Russia Flashcards
(139 cards)
1
Q
What were the early defeats of the Russian Army in WW1?
A
Tannenberg and Masurian lakes
2
Q
What contributed to the poor performance of the Russian Army in WW1?
A
Poor commanders and strategy
3
Q
What was the impact of the Russian Army’s performance on morale at home during WW1?
A
Loss of morale at home
4
Q
What action did Tsar Nicholas II take regarding the army by the end of 1915?
A
He took personal control of the army
5
Q
What desperate measures did Russian soldiers take during WW1?
A
They were forced to take shoes and weapons from dead comrades
6
Q
How many men did the Russian Army lose compared to the enemy in WW1?
A
Twice as many men
7
Q
What was the cost of WW1 for Russia compared to peacetime expenditure?
A
The cost of the war was 3 billion roubles, whereas peacetime expenditure was 1.5 billion roubles.
8
Q
How did the Russian government finance the war?
A
The government was forced to borrow from overseas, raised taxes, and printed more money, leading to hyperinflation.
9
Q
By 1917, how much had prices risen since the start of WW1 compared to wages?
A
Prices had risen 400% since the start of the war, while wages had only doubled.
10
Q
What were some causes of food shortages in Russia during WW1?
A
Causes included rising population, food requisitioning by the army, decline in the availability of fertilizers, and transport problems.
11
Q
Which city suffered especially bad food shortages during WW1?
A
Petrograd
12
Q
How much bread did St. Petersburg (Petrograd) receive in 1917 compared to 1914?
A
St. Petersburg received less than a quarter of the amount of bread that had been available in 1914
13
Q
What transportation issues contributed to food shortages in Russia during WW1?
A
The military took control of roads and railways, causing food to pile up and rot in trucks. Trucks often sunk into the ground from the weight.
14
Q
How many wagons of grain did Moscow require daily in February 1917 vs what they received?
A
Moscow required 2200 wagons of grain a day but only 700 wagons were reaching the city.
15
Q
What was a major issue faced by the working class during WW1?
A
Huge distress from food, fuel, and goods shortages.
16
Q
What economic challenges did the working class experience during WW1?
A
Inflation and mass unemployment.
17
Q
What did the middle class question during WW1?
A
The system of government due to Rasputin’s influence
18
Q
What were peasants angry about during WW1?
A
The loss of young men at the front.
19
Q
When did Rasputin come to attention?
A
April 1907
20
Q
What powers did Rasputin claim to have?
A
He claimed he had powers which healed the Tsar’s son
21
Q
Who was convinced of Rasputin’s powers and made him her favourite?
A
The Tsarina
22
Q
How was Rasputin viewed by the royal court?
A
Despised and looked down upon
23
Q
What were some reasons for Rasputin’s negative perception by the royal court?
A
Lack of education, lowly origins, reputation as a drunken criminal
24
Q
What title did Rasputin self-proclaim?
A
Holy man
25
Why did the Tsarina seek Rasputin's advice during the war?
She believed in his powers and insights
26
What was the public opinion of the Tsar and royal family during Rasputin's influence?
It declined due to Rasputin's unpopularity
27
When was Rasputin murdered?
December 1916
28
Who murdered Rasputin and why?
Royalists (conservative couriers) who wanted to save the Tsar's reputation
29
What was the method of Rasputin's murder?
He was poisoned, then shot, and thrown into a river
30
Why was Rasputin seen as a major threat to the regime?
His hold over the Tsarina and connections to her German family
31
What was the general sentiment regarding Rasputin's removal?
It was seen as the only option
32
What stage was industrialisation in Russia during WW1?
Early stages, Industrialisation was not fully developed, which hindered economic performance.
33
What type of agricultural system was present in Russia during WW1?
Semi- Feudal, Agriculture was transitioning from a peasant-led system.
34
What was the condition of the transport system in Russia during WW1?
Early stages, The transport infrastructure was not fully developed.
35
What seasonal issue affected the roads in Russia during WW1?
Poor road conditions limited transportation and logistics, Inaccessible in winter.
36
How was the factory system characterized in Russia during WW1?
Underdeveloped with poor management, this led to inefficiencies in production.
37
What were the working conditions like in Russian factories during WW1?
