Q (b)s Why did the Tsarist regime collapse in 1917?

Question 1

(b) Why did the Tsar face revolution in 1905? [6]

Answer 1

Because:

(1) Economic Discontent:

Peasants and workers faced poverty, inadequate land, and limited rights. The Tsarist government’s policies often exacerbated these issues.

(2) Political Repression:

The Tsar’s autocratic rule stifled any form of political participation or dissent. Ethnic minorities faced discrimination and persecution.

(3) Failure to Reform:

Despite some minor attempts at reform, the Tsar’s government often failed to address the fundamental problems facing the country.

(4) The Russo-Japanese War:

The Tsar’s government’s disastrous performance in the war further fueled public discontent and exposed its incompetence.

(5) “Bloody Sunday” Massacre:

The brutal suppression of a peaceful protest on January 22, 1905, by the Tsar’s troops, outraged the public and became a catalyst for widespread unrest.

(6) The Rise of Revolutionary Movements:
Socialist and revolutionary groups, such as the Bolsheviks and Socialist Revolutionaries, gained momentum and organized protests and strikes.

Question 2

(b) Why was there growing discontent in Russia from 1906 to 1914? [6]

Answer 2

1. Unpopular Tsarist Policies and Political Inaction:

• Autocratic Rule:

The Tsarist regime’s autocratic rule, where the Tsar held absolute power, was a major source of resentment, particularly among the middle class who sought political participation.

• Suppression of Minorities: Ethnic minorities, including Jewish people, faced oppression and persecution through policies of Russification and state-sanctioned pogroms.
• Reduced Influence of Zemstvas: The power and influence of the Zemstvas, local governing bodies, were curtailed, further limiting opportunities for citizen participation in government.
• Dissolution of the Duma: The Tsar’s decision to dissolve the Duma (the Russian parliament) after the 1905 revolution, despite the October Manifesto’s promise of a constitutional monarchy, eroded trust and fuelled further discontent.
• Lack of Representation: Many Russians felt they had no voice in government and were not represented in decision-making processes, leading to a sense of frustration and alienation.

2. Economic Hardship and Social Inequalities:
   * Poor Working Conditions: The rapid industrialization of Russia led to overcrowded cities, poor living conditions for workers, and long hours with low wages.

• Famine and Food Shortages: Food shortages and famines, exacerbated by the war, led to widespread hunger and suffering, particularly in rural areas.
• Economic Downturn: Economic downturns and a lack of jobs further intensified the hardships faced by many, especially those migrating to cities for work.
• Wartime Inflation: The outbreak of World War I brought about significant inflation, further eroding the purchasing power of the working class and making it difficult to afford basic necessities.
• Unequal Distribution of Wealth: The vast disparities in wealth and living standards between the aristocracy and the working class created deep social divisions and resentment.

3. Unresolved Issues from the 1905 Revolution:
   * Failure to Address Land Reform: While some land reforms were implemented, they failed to fully address the grievances of the peasantry, who felt they were not adequately compensated for the loss of land or granted the freedom to manage it as they saw fit.