Russia Pre 1917 Flashcards
(150 cards)
1
Q
How was Russia governed before 1917?
A
The Tsar has the most power
The governance was characterized by a lack of consideration for lower classes and a feudal system.
2
Q
What role did the Orthodox Church play in pre-1917 Russia?
A
The Orthodox Church had significant power
The Church was a crucial institution influencing various aspects of Russian life.
3
Q
What was the military’s role in pre-1917 Russia?
A
Military protects people in power - don’t defend the public
The military primarily served the interests of those in power rather than the general populace.
4
Q
What challenges did the lower class face in Russia before 1917?
A
The lower class was struggling with the burden of carrying the country with nothing in return
This reflects the socioeconomic inequalities prevalent in Russian society.
5
Q
What was the significance of the 1905 Revolution?
A
It began with a protest outside the Winter Palace where troops shot protesters, killing roughly 200
This incident marked the start of a year filled with chaos and disorder.
6
Q
What response did the Tsar have to the unrest in 1905?
A
The Tsar responded in October with his ‘October Manifesto’
The October Manifesto was a significant political reform that aimed to quell the unrest.
7
Q
What was the public’s perception of the Tsar during the turmoil of 1905?
A
It looked like the Tsar had lost control
The events of 1905 significantly undermined the authority of the Tsar.
8
Q
Fill in the blank: The governance system in pre-1917 Russia was characterized by a _______.
A
Feudal System
9
Q
True or False: The Tsar was seen as a benevolent ruler by all classes in Russia before 1917.
A
False
Many people, especially in lower classes, felt neglected and oppressed.
10
Q
What event is referred to as the ‘January 2nd, 1905’ incident?
A
A protest outside the Winter Palace where troops shot protesters
This event catalyzed widespread unrest and dissatisfaction with the Tsarist regime.
11
Q
What significant construction project was part of Russia’s economic improvement by 1914?
A
Trans-Siberian Railway
The Trans-Siberian Railway was crucial for connecting different parts of Russia and facilitating trade.
12
Q
What was one goal of Russia regarding foreign investments by 1914?
A
To gain foreign investments and loans
Attracting foreign capital was essential for economic growth.
13
Q
Who was removed from their post due to poor decision-making?
A
Tsar Nicholas II
His decision-making was criticized, leading to significant political consequences.
14
Q
What document had great potential for political reform in Russia?
A
October Manifesto
The October Manifesto aimed to address demands for reform and improve civil liberties.
15
Q
Who was Stolyain and what was his role?
A
Stolyain implemented land reforms
He aimed to modernize agriculture and improve peasant conditions.
16
Q
What was one of the main features of Stolyain’s land reforms?
A
Cancellation of Redemption Payments
This reform aimed to alleviate financial burdens on peasants post-emancipation.
17
Q
Who were the Kulaks?
A
Slightly wealthier peasants
Kulaks emerged as a result of land reforms and were able to invest in land.
18
Q
What was the purpose of land banks in Russia?
A
Encourage people to invest their money
Land banks were created to support agricultural development and economic growth.
19
Q
What was a consequence of the 1914 improvements in Russia?
A
Strengthening and survival of the monarchy
The improvements aimed to bolster the Tsar’s power and legitimacy.
20
Q
Fill in the blank: The October Manifesto aimed to improve _______.
A
civil liberties
It was a response to public demand for more freedoms and political participation.
21
Q
True or False: The Trans-Siberian Railway was completed before 1914.
A
False
The railway was under construction and not fully completed by 1914.
22
Q
What percentage of the Russian population were peasants?
A
82%
This statistic highlights the significant role of peasants in the Russian social structure.
23
Q
What was a major issue for the working class in Russia?
A
Poor working conditions
The working class faced difficult living situations and job insecurity.
24
Q
Who did the church use to influence the people?
A
Spiritual leaders
The church aimed to guide and control the beliefs of the populace.
25
What type of opposition was most common in Russia?
Liberal opposition
## Footnote
This opposition was often suppressed by the Tsarist regime.
26
What major construction project was initiated during this period?
Trans-Siberian railway
## Footnote
This railway was significant for connecting various parts of Russia.
27
What was the state of wages and employment during this time?
Low wages and insecure employment
## Footnote
Economic instability affected the working class severely.
28
How many political activists were targeted towards extremism?
40 million
## Footnote
This number reflects the widespread discontent and activism in Russia.
29
What did Nicholas II believe regarding governance?
Absolute power of the Tsar
## Footnote
Nicholas II maintained that no law could come into effect without his consent.
30
What was the state of parliament in Russia under Nicholas II?
