Treaty of Portsmouth in 1905 for Russia.

Answer 17

The Treaty of Portsmouth forced Russia to withdraw from Manchuria and Port Arthur, acknowledge Japanese sovereignty over Korea, and was seen as a national humiliation, further undermining the tsar’s authority.

Question 18

How did the Russo-Japanese War reveal the state of the Russian military?

Answer 18

The Russo-Japanese War revealed significant deficiencies in the Russian military, including a lack of knowledge, understanding, and skill, as they were defeated by a nation considered inferior at the time.

Question 19

What were the origins of the Russo-Japanese War?

Answer 19

The origins of the Russo-Japanese War included Russia’s expansionist policies in East Asia, its negotiation for a lease of Port Arthur from China, and Japan’s concerns over Russian influence threatening its own territorial ambitions.

Question 20

Explain the role of social unrest in Russia following the Russo-Japanese War.

Answer 20

Following the Russo-Japanese War, social unrest in Russia was exacerbated by the military defeats, leading to increased criticism of the tsar and calls for political and social reforms, particularly from the zemstva.

Question 21

Describe the significance of the October Manifesto.

Answer 21

The October Manifesto was significant as it outlined plans for the introduction of a national Duma, aiming to appease the increasing opposition to Tsar Nicholas II’s regime.

Question 22

Explain the impact of the Trans-Siberian railway being unfinished during R-J War.

Answer 22

The Trans-Siberian railway’s unfinished status revealed communication and transport weaknesses, leading to further investment and contributing to rapid urbanization and health problems.

Question 23

Define the main causes of the 1905 Revolution in Russia.

Answer 23

The main causes of the 1905 Revolution included dissatisfaction with the Tsarist regime, social unrest, and the impact of the Russo-Japanese War.

Question 24

How did World War I affect Russia’s military and economy?

Answer 24

World War I led to military failures, economic pressures, high casualty rates, and inflation, severely impacting daily lives and the economy.

Question 25

Explain the role of the Provisional Government during the 1917 Revolutions.

Answer 25

The Provisional Government was formed to manage the situation after Tsar Nicholas II's abdication, but struggled to address ongoing issues while Russia was still involved in World War I.

Question 26

Describe the events leading to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.

Answer 26

Tsar Nicholas II abdicated following a series of strikes and protests in Petrograd, where troops fired upon workers, leading to a loss of support from the garrison.

Question 27

What were the social consequences of World War I in Russia?

Answer 27

The social consequences included a reduction in food supplies, particularly in Petrograd, leading to social unrest and the rise of the Petrograd Soviet.

Question 28

How did the Bolsheviks gain power in October 1917?

Answer 28

The Bolsheviks gained power in October 1917 by capitalizing on their majority in the Soviet and the frustrations with the Provisional Government, seizing control amid ongoing economic issues and war participation.

Question 29

Discuss the economic challenges faced by Russia by 1917.

Answer 29

By 1917, Russia faced severe economic challenges, including inflation of 400%, increased taxes, foreign loans, and the issuance of War Bonds to cover the costs of World War I.

Question 30

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk for Russia?

Answer 30

The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk resulted in Russia losing territory and being forced to pay reparations to Germany, marking the end of Russian involvement in World War I.

Question 31

Describe the economic impact of the Bolshevik seizure of power during the Civil War.

Answer 31

The economy experienced significant dislocation, with industrial production falling to 10-20% of pre-war levels, and coal production dropping from 29 million tonnes in 1913 to 8.9 million tonnes in 1921.

Question 32

Explain the societal changes that occurred as a result of the Bolshevik seizure of power.

Answer 32

The Civil War led to disruptions in social institutions and the establishment of a dictatorship of the proletariat, resulting in centralized control over social institutions.

Question 33

Define the long-term government impacts of the Bolshevik seizure of power.

Answer 33

The long-term impacts included the establishment of a dictatorship, totalitarianism, and the dictatorship of the proletariat.

Question 34

How did the Civil War (1917-1921) affect the political landscape in Russia?

Answer 34

Political and regional groups challenged the Bolsheviks, leading to tensions that resulted in the outbreak of the Civil War, with some groups seeking independence from the central government.

Question 35

Explain the consequences of foreign intervention during the Civil War.

Answer 35

Foreign intervention on behalf of the Whites and general mistrust of the Bolsheviks by Western governments put the Bolsheviks on the defensive and forced them to adopt a conciliatory policy.

Question 36

Describe the human cost of the Civil War in Russia.

Answer 36

The Civil War resulted in the deaths of approximately 10 million people, primarily due to diseases.

Question 37

What were the economic conditions in Russia by October 1920?

Answer 37

By October 1920, inflation was rampant, with the rouble worth only 1% of its 1917 value, leading to the abandonment of currency.

Question 38

How did the Civil War contribute to the establishment of a centralized state in Russia?

Answer 38

The Civil War provided a base for a centralized, authoritarian, one-party state, with many Red Army members transitioning into the post-war government.

Question 39

What was War Communism and what was its impact?

Answer 39

War Communism caused significant unrest and was eventually replaced with the New Economic Policy (NEP) due to its negative effects.

Question 40

Describe the significance of the Politburo and Orgburo during the Bolshevik regime.

