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Questions and Answers

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?

  • 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?

  • 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?

    <p>The severe weather conditions experienced by soldiers on the front line in the winter of 1916-17. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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?

    <p>The 'right' challenge was direct and involved possible coup discussions, while the 'left' was less direct and had varying opinions on the war. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event is widely considered to have sparked the 1905 Revolution in Russia?

    <p>The Bloody Sunday massacre of 1905. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary purpose of the October Manifesto issued by Tsar Nicholas II?

    <p>To quell the widespread strikes by granting civil liberties and an elected parliament. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary reason for the public's declining trust in Tsar Nicholas II, as mentioned in the text?

    <p>His close association with the controversial figure of Rasputin. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the key factor that led to the formation of the 'Progressive bloc' within the State Duma in 1915?

    <p>The Tsar's refusal to consider constitutional reforms proposed by the Duma. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these options best describes the state of Russia's military preparedness at the start of World War I?

    <p>Russia had a large army but suffered from inadequate equipment and supplies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of the 'military zones' established in Russia during World War I?

    <p>To suspend civilian authority and place the military in command. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main purpose of the Zemgor, formed in June 1915?

    <p>To offer aid to the state's war effort due to growing discontent. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Tsar's wife, Alexandra, influence his rule?

    <p>By encouraging him to 'stand firm' and resist calls for political change. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Romanov Dynasty

    Ruling family of Russia from 1613 until 1917.

    Tsar Nicholas II

    Last Tsar of Russia, ruled from 1894 to 1917.

    Bloody Sunday (1905)

    A massacre that sparked the 1905 Revolution with 130 killed.

    October Manifesto

    Document issued by Tsar Nicholas II promising reforms after 1905 Revolution.

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    Rasputin

    A mystic and advisor to Tsar Nicholas II, known for his influence.

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    Zemstvo

    Local self-government institutions in Imperial Russia, formed to address public needs.

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    Progressive Bloc

    Coalition formed by Duma members demanding a constitutional monarchy in 1915.

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    Desertion in 1916

    1.5 million soldiers left the Russian army during World War I due to poor conditions.

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    Tsar Nicholas II's role as commander-in-chief

    In September 1915, Tsar Nicholas II took command of the Russian army and navy, impacting perceptions of military failures.

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    Economic state of Russia

    To finance WWI, Russia increased taxes and took loans, leading to inflation and devaluation of money.

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    Food supply crisis

    By 1916, Petrograd received only a third of its needed food and fuel, leading to widespread discontent.

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    Strikes in Russia (1916-1917)

    Strikes grew in frequency and intensity, peaking in January 1917 with tens of thousands participating.

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    Winter hardships on the front line

    In the winter of 1916-17, temperatures dropped to -35 degrees, worsening conditions for soldiers.

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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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    Description

    This quiz explores the critical conditions leading up to the February and March revolutions in 1917 Russia. It covers the impact of the Romanov Dynasty, the Russo-Japanese War, the 1905 Revolution, and key figures such as Tsar Nicholas II and Rasputin. Test your knowledge of these significant historical events and their consequences.

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