There was no parliament
## Footnote
This lack of political structure contributed to the dissatisfaction among citizens.
31
Fill in the blank: Foreign investment rose from 98 million _______ in 1880 to 900 million in 1900.
roubles
## Footnote
This increase in foreign investment indicates economic growth during this period.
32
What event against Japan occurred in 1904-1905?
The Russo-Japanese War
33
What was 'Bloody Sunday'?
A massacre where the Tsar's army shot at a crowd demanding reforms
34
What did the crowd demand on 'Bloody Sunday'?
Establishment of a State Duma
35
Who executed the Tsar's family in 1915?
The Bolsheviks
36
What was Rasputin known for?
Interference with the government, womanizing, and drunkenness
37
How did Rasputin's actions affect Nicholas II's reputation?
Damaged it significantly
38
What weakened Nicholas II's political stance?
Tama Aerandra's lack of political understanding
39
What was Nicholas II's reaction to Rasputin's murder?
He was distraught and urged to stand up to the revolutionaries
40
With which country did Russia identify during the Balkan tensions?
Serbia
41
What was the Pan-Slavism movement?
The belief that Slavic nations should be united under Russian leadership
42
Which countries were Russia's allies in World War I?
Britain and France
43
What front did Russia primarily fight on during World War I?
The Western Front
44
What happened to the Duma during the war?
It dissolved itself
45
What was St. Petersburg renamed to?
Petrograd
46
What was the outcome of the Battle of Tannenberg?
300,000 dead or wounded
47
What did the Russian army do after the Battle of Tannenberg?
Temporarily retreated from East Prussia
48
How many soldiers did Russia mobilize between 1914-1917?
Around 12 million
49
What were soldiers sent without during the mobilization?
Weapons and proper clothing
50
What did the Union of Zemstva provide?
Medical facilities that the state had neglected
51
What was a reason for the introduction of the February Revolution?
Nicholas II lost confidence and support of Russian General Staff and did not have the war experience to turn the war around
## Footnote
This loss of confidence contributed to the instability leading to the revolution.
52
Who was accused of having an affair with Rasputin?
Alexandra
## Footnote
This accusation fueled public discontent against the monarchy.
53
What happened to Rasputin in December 1916?
He was murdered
## Footnote
His death was a significant event that highlighted the turmoil within the Russian royal family.
54
What economic issues were caused by the war in Russia?
Increased taxes, raised huge bonuses domestically and abroad, massive inflation
## Footnote
These economic hardships contributed to widespread discontent among the populace.
55
What was one impact of conscription during the war?
Shortage of men in strategic positions
## Footnote
This shortage affected military effectiveness and morale.
56
What territories were overrun by Germans during the war?
Poland and western Russia
## Footnote
The loss of these areas removed important industrial capacity from Russia.
57
What happened to the railway system in Russia during the war?
It collapsed under strain
## Footnote
The collapse hindered logistics and supply lines critical for the war effort.
58
What was a significant social issue in Petrograd due to the war?
Long queues to buy bread
## Footnote
This food scarcity was a major factor in the public's unrest.
59
What was the unemployment situation in Petrograd and Moscow during the war?
Unemployment soared as factories closed
## Footnote
This economic distress contributed to social unrest.
60
How many workers went on strike in March 1917?
30,000
## Footnote
This strike was part of a larger wave of labor unrest during this period.
61
What was the loss of confidence in February 1917 directed towards?
The Tsar's regime
## Footnote
Many were patriotic but lost faith in the leadership's ability to manage the crisis.
62
What was a key feature of the New Economic Policy (NEP)?
It aimed to revive the economy after the war
## Footnote
The NEP introduced some market-oriented reforms to stimulate growth.
63
What did Michael Rodzianko telegram Nicholas II about on 27th February 1917?
The situation is growing worse and measures should be taken immediately.
## Footnote
The telegram indicated the urgency of the situation in Russia, highlighting the government's inability to control disorders and the rebellion among troops.
64
How did Nicholas II respond to Rodzianko's telegram?
He dismissed it as nonsense and did not bother to answer.
## Footnote
This response reflects Nicholas II's detachment from the escalating crisis in Russia.
65
What significant event began on 27th February 1917?
Demonstrations turned into a revolution aimed at overthrowing the government.
## Footnote
The revolution saw significant troop desertions and violent uprisings against the government.
66
How many troops were estimated to be supporting the revolution?
Approximately 150,000 troops.
## Footnote
These troops had deserted their posts and joined the revolutionaries.
67
What actions did armed crowds take during the revolution?
They broke into prisons, barracks, and government arsenals, and burned down police stations.
## Footnote
This indicates the widespread chaos and uprising against authorities.
