imperial russia Flashcards
(135 cards)
1
Q
Why was it considered necessary to emancipate the serfs?
A
To modernize the Russian Empire in economic, military, and social aspects.
2
Q
What was the population percentage of serfs in the Russian Empire?
A
About 90%.
3
Q
What was one major economic reason for emancipating the serfs?
A
A lack of labor necessary for industrial development.
4
Q
What financial burden did serfs face by 1855?
A
They owed about 54 million roubles to the state.
5
Q
What event highlighted the need for military reform in Russia?
A
The Crimean War.
6
Q
What consequence did the Crimean War have on the Russian army?
A
Russian forces suffered defeat due to incompetence and poor conditions.
7
Q
What was one social reason for the emancipation of the serfs?
A
Poor humanitarian standards for a Western power.
8
Q
What were the three stages of emancipation for privately owned serfs?
A
- Stage 1: Freedom
- Stage 2: Temporary obligation
- Stage 3: Redemption operation
9
Q
What was a success of the emancipation from the perspective of the peasants?
A
At least 40 million peasants were liberated.
10
Q
What was a notable failure of the emancipation?
A
Failure to meet the expectations of the peasants.
11
Q
What was one of the long-term successes of the emancipation?
A
85% of former serfs became landowners within 20 years.
12
Q
What problem arose from the implementation of the emancipation reform?
A
Administrative capabilities were insufficient to efficiently carry out the reform.
13
Q
How did landowners exploit the redemption payments?
A
By inflating land prices and using compensation payments to settle their debts.
14
Q
What was the mir and its impact on peasants post-emancipation?
A
The mir exercised control over peasants, often as oppressive as former landowners.
15
Q
Fill in the blank: The legal system in Russia was replaced by one that resembled the ______ system of justice.
A
[Western]
16
Q
What reform was established in 1864 for local governance?
A
The zemstva.
17
Q
What was one of Alexander II’s military reforms?
A
Reduction of conscription duration from 25 to 15 years.
18
Q
What significant legal change occurred regarding judges after 1864?
A
Judges were better trained, better paid, and given security of tenure.
19
Q
True or False: The police in Russia acted within the law after the reforms.
A
False.
20
Q
What was the economic state of Russia prior to the reforms?
A
Backwards and stagnant.
21
Q
What percentage of the government budget was spent on the military?
A
62%.
22
Q
What was the role of Reutern in the economic reforms?
A
He was appointed as the Minister to channel investment.
23
Q
What geographic and social problems contributed to Russia’s backward economy?
A
Geographic problems, backwards social and political structures, and a massively expanding population led to a stagnant economy
Nobility and clergy were exempt from direct taxation, placing the tax burden on peasants
24
Q
What was the role of Reutern in Russia’s economic policies?
A
Reutern was appointed as Minister of Finance to channel government investment into the economy
Government investment included projects such as transport infrastructure
25
By how much did railway track in Russia grow between 1861 and 1880?
From 1,000 miles to 14,000 miles
## Footnote
This significant expansion was part of government investment in transport
26
What improvements were made in heavy industry in Russia from 1860 to 1876?
16-fold increase in coal production, 10-fold rise in steel, and 50% rise in iron
## Footnote
These improvements were part of efforts to modernize the economy
27
What was the significance of the founding of the state bank in 1860?
It made it easier to raise money for business enterprise and extended credit facilities
## Footnote
Jews were allowed to trade as part of these new financial policies
28
What taxation policy remained unchanged during Alexander II's reforms?
Peasants still bore the heavy burden of the poll tax, which rose by 80%
## Footnote
The gentry remained exempt from this tax
29
What was the impact of education reforms during Alexander II's reign?
Increased access to education for students from poor families and a fourfold increase in primary and secondary schools
## Footnote
Education was no longer exclusively for the upper classes
30
What changes did Alexander II implement in university education in 1863?
Universities gained autonomy in educational matters and libraries were exempted from censorship
## Footnote
Scholarships were set up, allowing greater access to education
31
What was the result of the assassination attempt on Alexander II in 1866?
He replaced the liberal Minister of Education Golvonin with the more reactionary Tolstoy
## Footnote
This led to tighter control over the education system
32
What was a major consequence of Alexander II's reforms?
