Causes of the Russian Revolution Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What were the problems existing in Russia in 1917?

War caused great unrest and a large death toll. Famine was an issue on the homefront. The Russian government was disciplining deserters with torture and death. Soldiers were losing morale. Enemy forces were looming ready to invade Russia. Families were suffering.

Where and when did the Russian Revolution take place?

February (March) and October (November) 1917 in Russia.

What caused the Russian Revolution?

Discontent over corrupt and ineffective government, widespread poverty, scarcity of food, and massive WWI losses.

What were the effects of the Russian Revolution?

Czar Nicholas had to abdicate power to the Duma. Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, gained support, signed an agreement with Germany to leave WWI, transformed Russia into the first communist nation, and renamed Russia to the USSR. Signup and view all the answers

How long was the peasants' work day?

Factories: 11 hours, Farms: 16 hours. Signup and view all the answers

How did the working conditions add to the peasant unrest before the Russian Revolution?

Working conditions included long hours, bad treatment, inedible food, leading to worker dissatisfaction, especially knowing that the upper class enjoyed better lives. Signup and view all the answers

What types of poor working conditions inspired the industry workers to approach the Winter Palace on January 22, 1905?

Long hours, little concern for worker health or safety, resistance by factory owners of trade unions, overall harsh conditions, wage declines, layoffs. Signup and view all the answers

What were the workers' demands at the Winter Palace on January 22, 1905?

Reduction of work day to eight hours, increase in wages, and improvement of working conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What ended up happening to the workers at the Czar's Winter Palace in 1905?

The procession was attacked by the police and the Cossacks, resulting in over 100 workers killed and some 300 wounded. The incident became known as Bloody Sunday. Signup and view all the answers

Rasputin had influence over government decisions when he was close to the Czar's family. How does this support the claim that the government was corrupt?

Rasputin was not the czar and did not have the interests of the people at heart nor the credentials to be a leader. He manipulated the czar's family, creating a deception towards the public. Signup and view all the answers

What effects did the outcome of the Russo-Japanese War have on the Russian people?

The massive Russian defeat sparked unrest at home, leading to rebellion. The war turned peasants and workers against the czar. Signup and view all the answers

Why were Russian people unhappy with their country's involvement in WWI?

Russia was not prepared for the military and economic costs of war. Weak generals and poorly equipped troops could not stand up to German troops. Signup and view all the answers

What spurred the March Revolution in 1917?

Peasant unrest and women textile workers led a citywide strike due to bread and fuel shortages, which soldiers soon joined, escalating into a revolution. Signup and view all the answers

How successful was the provisional government set up by the Duma?

Temporary and unsuccessful. It was too weak to make any changes that the peasants were asking for. Signup and view all the answers

List four reasons why life was difficult for workers in Russia in the early 1900s.

Grueling working conditions, very low wages with a huge gap between the rich and poor, unions were outlawed leading to little political power, and a very low standard of living. Signup and view all the answers

What factors contributed to workers supporting Bolshevik ideology?

They supported a communist rule for more equality, were drawn to committed revolutionaries, and Lenin's engaging personality. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Causes of the Russian Revolution

The Russian homefront suffered from famine, unrest, high death tolls, and low soldier morale during World War I.
The brutal response of the government towards deserters included torture and execution.
Discontent stemmed from corruption, ineffectiveness of the government, widespread poverty, and food scarcity, alongside massive losses in WWI.

Timeline of Events

The Russian Revolution occurred in February (March) and October (November) of 1917.

Key Influences on the Revolution

Czar Nicholas II abdicated in favor of the Duma as the authority was challenged.
The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, capitalized on the unrest, negotiating peace with Germany, which resulted in Russia becoming the first communist nation, renamed the USSR.

Working Conditions and Labor Strikes

Peasants endured long workdays: 11 hours in factories and 16 hours on farms.
Harsh working conditions included long hours, poor treatment, and inadequate food, causing dissatisfaction among workers who compared their plight to the upper class's comfortable lifestyles.

1905 Events Leading to Revolution

The 1905 protests were sparked by long hours, health concerns, wage declines, layoffs, and factory owners' resistance to trade unions.
Workers demanded an eight-hour workday, higher wages, and improved working conditions during the protest at the Winter Palace on January 22, 1905.

Bloody Sunday Incident

The procession at the Winter Palace was violently suppressed by police and Cossacks, resulting in over 100 deaths and around 300 injuries, known as Bloody Sunday.

Influence of Rasputin

Rasputin, a controversial figure, manipulated the Czar's family and influenced government decisions, highlighting the corruption within the Russian leadership.

Impact of the Russo-Japanese War

The disastrous defeat in the Russo-Japanese War fueled public discontent and diminished faith in the Czar, exacerbating unrest among peasants and workers.
Russia's lack of preparedness for WWI, illustrated by poor military leadership and equipment, compounded public dissatisfaction, leading to calls for change.

The March Revolution

The March Revolution in 1917 was triggered by citywide strikes led by women textile workers protesting bread and fuel shortages, which escalated into broader worker and soldier revolts.

Provisional Government's Limitations

The provisional government established by the Duma was weak and failed to enact significant reforms or meet the demands of the peasants, leading to a loss of influence to local councils known as soviets.

Workers' Hardships

Workers faced grueling conditions, meager wages, outlawed unions, and a stark wealth gap, significantly lowering their standard of living.

Support for Bolsheviks

Workers and peasants were drawn to Bolshevik ideology, which promised equality and was driven by a dedicated, radical group led by Lenin, who inspired commitment to revolutionary change.

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Description

Explore the key factors that led to the Russian Revolution through this flashcard quiz. Delve into the socio-economic issues, military failures, and the political climate of Russia in 1917. Test your knowledge and understand the historical context of this pivotal event.