68
What was formed on 27th February 1917 that became the de facto government of Russia?
The 'Petrograd Soviet of soldiers, sailors, and workers deputies'.
## Footnote
This body represented both the reformist elements of the old Duma and the striking workers.
69
What was the name of the first newspaper published by the Soviet?
Izvestiya (the News).
## Footnote
The newspaper declared the Soviet's determination to completely eliminate the old system.
70
What did the remaining ministers of the Tsar's cabinet do on 28th February?
They abandoned their responsibilities and slipped out of the capital.
## Footnote
They used the pretext of an electricity failure to escape.
71
What happened to Nicholas II's royal train on 28th February?
It was intercepted by mutinous troops and diverted outside of Petrograd.
## Footnote
This prevented him from reaching the capital and contributed to the crisis.
72
What advice did army generals and members of the Duma give to Nicholas II?
They advised him that a return to Petrograd was futile and dangerous, recommending abdication.
## Footnote
This reflects their perception of the seriousness of the situation.
73
What did Nicholas II express in his telegram to Rodzianko on 1st March 1917?
He was willing to abdicate in favor of his son under the regency of his brother Mikhail Alexandrovich.
## Footnote
This statement shows his concern for the welfare of Russia.
74
What was the content of Nicholas II's abdication statement on 7th March 1917?
He addressed his armies, stating he had abdicated for himself and his son, urging loyalty to the Provisional Government.
## Footnote
He emphasized the need for victory in the ongoing war.
75
What did the 'Provisional Committee' rename itself after the revolution?
The Provisional Government.
## Footnote
This body took on the role of governing Russia after the revolution.
76
True or False: The Provisional Government immediately informed the world that a revolution had taken place.
True.
## Footnote
This action was part of their efforts to establish legitimacy after the overthrow of the Tsar.
77
78
What were the Fundamental Laws?
The constitution promulgated by the government after the 1905 Revolution, describing the Tsar as 'the supreme autocratic power'.
## Footnote
The Fundamental Laws established the framework for the Tsar's powers and the structure of the Duma.
79
What powers did the Tsar retain under the Fundamental Laws?
The Tsar retained huge executive and legislative powers, including:
* Control of the army
* Control of foreign policy
* Right to dissolve the Duma
* Right to dismiss ministers
## Footnote
These powers ensured the Tsar's autocratic rule despite the establishment of the Duma.
80
How was the Duma structured?
The Duma consisted of the Upper and Lower Chambers, with half of the Upper Chamber members appointed by the Tsar.
## Footnote
This structure limited the influence of the elected representatives in the Duma.
81
What was the election system used for the Lower Chamber of the Duma?
The Lower Chamber was elected by wide male suffrage and secret voting through an indirect system that favored the wealthier class.
## Footnote
Voters first elected electors, who then elected further electors to vote for Duma members.
82
What characterized the voters in the First Duma?
The majority of members elected were anti-government despite the system favoring wealthier, conservative classes.
## Footnote
Groups represented included Cadets, Octobrists, national groups, labor group, and peasant members.
83
Who were the Cadets?
The Cadets, or Constitutional Democrats, were liberals demanding the establishment of a parliament with legislative power.
## Footnote
Their views were similar to those of British liberals.
84
What was the fate of the First Duma?
The Tsar dissolved the First Duma after it lasted for 73 days.
## Footnote
The Duma's demands for ministerial responsibility and control of state affairs threatened the Tsar's authority.
85
What happened during the election of the Second Duma?
The Tsar attempted to intimidate anti-government voters, but many were still elected, including 65 Social Democrats.
## Footnote
The Second Duma also met the same fate as the First, being dissolved within three months.
86
What changes were made to the franchise for the Third Duma?
The franchise was altered to deprive many peasants and non-Russian nationalities of the vote, ensuring 60% of Duma seats were held by wealthy landowners.
## Footnote
This change aimed to prevent a rebellious Duma.
87
How long did the Third and Fourth Dumas serve?
Both the Third Duma (1907-1912) and the Fourth Duma (1912-1914) served their full term of five years.
## Footnote
Despite their longer duration, they remained largely ineffective.
88
What was Stolypin's policy during his tenure as Prime Minister?
Stolypin adopted a policy of repression, persecuting Jews and punishing rioters, while also depriving Finland of independence.
## Footnote
His tenure from 1906 to 1911 was marked by harsh treatment of dissenters.
89
What happened to many Social Democrats during this period?
Many Social Democrats, including Lenin, were exiled due to the repressive policies of the Tsar's government.
## Footnote
This contributed to the growing dissent against the Tsarist regime.