They led to greater political opposition and demands for a national assembly and a written constitution
## Footnote
Liberals pushed for further reforms while conservatives opposed the changes
33
True or False: Alexander II's reforms decreased the power of the autocracy.
False
## Footnote
His reforms raised hopes but did not fundamentally alter the autocratic system
34
What were the indicators of backwardness in Russia under Alexander III?
Relative lack of capital, heavy agricultural focus, poor infrastructure, and low industrial output
## Footnote
90% of the economy remained agricultural with inefficient farming methods
35
What was the aim of Nikolai Bunge's economic reforms?
To consolidate the banking system and create the Peasants' Land Bank
## Footnote
He also introduced tax laws to reduce the tax burden on peasants
36
What was the outcome of Ivan Vyshnegradsky's economic policies?
Achieved a budget surplus by 1892 through increased grain exports and higher taxes
## Footnote
However, this led to a famine causing 350,000 deaths
37
What was Sergei Witte's approach to economic modernization?
State intervention to drive industrialization and attract foreign investment
## Footnote
He recognized the need for a middle class to support economic growth
38
What was the impact of Witte's reforms on industrial output?
Massive increases in industry, with oil production rising by 1000% between 1883-1900
## Footnote
Russia's economy grew at 8% a year in the 1890s, the fastest in Europe
39
Fill in the blank: The percentage of the population that was urban proletariat increased from _______ in 1897 to 12% in 1914.
4%
## Footnote
This increase came with poor working conditions and lack of trade unions
40
What was the nature of Tsardom under Alexander III?
Highly conservative and reactionary, reversing liberal reforms of his father
## Footnote
He lived in fear of revolutionary action after his father's assassination
41
What was the Manifesto of Unshakable Autocracy?
It rejected the liberal reforms of Alexander II in favor of maintaining autocracy
## Footnote
It reflected Pobedonostsev's influence on Alexander III
42
What was the purpose of the Statute on Measures for the Preservation of Political Order?
To eradicate 'vile sedition' and allow for the arrest and imprisonment of suspected revolutionaries
## Footnote
This statute was renewed repeatedly until 1917
43
What was the purpose of the statute for the eradication of 'vile sedition'?
To suppress revolutionary activities by enabling arrests, interrogations, and imprisonment without legal representation
## Footnote
This statute was in effect from 1881 until 1917.
44
What powers did the Statute on Police Surveillance (1882) grant to the Okhrana?
Extended power and size of the secret police network
## Footnote
The Okhrana was responsible for monitoring and suppressing political dissent.
45
What was the role of land captains introduced in 1889?
Nobility with authority to override zemstva elections and local courts
## Footnote
They were tasked with rooting out local sedition.
46
What changes were made to the zemstva constitution to favor the nobility?
Replaced municipal council members with state employees and adjusted influence
## Footnote
This was part of broader efforts to centralize control.
47
What was the purpose of the Electorate Laws (1890-1892)?
To reduce popular vote in elections, favoring the nobility
## Footnote
These laws aimed to limit the political power of the lower classes.
48
What judicial changes occurred during this period?
Dismissal of judges, establishment of closed court sessions, and juror qualifications favoring nobility
## Footnote
This marked a return to non-Western judicial practices.
49
What were the consequences of increased censorship in education?
Limited independence of universities and forced indoctrination in schools
## Footnote
This was part of broader efforts to control the educational content accessible to the populace.
50
What was the impact of Russification on non-Russian ethnic groups?
Suppressed languages and cultures, enforced use of Russian, and harsh repression of uprisings
## Footnote
This affected around 40 million non-Russian individuals.
51
What was the 'Pale of Settlement' established for?
To confine Jews to a specific area in southern and western Russia
## Footnote
This policy was part of broader anti-Semitic measures.
52
What were the May Laws (1882)?
Disallowed Jewish purchase of property and living in rural areas
## Footnote
These laws forced Jews into ghettos and large towns.
53
What characterized Nicholas II's leadership style?
Belief in autocracy, lack of political experience, and reluctance to engage in politics
## Footnote
His reign faced numerous challenges due to his indecisiveness.
54
What was the Union of Liberation (1903)?
