Russian Revolution Flashcards
(27 cards)
Define ‘autocracy’.
A system of government wherein one person has absolute power.
Define ‘Marxism’.
A body of economical and political theories developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, later developed by their followers to form the basis of communism.
Define ‘communism’.
A theory or system of social organisation in which all property is owned by the community and each person receives/contributes according to their ability and needs.
Define ‘dual power’.
Referring to the coexistence of two bodies of Russian government after the events of the February Revolution: the Provisional Government and the Soviets.
Define ‘democracy’.
A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.
Define ‘abdicate’.
To relinquish or ‘give up’ one’s power. In reference to the Russian Revolution, Tsar Nicholas II abdicated his throne following the events of the February Revolution.
Define ‘mutiny’.
A collective act of rebellion against a higher power - the February and October Revolutions are famous examples of mutiny.
Define ‘Bolshevism’.
A system of beliefs upheld by the Bolsheviks, based on Marxist principles and encouraging a socialist revolution, overthrowing capitalism and encouraging a classless society.
Who is Tsar Nicholas II?
The last Tsar of Russia. He issued the October Manifesto. He encouraged the shift towards a constitutional monarchy when Russia was ruled by autocracy. He abdicated his throne after the February Revolution, ending the Russian monarchy’s power over Russia.
What is a duma?
A duma is a parliament.
Who is Lenin?
Vladimir Lenin - Author of The April Theses, a series of programs that called for Soviet control of state power. He led the October Revolution, overthrowing the provisional government.
Who is Trotsky?
Leon Trotsky was a key leader of the Bolshevik party alongside Lenin. He helped organise the Red Army, and contributed to Marxism, as well as helping establish the Soviet Union. He is known for Trotskyism, which includes the idea of a permanent, global revolution.
Who is Kerensky?
Alexander Kerensky served as Prime Minister of the provisional government from July to October 1917, before it was overthrown during the October Revolution.
Give as many examples as possible of a political consequence of the Russian Revolution.
Examples: the end of the Russian monarchy, Russia’s withdrawal from WWI, the Russian civil war, establishment of the Soviet Union, rise of the Bolsheviks to power.
Give as many examples as possible of an economic consequence of the Russian Revolution.
Examples: widespread inflation, widespread shortages, a decline in industrial production, collapsing of transport, infrastructural destruction, a decline in agricultural production.
Give as many examples as possible of a social consequence of the Russian Revolution.
Examples: economic collapse, transformation of the social structure, (the move from classes to a communist, classless society) severe shortages of food, fuel and goods, which led to epidemics + general decline in public health.
Give as many examples as possible of a cultural consequence of the Russian Revolution.
Examples: the development of state-controlled, Marxist-inspired culture, promotion of mass literacy and education, a break from traditional values and artistic movements, widespread of communist ideals, influencing political and cultural movements in various countries.
How is Bloody Sunday significant to the Russian Revolution?
Bloody Sunday, in which a demonstration of factory workers were suppressed by the Tsarist military, resulting in many deaths, inspired the issue of the October Manifesto.
How is the October Manifesto significant to the Russian Revolution?
The document began the shift from absolute autocracy to a constitutional monarchy.
What was promised in the October Manifesto?
That the Tsar’s authority would be limited, a parliament would be established, and civil liberties would be granted.
How is WWI significant to the Russian Revolution?
WWI fuelled the public’s distrust of the Tsarist regime, as the war encouraged economic hardship and military defeats, lowering public morale. WWI was the straw that broke the camel’s - Russia’s - back, as its consequences led to the February Revolution, where the monarchy was thrown out.
Why is the February Revolution significant to the Russian Revolution?
The February revolution put an end to Russia’s monarchy and established its replacing systems, the provisional government and the Soviet Union, which in turn inspired Lenin to overthrow the provisional government.
What is the April Thesis and how is it significant to the Russian Revolution?
The April Thesis is a series of programs published by Vladimir Lenin calling for Soviet control of state power. The April Thesis is significant to the Russian revolution as its ideals inspired revolution and the establishment of a communist regime in Russia.
What is the October Revolution and how is it significant to the Russian Revolution?
The October revolution took place when Bolshevik forces lead by Vladimir Lennon overthrew the provisional government. This event marked the end of the Soviet era and the establishment of a communist regime in Russia.