90
What were the Fundamental Laws?
The constitution promulgated by the government after the 1905 Revolution, describing the Tsar as 'the supreme autocratic power'.
## Footnote
The Fundamental Laws established the framework for the Tsar's powers and the structure of the Duma.
91
What powers did the Tsar retain under the Fundamental Laws?
The Tsar retained huge executive and legislative powers, including:
* Control of the army
* Control of foreign policy
* Right to dissolve the Duma
* Right to dismiss ministers
## Footnote
These powers ensured the Tsar's autocratic rule despite the establishment of the Duma.
92
How was the Duma structured?
The Duma consisted of the Upper and Lower Chambers, with half of the Upper Chamber members appointed by the Tsar.
## Footnote
This structure limited the influence of the elected representatives in the Duma.
93
What was the election system used for the Lower Chamber of the Duma?
The Lower Chamber was elected by wide male suffrage and secret voting through an indirect system that favored the wealthier class.
## Footnote
Voters first elected electors, who then elected further electors to vote for Duma members.
94
What characterized the voters in the First Duma?
The majority of members elected were anti-government despite the system favoring wealthier, conservative classes.
## Footnote
Groups represented included Cadets, Octobrists, national groups, labor group, and peasant members.
95
Who were the Cadets?
The Cadets, or Constitutional Democrats, were liberals demanding the establishment of a parliament with legislative power.
## Footnote
Their views were similar to those of British liberals.
96
What was the fate of the First Duma?
The Tsar dissolved the First Duma after it lasted for 73 days.
## Footnote
The Duma's demands for ministerial responsibility and control of state affairs threatened the Tsar's authority.
97
What happened during the election of the Second Duma?
The Tsar attempted to intimidate anti-government voters, but many were still elected, including 65 Social Democrats.
## Footnote
The Second Duma also met the same fate as the First, being dissolved within three months.
98
What changes were made to the franchise for the Third Duma?
The franchise was altered to deprive many peasants and non-Russian nationalities of the vote, ensuring 60% of Duma seats were held by wealthy landowners.
## Footnote
This change aimed to prevent a rebellious Duma.
99
How long did the Third and Fourth Dumas serve?
Both the Third Duma (1907-1912) and the Fourth Duma (1912-1914) served their full term of five years.
## Footnote
Despite their longer duration, they remained largely ineffective.
100
What was Stolypin's policy during his tenure as Prime Minister?
Stolypin adopted a policy of repression, persecuting Jews and punishing rioters, while also depriving Finland of independence.
## Footnote
His tenure from 1906 to 1911 was marked by harsh treatment of dissenters.
101
What happened to many Social Democrats during this period?
Many Social Democrats, including Lenin, were exiled due to the repressive policies of the Tsar's government.
## Footnote
This contributed to the growing dissent against the Tsarist regime.
102
What was the population of Russia between 1815-1914?
The population quadrupled from 40 million to 165 million.
103
Who were the Okhrana?
The Tsar's secret police responsible for hunting down subversives.
104
What significant change occurred in 1861 regarding serfdom?
The Emancipation of the Serfs abolished serfdom, a form of slavery.
105
What problems arose after the abolition of serfdom?
Insufficient land and high prices led to significant mortgage repayments for peasants.
106
What percentage of the Russian population were Russians (Slav)?
55.6% of the population.
107
What effect did the denial of free speech have on political activists?
It drove them towards extremism.
108
What terrorist group was responsible for the assassination of Tsar Alexander II?
'The People's Will'.
109
How many soldiers died in peacetime during Nicolas I's reign due to service conditions?
Over 1 million soldiers.
110
When did the First Duma take place?
May-July 1906.
111
What was the status of the Tsar's power in Russia since 1613?
The Tsar was the absolute ruler with no restrictions on his power.
112
What was a criminal offence in Russia in 1881?
Opposing the Tsar or his government.
113
What role did the Russian Orthodox church play in supporting the Tsar?
It taught obedience to the Tsar as God's anointed.
114
What was a major issue with the agrarian economy in Russia?
It failed to develop properly, leading to national weakness.
115
What was Nicolas II's belief regarding government?
He believed autocracy was the only possible government for Russia.
116
What was Russification?
A policy that restricted the influence of non-Russian minorities.
117
How did Nicolas II's regime treat Jews?
It actively encouraged their terrorization.
118
What characterized the opposition to Tsardom during Nicolas II's reign?
It included revolutionaries and reformers but lacked a coherent movement.
119
What were the Fundamental Laws introduced in January 1906?
1. The Russian State is one and indivisible.
2. The Russian Language is the general language of the state, and its use is compulsory in the army, navy and State and public institutions.