Answer 40

The Politburo and Orgburo became the focus of government, centralizing power and helping to quell unrest.

Question 41

Explain the implications of the Nazi-Soviet Pact of 1939.

Answer 41

The Nazi-Soviet Pact was a temporary peace agreement between Germany and Russia, allowing Russia to prepare for potential attacks from Japan or Germany.

Question 42

What event marked the beginning of Russian involvement in World War II?

Answer 42

The beginning of Russian involvement in World War II was marked by Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of the USSR in June 1941.

Question 43

Describe the social effects of World War II on the Russian population.

Answer 43

World War II resulted in the deaths of over 27 million Russians and the capture of over 5 million prisoners by Germany, with many switching sides.

Question 44

What were the economic consequences of World War II for Russia?

Answer 44

The war caused significant damage to industrial and rural infrastructure, necessitating the relocation of many industrial enterprises and the reconversion of factories.

Question 45

How did the scorched earth policy affect Russia during World War II?

Answer 45

The scorched earth policy led to extensive damage to industrial and rural infrastructure, impacting the country's ability to recover post-war.

Question 46

Describe the ideological effects of the USSR's governance during and after World War II.

Answer 46

The USSR remained centralized and authoritarian, but did not necessarily become more so. The structure of government remained relatively stable.

Question 47

Explain the role of Stalin in the military during his leadership.

Answer 47

Stalin became the Supreme Commander of the Military and Chairman of the State Defence Committee, gaining absolute control over military and arms supply, while still listening to key advisors.

Question 48

How did the NKVD's activities change during and after World War II?

Answer 48

During the war, the NKVD purged the party of minority groups, and post-war, it aimed to continue purging the party and other dissidents.

Question 49

Define the Cult of Stalin and its development during the post-war period.

Answer 49

The Cult of Stalin was strengthened as a result of his heroics during the war, enhancing his image and authority.

Question 50

Explain the significance of the Tehran and Yalta conferences for Soviet foreign policy.

Answer 50

The conferences confirmed territorial frontiers under the Nazi-Soviet Pact and allowed Western powers to permit a Soviet sphere of influence over much of Eastern Europe, creating a buffer zone.

Question 51

Describe the issue of Germany as it was addressed after World War II.

Answer 51

Germany was divided into four zones, and the issue of unification remained unresolved, leading to tensions such as the Berlin Blockade.

Question 52

What key event marked the beginning of the Cold War in March 1947?

Answer 52

The Truman Doctrine was announced, establishing a policy of containment against Soviet expansion.

Question 53

How did the Marshall Plan relate to Eastern Europe?

Answer 53

The Marshall Plan aimed to aid Western Europe's recovery, prompting the establishment of Cominform in September 1947 to coordinate Eastern Europe's economic recovery in response.

Question 54

What was the Berlin Blockade and when did it begin?

Answer 54

The Berlin Blockade began in June 1948, blocking all Soviet communication with other sectors as retaliation to new currency plans in the Western zone.

Question 55

What was the purpose of NATO, established in April 1949?

Answer 55

NATO was designed to combat the Soviet threat and provide collective security for its member states.

Question 56

Describe the events surrounding the Hungarian Uprising in October 1956.

Answer 56

The Hungarian Uprising followed a secret speech by Khrushchev, and on November 4, the USSR invaded Hungary to suppress the unrest.

Question 57

What significant construction began in August 1961, and what was its purpose?

Answer 57

The construction of the Berlin Wall began in August 1961, aimed at preventing East Germans from fleeing to the West.

Question 58

Explain the incident involving the U2 spy plane in May 1962.

Answer 58

A US U2 spy plane was shot down over Russia, leading Khrushchev to demand an apology from President Eisenhower.

Question 59

What impact did de-Stalinization have on the USSR's image in the West?

Answer 59

De-Stalinization presented a more favorable view of Russia to the West and announced greater transparency in governance.

Question 60

How did the arms race affect domestic policies in the USSR?

Answer 60

The arms race prompted high levels of investment in heavy industry, leading to unrest such as the Novocherkassk worker protests, which were dealt with ruthlessly.

Question 61

Describe the diplomatic approach taken by Khrushchev during the Cold War.

Answer 61

Khrushchev was willing to confront the West but also to compromise, as seen in several situations that nearly caused war, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Question 62

What were the military failures during World War I in Russia?

Answer 62

Military failures resulted in economic pressures impacting daily lives, levels of social unrest, and dented morale of troops. Russia lost twice as many troops as the enemy, with 8 million casualties, including 1.7 million dead, while industry struggled to keep up with the army's demands.

Question 63

What were the government changes in Russia during World War I?

Answer 63

The abdication of Tsar Nicholas II occurred as he took personal control of the armed forces and left the capital. This led to the formation of the Provisional Government, which found it impossible to deal with ongoing issues properly while still at war.

Question 64

What economic challenges did Russia face by 1917?

Answer 64

By 1917, inflation had risen by 400%, leading to tax increases, foreign loans, and the issuance of War Bonds to cover costs, totaling 3 billion roubles.

Question 65

What were the societal impacts of World War I in Russia?

Answer 65

Societal impacts included a reduction in food supplies, particularly in regions like Petrograd, where bread rations fell by 25%. This led to increased social unrest and the rise of the Petrograd Soviet.