Tsarist rule in Russia 1905 - 1914 Flashcards
(59 cards)
What year did the Russo-Japanese War take place?
1904–1905 — Russia expected an easy victory but was defeated by Japan, which shocked the world.
How did the Russo-Japanese War affect Tsar Nicholas II’s reputation?
It damaged his authority. The loss to Japan showed his incompetence and weakened trust in his leadership.
Why was the military defeat in the Russo-Japanese War so significant?
It was the first time a major European power lost to an Asian nation, humiliating Russia and sparking public anger.
How did the war contribute to economic problems in Russia?
Military spending caused food shortages and inflation, worsening poverty and increasing discontent among workers and peasants.
How did the war lead to the 1905 Revolution?
It acted as a short-term trigger. Defeat and economic hardship led to strikes and protests like Bloody Sunday.
What was Bloody Sunday, and how was it linked to the war?
A peaceful protest in 1905 that ended in soldiers firing on civilians. The war increased frustration that led to this protest.
What political response did the Tsar make to unrest caused by the war?
He issued the October Manifesto, promising reforms like the Duma (parliament) to calm protests.
Was the war the only cause of the 1905 Revolution?
No — long-term causes like poverty, poor working conditions, and political repression also played a major role.
What was the October Manifesto?
A document issued by Tsar Nicholas II in 1905, promising political reforms such as a Duma and civil rights — a reaction to war-triggered unrest.
How did the Russo-Japanese War expose the weaknesses of the Tsarist regime?
It revealed poor leadership, military disorganisation, and the inability to address economic and social crises at home.
Why did Russia’s defeat damage its international standing?
It lost prestige as a great power; the military’s poor performance showed Russia was no longer strong or modern.
Where did the Potemkin Mutiny spread and gain support?
In Odessa, where workers and citizens protested in support of the sailors.
What triggered the Potemkin Mutiny in June 1905?
Sailors rebelled over being served rotten, maggot-infested meat and poor conditions.
How was the Potemkin Mutiny suppressed?
Troops opened fire on crowds in Odessa, killing around 1,000 people. The ship fled to Romania and was abandoned.
Why was the Potemkin Mutiny significant?
It showed that revolutionary ideas were spreading to the military, not just workers and peasants.
How did the 1905 Revolution escalate in cities?
There were mass strikes, protests, and the creation of Soviets, like the St Petersburg Soviet.
What happened on Bloody Sunday?
Peaceful protesters were shot by Tsarist troops in January 1905, sparking national outrage and unrest.
How did the 1905 Revolution escalate in the countryside?
Peasant uprisings spread across Russia — over 3,000 manor houses were burned or attacked.
What was the October Manifesto?
A promise of political reform, including a Duma, issued by the Tsar to calm unrest during the 1905 Revolution.
Who was Stolypin and how did he respond to the unrest?
He was the Tsar’s Prime Minister who used harsh repression to crush the revolution.
What was Bloody Sunday?
A peaceful protest in St Petersburg on 22 January 1905, where Tsarist troops fired on unarmed demonstrators, killing hundreds.
Who led the Bloody Sunday march?
Father Gapon, a Russian Orthodox priest, who led around 200,000 people to present a petition to the Tsar.
What were the main reasons for the Bloody Sunday protest?
Protesters demanded better working conditions, higher wages, an 8-hour day, and civil liberties. They also wanted to end the Russo-Japanese War.
How did the Tsar respond to Bloody Sunday?
He was not at the palace, but soldiers opened fire on the crowd, killing up to 200 people and wounding hundreds more.