A liberal group demanding economic and political reform
## Footnote
They sought self-determination for national minorities and free elections.
55
What was the main belief of the revolutionary movement Populism?
Peasants could develop their own form of socialism
## Footnote
This was a notable belief in the late 19th-century revolutionary context.
56
What was the Marxist stage theory's first stage?
Feudalism
## Footnote
Characterized by absolute monarchy and a dominant aristocracy controlling the masses.
57
What distinguished Mensheviks from Bolsheviks?
Mensheviks were broadly based and democratic, while Bolsheviks were a small, disciplined group
## Footnote
This split reflected differing strategies for achieving socialism.
58
Fill in the blank: The 1905 Russian Revolution was catalyzed by the _______.
Russo-Japanese War
## Footnote
This war was used to divert attention from domestic issues.
59
What were the long-term economic causes of the 1905 Revolution?
Emergence of a new working class, economic depression, and grievances over poor working conditions
## Footnote
These factors contributed to widespread unrest.
60
What was the political impact of Russification on national minorities?
Increased desire for autonomy and independence
## Footnote
This led to uprisings and protests against the Russian Empire.
61
What was the primary belief of the Socialist Revolutionaries?
Revolution would be fueled by the peasants to overthrow the tsarist government
## Footnote
They aimed to establish a democratic republic.
62
What was the primary goal of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (1898)?
To unite workers and promote socialist ideas
## Footnote
This party would later split into Mensheviks and Bolsheviks.
63
What was the form of the elected national assembly in Russia?
Duma
## Footnote
The Duma was established as part of the political reforms following the 1905 Revolution.
64
What were the main revolutionary parties taking shape during the early 20th century in Russia?
SDs (Social Democrats) and SRs (Social Revolutionaries)
## Footnote
These groups began gaining support during the early 1900s amid growing discontent.
65
What was a significant catalyst for the 1905 Revolution?
Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905)
## Footnote
This war was a pivotal event that exacerbated domestic issues in Russia.
66
What were the causes of the Russo-Japanese War?
* Russian expansion into the Far East
* Tsarist regime seeking to divert attention from domestic problems
* Growing tensions over territorial disputes in Korea and Manchuria
## Footnote
These factors contributed to the outbreak of war.
67
What was the outcome of the Battle of Tsushima?
Decisive naval defeat for Russia
## Footnote
The Russian fleet lost 8 battleships and ~5,000 men, significantly impacting the war's outcome.
68
What was the Treaty of Portsmouth and its significance?
It ended the Russo-Japanese War and was humiliating for Tsar Nicholas II
## Footnote
The treaty's terms were lenient, but it damaged the Tsar's image and legitimacy.
69
What event is known as Bloody Sunday?
A peaceful protest led by Father Georgy Gapon on January 9, 1905, where demonstrators were fired upon
## Footnote
This event marked a significant turning point in public perception of the Tsar.
70
What demands were made by the protesters on Bloody Sunday?
* An 8-hour workday
* Freedom to organize trade unions
* Improved working conditions
* Higher wages for women
* Elections for a constituent assembly
* Freedom of speech, press, association, and religion
* End of the Russo-Japanese War
## Footnote
These demands reflected the growing discontent among workers.
71
What was the immediate outcome of Bloody Sunday?
Undermined the legitimacy of the Tsar and led to widespread public outrage
## Footnote
It precipitated a series of massive strikes and revolts across Russia.
72
What was the October Manifesto?
A document that granted basic civil rights and established the Duma as the legislative body
## Footnote
It was a response to revolutionary pressures and aimed to quell unrest.
73
Why did Tsar Nicholas II survive the 1905 Revolution?
* Disorganized revolutionary groups
* Loyalty of the army
* Division among opposition groups
* Use of brutal suppression
## Footnote
These factors contributed to the Tsar maintaining control despite widespread unrest.
74
What were Peter Stolypin's main objectives as Prime Minister?
* Feed the growing population
* Create a strong conservative peasantry to support the regime
## Footnote
Stolypin aimed to stabilize Russia and counter revolutionary sentiments.
75
What were the agrarian reforms introduced by Stolypin?