Poor, Workers faced difficult and unsafe environments.
38
What caused labor shortages in Russia during WW1?
Draft, many workers were conscripted into military service.
39
What economic issues did Russia face during WW1?
Lack of food, munitions, and rising prices
40
What was the primary reason for the Tsar's decision to enter WW1?
To try and redeem himself after the humiliation of the Japanese war.
41
What was the outcome of the Tsar's involvement in WW1?
He failed terribly.
42
What issue crippled the Russian army during WW1?
The failure of the supply system.
43
What were some consequences of the supply system failure for soldiers?
Soldiers starved and lacked rifles.
44
What happened to grain supplies during WW1 in Russia?
Grain piled up and couldn't be transported.
45
Who did the Tsar take personal blame for during the war?
The war itself.
46
What was the effect of the war on loyalty from the army?
All loyalty from the army was lost.
47
How did the economic situation affect citizens on the home front?
It caused them to lose support for the Tsar.
48
What was the popular opinion about the Tsar's future during WW1?
Many believed he had no option left but to abdicate.
49
What event led to the Tsar's abdication?
Troops stopped his train while he was returning to Petrograd and diverted him to Pskov, where army leaders and members of the Duma persuaded him to give up the throne.
50
When did the Tsar abdicate?
2nd of March 1917.
51
Who did the Tsar nominate as the new Tsar?
He nominated his brother as the new Tsar, but his brother turned it down.
52
What happened after the Tsar's abdication?
The Duma committee replaced the Tsar, forming the provisional government.
53
What was the role of the Bolsheviks during the Tsar's abdication?
They played little part as many of their leaders were still in exile.
54
How many people were killed or wounded during the overthrow of 1917?
Around 2000.
55
What significant event took place on January 150,000 workers took to the streets?
Protest against the economic and living situation and Russia's involvement in the war
56
What happened on February 22nd in 1917?
20,000 workers from the Putilov Ironworks went on strike
57
What was the significance of the events on February 23rd 1917?
Annual International Women's Day marches included strikers, students, and factory workers
58
What occurred between February 23rd to 25th 1917?
Continued demonstrations, toppling of Tsar statues, and waving red revolutionary flags These actions symbolized the growing revolutionary fervor among the populace.
59
What did Tsar Nicholas order on February 26th 1917?
Ordered the Duma to disband, but it refused. This refusal demonstrated the Duma's growing power and opposition to the Tsar.
60
What happened on February 27th 1917 regarding the troops?
Tsar ordered troops to remove protestors by force; some complied, leaving 40 protestors dead
61
What was the outcome of the troop actions on February 27th?
65,000 soldiers refused to fire on demonstrators and joined them. This defection was crucial in undermining the Tsar's authority.
62
What was established by the Duma after the protests?
A Provisional Committee of the Duma, agreeing the Tsar had to abdicate. This committee played a key role in the transition of power.
63
What did army generals instruct soldiers to do after the establishment of the Provisional Committee?
Ordered soldiers off the streets to support the Provisional committee instead of the Tsar. This shift indicated a loss of support for the Tsar among military leaders.
64
What was formed in Petrograd during this time february 1917?
The Petrograd Soviet, primarily comprised of Mensheviks. The Soviet represented the interests of workers and played a significant role in the revolution.
65
What happened on February 28th 1917?
Meeting of the Petrograd Soviet and a Provisional Executive Committee was elected
66
What was the fate of Tsar Nicholas on March 2nd?
Nicholas abdicated and nominated his brother, who refused
67
What happened to the royal family after Nicholas's abdication?
Placed under house arrest
68
Who led the first Provisional Government formed after the abdication?
Prince Lvov, a member of the Kadet party. The Kadet party was a liberal political party in Russia.
69
What sense motivated the Provisional Government to continue fighting in WW1?
Sense of nationalism
70
What was the desire of the Provisional Government regarding their image compared to the Tsar?
To show they could be victorious and that they were different from the Tsar. This was important to establish legitimacy and support.
71
What pressures did the Provisional Government face to remain in WW1?
Huge ally pressures to remain. Allies like France had supported Russia since 1914, creating a sense of obligation.
72
What was a major reason for the Provisional Government's inability to leave WW1?