3. Supreme Autocratic Power belongs to the Emperor of all Russia.
4. The sovereign emperor ratifies the laws. No law can come into force without his consent.
120
What percentage of the Russian population were illiterate peasants?
82%
121
Who was Witte and what was his role in Russian finance?
Witte was the Minister for Finance who turned to Western Europe for investment in Russia, successfully increasing foreign investment from 98 million roubles in 1880 to 911 million roubles in 1900.
122
What was the result of Witte's financial policies?
An annual increase in production, although Russia still lagged behind the West.
123
What major infrastructure project did Witte initiate?
The Trans-Siberian Railway.
124
By 1905, what proportion of Russian railways were owned by the state?
2/3's of Russian railways.
125
Was the Trans-Siberian railway completed by 1914?
No, it was incomplete.
126
How many factory workers were there in Russia in 1914?
2.5 million, under 2% of the total population.
127
Where did most industrial production take place in Russia?
In small workshops in the countryside and towns.
128
What was the impact of World War I on Russian workers?
Many workers returned to their villages to live when food was scarce.
129
What role did foreign credit play in Russian development?
It played a disproportionate role.
130
What percentage of government expenditure was military spending from 1885 onwards?
Never less than 50%.
131
What were living conditions like in Russia's cities in 1904?
Poor, with overcrowded apartments and inadequate sanitation.
132
How many people lived on average in a St Petersburg apartment in 1904?
16 people.
133
What percentage of St Petersburg houses had running water in 1904?
1/3.
134
What was the size of Russia in 1894?
Over 8 million square miles.
135
What were the maximum dimensions of Russia from west to east and north to south?
5000 miles wide and 2000 miles long.
136
True or False: The needs of ordinary Russians were prioritized in the economy.
False.
137
What did Lenin announce upon his return to Russia on 3rd April 1917?
The April Theses, which included demands such as immediate amnesty for political prisoners, freedom of speech, and land redistribution
## Footnote
Lenin urged revolutionaries to take control of the country and criticized Bolsheviks who supported the Provisional Government.
138
What was one of the main criticisms Lenin had towards the Bolsheviks supporting the Provisional Government?
He accused them of betraying socialism and suggested they should leave the party
## Footnote
Lenin believed that any attempt at revolution at that stage would fail and lead to authoritarianism.
139
What significant event occurred after Kerensky announced a new summer offensive?
Soldiers on the Eastern Front began to refuse to move to the front line, leading to a mass desertion
## Footnote
By autumn 1917, an estimated 2 million men had unofficially left the army.
140
Who did Kerensky call upon to protect Petrograd from Kornilov's troops?
The Soviets and the Red Guards
## Footnote
The Bolsheviks controlled these organizations and agreed to help, making it clear they were fighting against Kornilov.
141
What happened to General Krymov during the conflict with Kornilov's troops?
He committed suicide
## Footnote
Kornilov was arrested and taken into custody.
142
What was the nature of the new government's composition during the revolution?
It was extraordinarily moderate despite the circumstances
## Footnote
There was a danger from extremists wanting to turn Russia into a Socialist republic.
143
What policy did the Provisional Government follow?
A policy that alternated between ineffective reforms and stern repressive measures
## Footnote
This included arresting opposition agitators and closing radical newspapers.
144
What did Kerensky represent to the Russian people during the revolution?
He became the personification of everything good and noble in Russia
## Footnote
He was seen as a prophet of a new faith during a crucial period.
145
What did Pavel Milyukov communicate to Allied ambassadors regarding the Provisional Government's aims?
Free Russia does not aim at domination or occupying foreign territories; its aim is to establish peace and reduce armaments
## Footnote
He emphasized the importance of international tribunals.
146
What demand did Kornilov make to Kerensky on 7th September?
He demanded the resignation of the Cabinet and the surrender of all military and civil authority to him
## Footnote
This led to Kerensky dismissing Kornilov from office.
147
What were the two factions of the Social Democrats during the revolution?
The Bolsheviki and the Mensheviki
## Footnote
The Bolsheviki were the more extreme anti-war faction.
148
What was a key statement issued by the Petrograd Soviet on 9th April 1917?
An appeal to proletarians of the Austro-German coalition to unite and stop the butchery disgraceful to humanity
## Footnote
They called for a united effort to support the Temporary Government until a Constituent Assembly could decide Russia's fate.
149
Fill in the blank: The organization of the general election by the Temporary Government would take _______.
time
150
True or False: The Provisional Government was able to effectively stop the redistribution of land in the countryside.
False
## Footnote
They were powerless to prevent land redistribution and faced widespread desertion among soldiers.