* Increased freedom for peasants regarding land
* Allowed consolidation of land for private farming
* Established a Land Bank for loans and assistance
## Footnote
These reforms aimed to modernize agriculture and create a loyal peasant class.
76
What were the negative outcomes of Stolypin's reforms?
* Undermined the legitimacy of the regime
* Alienated conservative peasants
* Created a false sense of security about regime stability
## Footnote
The reforms had mixed results, leading to further discontent among various social classes.
77
What was the response of the Dumas to Stolypin's reforms?
Opposition to parts of his reforms and threats of resignation
## Footnote
Stolypin faced challenges from both the Tsar and the Duma, complicating his reform efforts.
78
What was the main goal of the land redistribution reform?
To redistribute land to peasants and integrate them into the proletariat
## Footnote
This reform aimed to address the grievances of peasants and improve their socio-economic status.
79
What was one of the main criticisms of the Tsar regarding the Dumas?
The Tsar claimed the Duma was unworkable and dissolved it
## Footnote
This occurred amid disorder and subversive claims against the Duma.
80
What were the main political factions represented in the First Duma?
* 478 Kadets
* 94 Trudoviks
* Liberals sympathetic to the Kadets
## Footnote
The First Duma had limited achievements despite fierce debates.
81
What characterized the Second Duma?
It was overwhelmingly left-wing with increased right-wing representation
## Footnote
The Duma experienced frequent brawls and debates over Stolypin's land reforms.
82
What significant law was passed during the Third Duma?
Law on universal education aiming for a minimum of four years compulsory primary education
## Footnote
This was part of Stolypin's reforms despite opposition.
83
What was the outcome of the Kornilov Affair?
The Provisional Government's reputation was irreparably damaged
## Footnote
The Bolsheviks were seen as the saviors of Petrograd after this event.
84
What were the long-term causes of the February 1917 Revolution?
The same as those in the 1905 Revolution
## Footnote
These included social unrest, economic issues, and dissatisfaction with the Tsar.
85
What role did Rasputin play during the Tsar's absence?
He influenced government decisions and was associated with corruption
## Footnote
His presence and relationship with the Tsarina led to widespread unpopularity.
86
Fill in the blank: The Bolsheviks promised an end to the _______.
[war]
## Footnote
This promise attracted support from various social classes.
87
What was the outcome of the July Offensive initiated by the Provisional Government?
It was a disaster leading to heavy losses for Russian soldiers
## Footnote
This miscalculated offensive resulted in a loss of support for the Provisional Government.
88
How did the Bolsheviks gain influence during the 1917 revolutions?
Through effective propaganda and responding to the demands of workers
## Footnote
Their slogans like 'Bread, Peace, and Land' resonated widely.
89
What were the demands of national minorities during the Provisional Government period?
* Autonomy for regions like Caucasus and Ukraine
* Self-government demands
## Footnote
These demands contributed to the instability of the Provisional Government.
90
What was the significance of the April Theses?
They called for a worldwide socialist revolution and land reform
## Footnote
They urged Soviets to take power and marked a clear departure from the Provisional Government.
91
True or False: The October Revolution was a popular uprising with widespread support.
False
## Footnote
The Bolsheviks had limited support, as seen in the November elections.
92
Who was Leon Trotsky and what was his role in the October Revolution?
Chairman of the Petrograd Soviets and key military organizer
## Footnote
His skills in persuasion and organization were crucial for the Bolsheviks.
93
What was the primary aim of the Provisional Government?
To act as a temporary governing body
## Footnote
However, this led to indecision and failure to address key issues.
94
What was the impact of the First World War on Russia’s internal situation?
* Poor military leadership
* Heavy losses
* Economic strain
## Footnote
These factors contributed to widespread dissatisfaction and unrest.
95
What is a popular revolution?
An inevitable result of class struggle with vital leadership from Lenin.
96
What does a coup d'état involve?
Power seized by a small group of revolutionaries, such as the Bolsheviks.
97
What was the political support level for the Bolsheviks in the November 1917 elections?
Less than a quarter of the seats in the Constituent Assembly.
98
What is the revisionist view of the Bolshevik Revolution?
A popular revolution initially, then 'hijacked' by the Bolsheviks imposing a dictatorship.
99
What early actions did Lenin take against political opposition?
