russia exam Flashcards
(47 cards)
What was the main goal of collectivisation (1928)?
To consolidate small farms into state-run kolkhozes and increase grain production for industrial funding.
What quote shows Stalin’s attitude towards the kulaks?
“We must smash the kulaks as a class.”
What major tragedy was caused by collectivisation?
The Holodomor famine (1932–33), causing 3.5–7 million deaths.
What did historian Robert Conquest say about collectivisation?
“Collectivisation was a man-made disaster.”
What were the key features of the First Five Year Plan (1928)?
Focus on heavy industry – steel, coal, electricity; rapid urbanisation and infrastructure.
What type of economy did Russia have in 1914?
Agrarian economy, reliant on outdated farming techniques
80% of the population were peasants living in poverty, often tied to landowners through debt.
What was the percentage of the Russian population that were peasants in 1914?
80%
They were often living in poverty and tied to landowners through debt.
What were the limitations of industrialisation in Russia by 1914?
Limited to urban centres like Petrograd and Moscow
Poor infrastructure, such as limited railways, hampered economic development.
What was the economic inequality in Russia in 1914?
Nobility owned large estates while peasants had little or no land.
What did foreign investment do to Russia’s economy in 1914?
Helped grow some industries but made Russia vulnerable.
Who was the Tsar of Russia in 1914?
Tsar Nicholas II
What type of government did Russia have under Tsar Nicholas II?
Autocracy
What significant political change occurred after the 1905 Revolution?
Concessions like the Duma (parliament) were established.
What were the Fundamental Laws of 1906?
Asserted Tsar Nicholas II’s autocratic control over the Duma.
How did the Tsar’s court appear to the public?
Corrupt and incompetent
What was the impact of Russification policies?
Discriminated against Poles, Finns, Jews, and other minorities.
What was the effect of World War I on Russia’s internal situation?
Highlighted and intensified internal problems
1.7 million soldiers dead, 5 million wounded.
What was the significance of the February Revolution in 1917?
Led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the end of Romanov rule.
What was the Kerensky Offensive?
A military campaign launched to rally support and revive war effort
It ultimately failed and weakened public faith in the Provisional Government.
What were the July Days (3-7 July 1917)?
Armed uprisings demanding Soviet power, leading to temporary decline in Bolshevik popularity.
What was the Kornilov Affair?
General Kornilov attempted to seize Petrograd, leading to panic and arming of the Bolsheviks.
What was the outcome of the October Revolution in 1917?
Bolsheviks overthrew the Provisional Government with minimal resistance.
What was War Communism?
A policy during the Civil War that included nationalisation of industry and grain requisitioning.
What was the NEP (New Economic Policy)?
A partial return to capitalism to revive the economy, allowing small businesses and private trade.