Inability to take the radical decisions needed to leave the war
73
What were the Provisional Government's concerns about the consequences of leaving WW1?
Worried about consequences and reparations Germany would demand. Leaving the war could have led to severe economic repercussions.
74
How did the Provisional Government's decision to continue fighting affect its reputation?
It went against public opinion, which favored dropping out of the war
75
What did the continuation of the war bring to the Bolsheviks?
Bolshevik support as they were anti-war and so was the public.The war's unpopularity fueled the Bolshevik movement.
76
What was the outcome of the summer offensive led by the Provisional Government?
The summer offensive failed. This failure further diminished confidence in the government.
77
What issues did the army face during the Provisional Government's leadership?
Lack of food and munitions
78
What was the state of law and order in rural areas during the Provisional Government's rule?
Lack of law and order with land seizures contributed to unrest and dissatisfaction among the populace.
79
When did Lenin return from exile?
April 1917
80
What were the key demands of Lenin's April Theses?
"Peace, Bread, Land" and "All power to the Soviets"
81
What impact did Lenin's return have on the Provisional Government?
It undermined the legitimacy of the Provisional Government, especially because they weren't elected by the people.
82
What were the consequences of continuing to fight in WW1 for the Provisional Government?
Massive war weariness, economic strain, and loss of army discipline.
83
What was the July Days?
A spontaneous uprising of soldiers, sailors, and workers in Petrograd demanding Soviet power.
84
What was the outcome of the July Days for the Bolsheviks?
The government cracked down, arresting Bolsheviks and temporarily weakening them. Lenin went into exile whist Trotsky was arrested.
85
What did the July Days reveal about the Provisional Government?
It showed deep popular unrest and the government's fragility.
86
What did the Petrograd Soviet control?
Key aspects of society—railways, communication, and army (via Order No.1).
87
What was the relationship between the Petrograd Soviet and the Provisional Government?
They co-existed, but the Soviet often had more actual control.
88
What power did the Petrograd Soviet have over the Provisional Government?
The Soviet could block government actions.
89
Who supported the Petrograd Soviet?
Workers and soldiers.
90
What was the Kornilov Revolt?
General Kornilov attempted a right-wing coup to restore order with military control.
91
How did Kerensky (Menshevik leader) respond to the Kornilov Revolt?
He armed the Red Guards (Bolsheviks) to defend Petrograd, led by Trotsky.
92
What was the outcome of the Kornilov Revolt?
Kornilov failed, but the Bolsheviks gained weapons and credibility.
93
What impact did the Kornilov Revolt have on Kerensky and the Provisional Government?
It discredited Kerensky and the Provisional Government.
94
What effect did the Kornilov Revolt have on the Bolsheviks?
It strengthened them as defenders of the revolution.
95
What type of family was Lenin born into?
A well educated family
96
What influenced Lenin?
The execution of his older brother who was a revolutionary, and radical thinking at university.
97
What did Lenin do after returning home post WW1?
Worked against the provisional government, assisted by the Germans
98
What was the purpose of the April Thesis?
To offer a real alternative to the Russian people and to gain support from soldiers and peasants, as he wanted to stop the war like them.
99
What were some slogans included in the April Thesis? what did they lead to?
"Peace, bread, and land"; "workers' control"; "national self-determination", all of which led to a huge increase in Bolshevik numbers and support.
100
What was Trotsky's position and strengths as described by historians?
Chief Organiser of the Bolshevik's seizure of power, more charismatic than Lenin, a powerful public speaker.
101
What significant political change did Trotsky make in the summer of 1917?
He changed from a Menshevik to a Bolshevik, He realised that only the Bolsheviks had the leadership for a socialist revolution.
102
What did Trotsky note was key to winning support during the revolution?
It was key to have trade union and factory support.
103
What happened to Trotsky after Lenin's death because of Stalin?
Stalin took power and exiled Trotsky from the Soviet Union.
104
What was done to Trotsky's image in Soviet history after his exile?
He was removed from Soviet official history and his image was systematically deleted from photographs.
105
Who became the chairman of the Petrograd Soviet in September?
Trotsky
106
What armed workers' group did Trotsky organise?
The Red Guards
107
What committee did Trotsky form within the Petrograd Soviet?, what was its purpose?