Closed down newspapers, outlawed parties, and sent opposition leaders to prison.
100
What was the Cheka established for?
To combat counterrevolution and sabotage through terror.
101
What major opposition did the Bolsheviks face during the Russian Civil War?
The Whites, who were weak and uncoordinated.
102
What was the purpose of the Decree on Peace?
Announced Russia's withdrawal from World War I without indemnities.
103
What were the terms of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?
Humiliating terms that included loss of territory and resources.
104
Who were the Reds during the Russian Civil War?
Fighters for the Bolshevik form of socialism, including workers and peasants.
105
What were the Greens in the context of the Russian Civil War?
Loosely allied forces with an anti-Bolshevik view, often non-ideological peasant armies.
106
What was the initial cause of the Russian Civil War?
Alienation of other socialist groups and initial anti-Bolshevik uprisings.
107
What was War Communism?
A series of policies aimed at supporting the Red Army and controlling the economy.
108
What were the main aims of War Communism?
* Keep workers producing essential goods
* Feed the population
* Develop socialism.
109
What was the outcome of the Red Terror?
Mass executions and oppression of perceived counterrevolutionaries.
110
What was the Kronstadt Rebellion?
An uprising against Bolshevik policies led by sailors and soldiers due to food shortages.
111
What did the New Economic Policy (NEP) replace?
Grain requisitioning was replaced with a tax in kind.
112
What was the impact of the Kronstadt Rebellion on Bolshevik policy?
It led to Lenin loosening War Communism policies and introducing the NEP.
113
What was the ideological stance of the Bolsheviks during the Civil War?
They aimed to establish a one-party state, suppressing opposition.
114
Fill in the blank: The Bolshevik government faced _______ due to economic deterioration.
acute shortages of raw materials.
115
True or False: The Bolsheviks secured overwhelming support in the Constituent Assembly elections.
False.
116
What was one of the results of War Communism on the population?
Famine leading to deaths of approximately 3-10 million.
117
What was the stance of the Cheka in the Bolshevik regime?
An instrument of terror that executed suspected opposition.
118
What was a major consequence of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?
It caused splits within the Bolshevik party.
119
What was a decisive factor in Lenin’s loosening of his policy of War Communism?
Realising he was going to provoke a revolution which would throw out the Bolsheviks
120
What policy replaced grain requisitioning under the New Economic Policy (NEP)?
'Tax in kind' where peasants handed over a fixed proportion of grain to the state
121
What were the national freedoms introduced by the NEP?
Loosened Russification policies, allowed Muslim cultures, permitted Ukrainian language, and restored certain religious cultures
122
What was the impact of the NEP on private trade?
Removal of the ban on private trade allowed food and goods to flow more easily between country and city
123
What changes were made to heavy industry under the NEP?
State control of heavy industry, transport, and banking; reorganised industry into trusts
124
What was one of the results of the NEP in terms of economic recovery?
Stabilised economy saw rapid recovery as small-scale enterprises responded quickly to surge in demand
125
What social class emerged due to the NEP?
NEPmen, private traders who flourished under NEP and handled ¾ of retail trade
126
What was the 'scissor crisis' during the NEP?
A situation by 1925 where there was so much food that prices dropped, causing peasants to be reluctant to supply food
127
What measures were taken for political repression under the NEP?
Systematic censorship, attacks on political rivals, crushing peasant revolts, and attacks on the Church
128
What was the fate of the Mensheviks under the NEP?
Bolsheviks arrested 5000 Mensheviks for counterrevolutionary activities and outlawed their organizations
129
What was the significance of the Tambov Rebellion in 1922?
Peasant revolt crushed by the Red Army in a brutal campaign
130
What was the Cheka renamed to in 1922?
GPU
131
What was established under the GPU regarding imprisonment and punishment?
Imprisonment and death penalty as arbitrary measures
132
What was the Union of the Militant Godless?
A direct challenge to the Church that stripped them of items and imposed death penalties on leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church
133
When did Lenin die?
1924
134
What did Stalin do in 1928 regarding the NEP?
Abolished it and introduced full central planning and rapid industrialization
135
What was Stalin's most notable departure from the NEP approach?
Collectivization of agriculture
