Russia Flashcards
(28 cards)
What were the main causes of the 1905 Revolution?
Defeat in Russo-Japanese War, Bloody Sunday, poor working conditions, lack of political freedom
The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) was a conflict between Russia and Japan over imperial ambitions in Manchuria and Korea.
What event is referred to as Bloody Sunday?
A peaceful protest led by Father Gapon on January 22, 1905, where 200+ were killed by Tsar’s troops
This event significantly influenced public opinion against the Tsarist regime.
Who were the key opposition groups before 1905?
Liberals, Social Revolutionaries, Social Democrats
Social Democrats split into Bolsheviks and Mensheviks.
What did the October Manifesto promise?
Civil liberties and a Duma (parliament)
The October Manifesto was issued in response to the 1905 Revolution.
What characterized the first two Dumas (1906, 1907)?
Radical and dissolved quickly by the Tsar
The Tsar’s quick dissolution of the Dumas indicated his unwillingness to share power.
What were the characteristics of the Third and Fourth Dumas?
More conservative and had less power
They operated from 1907 to 1912 and 1912 to 1917, respectively.
What were the Fundamental Laws (1906)?
The Tsar kept most power and could dissolve the Duma
These laws reaffirmed autocratic rule despite the establishment of the Duma.
What were the main political parties in the Duma?
Kadets, Octobrists, Social Democrats, Social Revolutionaries
Each party had distinct ideologies ranging from liberalism to socialism.
What was a significant military impact of WWI on Russia?
Heavy defeats, including Tannenberg in 1914, and 2 million soldiers dead by 1916
These losses contributed to public discontent with the Tsarist regime.
What were the economic impacts of WWI on Russia?
Food and fuel shortages, inflation, transport collapse
These economic difficulties exacerbated social unrest.
What was one of Tsar Nicholas II’s mistakes during WWI?
Took command in 1915 and blamed for failures, left Tsarina in charge influenced by Rasputin
Rasputin’s influence over the Tsarina fueled public suspicion and resentment.
What were the main causes of the February Revolution?
Food shortages, WWI failures, anger at Tsarina and Rasputin
The February Revolution led to the abdication of the Tsar.
What key events occurred during February 1917?
Strikes in Petrograd, mutiny of soldiers, Tsar abdicates
These events marked a significant turning point in Russian history.
What was the result of the February Revolution?
Provisional Government formed, dual power with Petrograd Soviet
The dual power structure created significant political instability.
What mistakes did the Provisional Government make?
Continued WWI, delayed land reform, didn’t call elections
These mistakes contributed to their eventual downfall.
What was the significance of Lenin’s April Theses?
“Peace, Land, Bread” and “All Power to the Soviets”
The theses galvanized support for the Bolsheviks.
What was the Kornilov Affair?
Failed coup in August 1917 where Bolsheviks armed to stop it
This event enhanced the Bolsheviks’ reputation as defenders of the revolution.
When did the October Revolution occur?
October 25, 1917 (Julian calendar)
The Bolsheviks seized power in Petrograd with little resistance.
What were the key Bolshevik decrees after the October Revolution?
Decree on Land, Decree on Peace, workers control factories
These decrees aimed to consolidate Bolshevik power and address popular demands.
What was the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?
March 1918 peace treaty with Germany, lost 1/3 of land
The treaty ended Russia’s involvement in WWI but came at a great territorial cost.
Who were the Reds and Whites in the Russian Civil War?
Reds = Bolsheviks; Whites = anti-Bolsheviks (Tsarists, foreign powers, SRs)
The conflict was marked by ideological divisions and foreign intervention.
Why did the Reds win the Civil War?
Trotsky’s leadership, unity, control of key cities, White disunity
These factors played a crucial role in the Bolsheviks’ success.
What was the result of the Civil War?
Bolsheviks remain in power, Russia devastated
The war left a profound impact on the country’s economy and society.
What were key features of War Communism?
Grain requisitioning, banned private trade, nationalised industry
War Communism was implemented to support the Red Army during the Civil War.
