Unit 3/4 Flashcards
(63 cards)
What were the institutionalized weaknesses and tensions in Tsarist Russia?
Economic and social inequalities, discontent with tsarist autocracy, and lack of political reform.
These factors contributed to the revolutionary climate leading up to the Russian Revolution.
Who was Tsar Nicholas II?
The last Emperor of Russia, who ruled from 1894 until his abdication in 1917.
His reign saw the fall of the Romanov dynasty and significant political unrest.
What was Lenin’s perspective on achieving socialism?
Lenin believed that socialism could not be achieved without a struggle.
This reflects the revolutionary context in which he operated.
What calendar system did Russia use prior to February 1918?
Julian Calendar.
The Julian Calendar was replaced by the Gregorian Calendar after the Bolshevik Revolution.
What significant change occurred in October 1917 regarding the calendar?
The Bolsheviks implemented the Gregorian Calendar by dropping the 1-13th of February 1918.
This change affected how historical events are dated.
What geographical features separated Europe and Asia in the Russian Empire?
Ural Mountains.
This geographical divide marked the boundaries of the Russian Empire.
What was the population of the Russian Empire in 1897?
126 million.
This population included a diverse mix of ethnicities and social classes.
What percentage of the Russian population was of Slavic descent?
45%.
The population included over 60 different nationalities.
What were the five social classes identified in the 1897 Census?
- Ruling Class - 0.5%
- Upper Class - 12%
- Commercial Class - 1.5%
- Working Class - 4%
- Peasant Class - 82%.
This social hierarchy limited mobility for individuals.
What was the outcome of the 1905 Revolution in Russia?
It led to the establishment of the Provisional Government and ongoing unrest.
This revolution was a precursor to the larger revolutions of 1917.
How long did the Romanov dynasty rule Russia?
300 years.
The Romanovs ruled autocratically, supported by the Russian Orthodox Church and state police.
What did Nicholas II express about becoming Tsar?
He proclaimed, ‘I am not prepared to be a tsar. I never wanted to be one.’
This reflects his lack of confidence in ruling.
What characterized the Romanov dynasty’s approach to modernization?
Limited modernization and reform with little economic or political growth compared to Europe.
The emancipation of serfs in 1861 was a significant but limited reform.
What was the Edict of Emancipation of 1861?
A reform that aimed to liberate serfs and modernize agriculture in Russia.
It allowed serfs to own land but imposed heavy financial burdens.
What was the role of the Mir in post-emancipation Russia?
A local commune that organized redemption payments and land distribution among peasants.
The Mir system created new dependencies for the freed serfs.
What was the significance of the People’s Will group?
They adopted terror tactics to oppose the Tsar and successfully assassinated Tsar Alexander II in 1881.
This event led to increased repression under Alexander III.
What was the impact of the Crimean War on Russia?
It unveiled Russian backwardness and contributed to a push for modernization.
The war highlighted the inefficiencies of the Russian military and economy.
What was the primary consequence of the famine from 1891-1892?
The Tsarist government’s failed attempts to mitigate the effects of famine due to lack of infrastructure.
This contributed to public discontent and dissatisfaction with the regime.
What event is referred to as Bloody Sunday?
A massacre of peaceful protesters on January 9, 1905, in St Petersburg.
When was Tsar Nicholas II’s coronation?
1896
What conflict occurred from 1904 to 1905?
Russo-Japanese War
What treaty ended the Russo-Japanese War?
Treaty of Portsmouth, September 5th
What was a significant social issue in Russia before the revolution?
Economic slump and growing discontent among peasant, working, and upper class