The Military Revolutionary Committee (MRC), To carry out an armed attack against the Provisional Government.
108
What position did Trotsky hold in the Bolshevik Party?
He joined the Central Committee and became Lenin's most trusted.
109
What was Trotsky responsible for in 1917/18?
Peace negotiations with Germany
110
What challenges did Trotsky face during the early attempts by the Cossacks?
His role dealt with early attempts by the Cossacks to destroy the revolution.
111
What reforms could Kerensky not deliver that contributed to the Provisional Government's unpopularity?
Kerensky could not deliver land redistribution or a new constitution.
112
What rumor about Kerensky contributed to perceptions of his weakness?
Rumors of Kerensky preparing to abandon Petrograd made him seem weak.
113
How was the Provisional Government viewed in terms of legitimacy?
It was seen as self-appointed governance, not elected by the people.
114
What was a consequence of the breakdown of army discipline during the October 1917 Revolution?
Kerensky could not provide enough soldiers to defend key points in major cities.
115
What event is known as the Kornilov affair?
The Kornilov affair was a failed coup attempt that highlighted the instability of the Provisional Government.
116
Why did Lenin not want to wait for the Soviet meeting on October 20th, pushed back to October 25th?
He feared it would lead to a transfer of power to a coalition, including social revolutionaries and Mensheviks.
117
What was Lenin's goal regarding power before the elections?
He was determined to seize power before the elections.
118
Positive Lenin contributions
He built the party and was prepared to think radically. His slogans were perfect for the time.
His use of the press was impressive. His timings were good.
119
What challenges did the Bolsheviks face from socialists in their first months in power?
They faced strikes and protests over one-party rule and the fact they weren't elected.
120
What internal divisions existed within the Bolshevik party during their early months in power?
There were divisions over a proposed socialist coalition, leading some Bolsheviks to temporarily protest.
121
How did the Bolsheviks respond to opposition during their first months in power?
They crushed opposition and developed forces of fear and terror, such as the Cheka.
122
What was the Decree on Peace? Impact?
Lenin's call to end Russia’s involvement in WWI; proposed immediate peace negotiations without annexations. Popular among war-weary soldiers and workers; led to the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (1918), which ended war with Germany but at a great territorial cost.
123
What was the Decree on Land? Impact?
Nationalised land, legalized peasant land seizures; redistributed land from nobles, Church, and landlords to peasants. Gained massive support from peasants; undermined old landowning class and helped consolidate Bolshevik power in rural areas.
124
What was the Decree on Workers’ Control? Impact?
Gave factory workers control over production and conditions in workplaces through workers’ councils (soviets). Boosted support from urban workers; caused confusion in industries due to lack of experience and coordination.
125
What is Vesenkha? Purpose?
Supreme Council of the National Economy, established in December 1917. Purpose was to manage the economy and nationalised industries.
126
What was the impact of Vesenkha?
It marked the beginning of centralised economic planning and laid the foundations for a state-controlled economy during War Communism.
127
What is the Cheka? Purpose?
All-Russian Extraordinary Commission, established in December 1917. To suppress counter-revolution and political opposition.
128
What was the impact of the Cheka?
It played a key role in the Red Terror, creating a culture of fear and repression that helped the Bolsheviks crush their enemies.
129
When was the Constituent Assembly closed?
1918
130
What actions did deputies face during the closure of the Constituent Assembly?
Deputies were threatened with violence and Bolshevik deputies jeered and disrupted their speeches.
131
Why did Lenin want to close the Constituent Assembly?
He knew the Socialist Revolutionaries party winning the election would shut down Bolshevik support if they became the government.
132
When was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk signed?
March 8th, 1918
133
What territories did Russia lose as a result of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?
Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus, and parts of the Caucasus
134
What percentage of Russia's population was ceded due to the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?
Around one-third
135
What major resources did Russia lose as a result of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?
Coal, oil, and iron resources, Industrial and agricultural output hit hard.
136
Which countries were declared independent under German influence after the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?
Finland and Ukraine
137
What short-term benefit did the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk provide for the Bolsheviks?
Allowed Lenin to focus on internal issues
138
How was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk perceived by many Russians?
Seen as a 'shameful peace'
139
When was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk nullified?
After Germany’s defeat in WWI in
November 1918
