Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the primary consequence of Tsar Nicholas II assuming command of the Russian army and navy in September 1915?
What was the primary consequence of Tsar Nicholas II assuming command of the Russian army and navy in September 1915?
- It shifted the blame for military setbacks directly onto the Tsar. (correct)
- It resulted in the removal of Alexandra and Rasputin from political influence.
- It completely isolated the Tsar from any political advice.
- It led to a string of major Russian military victories on the Eastern Front.
What was a significant economic consequence of Russia's involvement in World War I, that had a direct impact on the general population, between 1914-1916?
What was a significant economic consequence of Russia's involvement in World War I, that had a direct impact on the general population, between 1914-1916?
- A decline in the price of food and a stable currency due to the gold standard.
- Wages doubled but price of food quadrupled, rendering money almost worthless. (correct)
- A significant boost in agricultural production caused by a decrease in conscripted peasants.
- A decrease in taxes and an increase in wages leading to greater purchasing power.
In 1916, what were some of the major factors that contributed to growing social unrest in Russian cities?
In 1916, what were some of the major factors that contributed to growing social unrest in Russian cities?
- Full employment in urban centres and decreased prices for food and fuel.
- Increased food supply due to successful harvests and effective distribution.
- Reduced urban food supplies, fuel shortages, and the closure of non-military factories leading to unemployment. (correct)
- A rise in industrial output and a stable, reliable railway network.
Besides general discontent, what was another factor that directly contributed to discussions between some senior army officers and Alexandra Guchkov regarding the removal of the Tsar?
Besides general discontent, what was another factor that directly contributed to discussions between some senior army officers and Alexandra Guchkov regarding the removal of the Tsar?
What was a key difference between the 'right' and 'left' challenges towards Tsar Nicholas II's rule during the period leading up to the February 1917 Revolution?
What was a key difference between the 'right' and 'left' challenges towards Tsar Nicholas II's rule during the period leading up to the February 1917 Revolution?
What event is widely considered to have sparked the 1905 Revolution in Russia?
What event is widely considered to have sparked the 1905 Revolution in Russia?
What was the primary purpose of the October Manifesto issued by Tsar Nicholas II?
What was the primary purpose of the October Manifesto issued by Tsar Nicholas II?
What was the primary reason for the public's declining trust in Tsar Nicholas II, as mentioned in the text?
What was the primary reason for the public's declining trust in Tsar Nicholas II, as mentioned in the text?
What was the key factor that led to the formation of the 'Progressive bloc' within the State Duma in 1915?
What was the key factor that led to the formation of the 'Progressive bloc' within the State Duma in 1915?
Which of these options best describes the state of Russia's military preparedness at the start of World War I?
Which of these options best describes the state of Russia's military preparedness at the start of World War I?
What was the purpose of the 'military zones' established in Russia during World War I?
What was the purpose of the 'military zones' established in Russia during World War I?
What was the main purpose of the Zemgor, formed in June 1915?
What was the main purpose of the Zemgor, formed in June 1915?
How did the Tsar's wife, Alexandra, influence his rule?
How did the Tsar's wife, Alexandra, influence his rule?
Flashcards
Romanov Dynasty
Romanov Dynasty
Ruling family of Russia from 1613 until 1917.
Tsar Nicholas II
Tsar Nicholas II
Last Tsar of Russia, ruled from 1894 to 1917.
Bloody Sunday (1905)
Bloody Sunday (1905)
A massacre that sparked the 1905 Revolution with 130 killed.
October Manifesto
October Manifesto
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Rasputin
Rasputin
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Zemstvo
Zemstvo
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Progressive Bloc
Progressive Bloc
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Desertion in 1916
Desertion in 1916
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Tsar Nicholas II's role as commander-in-chief
Tsar Nicholas II's role as commander-in-chief
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Economic state of Russia
Economic state of Russia
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Food supply crisis
Food supply crisis
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Strikes in Russia (1916-1917)
Strikes in Russia (1916-1917)
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Winter hardships on the front line
Winter hardships on the front line
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Study Notes
Pre-Revolutionary Russia: Conditions Leading to February/March 1917
- Romanov Dynasty: Ruled Russia since 1613, Tsar Nicholas II reigned since 1894. His grandfather, Alexander II, was assassinated in 1881.
- Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905): Humiliating defeat for Russia, sparking discontent.
- 1905 Revolution: Strikes and unrest, including Bloody Sunday (130 killed). Led to the October Manifesto promising freedoms, including an elected Duma (parliament).
- Nicholas II's Authority: Despite promises in the October Manifesto, Nicholas II kept Duma ministers weak, maintaining strong central control.
- Alexandra and Rasputin: Nicholas's German wife, Alexandra, was influential. She introduced Nicholas to Rasputin, a faith healer and mystic whose interference in government caused scandals and further damaged Nicholas's reputation.
The War Effort and its impact
- Initial Popular Support: Tsar's entry into World War I had some initial support. The Duma dissolved itself, but its role was seen as unnecessary.
- Disastrous Military Campaigns: Early battles were devastating. Russia faced shortages of equipment and supplies.
- Recruitment and Supply Issues: Russia mobilized 12 million men, but could not equip or provision them adequately—resulting in significant casualties and desertion (over 1.5 million in 1916).
- Military Zones: The suspension of civilian authority in "military zones" sparked discontent amongst civilians and the Zemgor.
- Zemgor and Liberal Opposition: The 'Union of Zemstva' and later the Zemgor (chaired by Prince Lvov) provided medical aid, contrasting with perceived government inefficiency. The Progressive Bloc in the Duma grew and demanded a constitutional monarchy.
- Tsar as Commander-in-Chief: Taking personal command of the army made Nicholas more directly responsible for military failures. This increased public opposition against him.
- Political Interference: Alexandra and Rasputin's influence in political appointments further alienated the public.
Economic and Social Conditions
- Wartime Economy: High taxes and loans fuelled inflation, leading to a rapid devaluation of the Russian Ruble. Food prices soared, wages stagnated whilst food shortages worsened.
- Agricultural Crisis: Conscription of peasants reduced agricultural production. Overrun by Germans, decreasing Russia's industrial and agricultural output
- Transportation and Supply Issues: Railways were overwhelmed, exacerbating supply problems, and industrial production plummeted.
- Urban Problems: Unemployment soared as factories closed. Cities faced severe food and fuel shortages (Petrograd received barely a third of its requirements).
- Alcohol Prohibition: Banning alcohol further increased public discontent.
Growing Discontent
- Increased Strikes: Strike frequency and intensity escalated.
- Winter 1916-1917: Severe winter conditions further aggravated the situation at home and on the front lines.
- Coup Ideas: Significant discontents considered assassinating, or forcing the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II.
- Left challenges: Opposition varied on the war, but did not necessarily propose an immediate, violent alternative.
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