Intro - Russia Pre 1917 Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is an autocracy?
Rule by one person who has no limits of power (Tsar Nicholas II)
What gave Nicholas II the power to rule?
Divine Right - The monarch had been appointed by God and therefore only answerable to God for their actions.
How did Nicholas II maintain autocracy?
Created a police state with heavy censorship by State and Church, freedom of speech and political meetings were forbidden, the Okhrana had unlimited power.
What was the Zemstva?
Elected councils responsible for the local administration of provincial districts.
Which military defeat in 1905 led to pressure growing against Nicholas II?
Russo-Japanese War. Russia was defeated by the much weaker Japan which highlighted Russia’s military as being underdeveloped and led to opposition groups taking action against Nicholas.
What event happened in 1905 due to mounting pressure against the Tsar?
1905 Revolution - Bloody Sunday. A peaceful anti-Tsar protest which turned violent when crowds were fired upon.
How did the 1905 revolution change the way Russia was ruled?
Nicholas II issued the reform known as the ‘October Manifesto’ which promised elections to a State Duma and Russia would become a constitutional monarchy.
Between 1906 and 1917 the State Duma met four times, how was their power limited?
April 1906 - Tsar Nicholas II issued the Fundamental Laws which reaffirmed autocracy and declared the State Duma would have no control over decisions regarding the state. Nicholas could also command the State Duma to dissolve and continued to rule by decree which undermined what appeared to be a significant act of reform.
Who were the main opposition groups during Nicholas II’s reign?
The Liberals - the loose name given to those who favoured moderate reform and a constitutional monarchy. (Kadets, Octobrists).
The Social Revolutionaries (SRs) - Formed in 1901, lacked clarity over policy and coordination, some opted for terrorist elements whereas others wanted to support the workers.
The Social Democrats (SDs) - Founded 1898 and was based on the theories of Karl Marx. Led mainly by educated intellectuals. Split in 1903 into the following:
Bolsheviks - led by Vladimir Lenin, they were an organisation of professional revolutionaries who wanted to overthrow the Tsar.
Mensheviks: led by Julius Martov and wanted mass support from workers, to then use trade unions to overthrow the Tsar.
Why was Russia considered backwards during the reign of the Tsar?
Large areas were considered uninhabitable
Of the total population of 185 million less than half were Russian by 1917 which led to issues over communication and a shared cultural identity.
Still a predominantly agrarian society. Despite industrialisation being encouraged it came at a great social cost:
Bourgeoisie - political advancement could not match their economic gains.
Workers- long hours, low pay and poor working conditions.
Great imbalance within society (Kulaks).
By 1905 Russia was the only country in Europe without a parliament.
Russia still used the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar which had been adopted by the rest of Europe.
What year did the First World War begin?
1914
