Provisional Government Economic Changes

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Questions and Answers

What was one major economic consequence of the war on Russia by February 1917?

Severe inflation and goods shortage. (correct)

Significant foreign investment.

Surplus in agricultural production.

Increase in the standard of living.

How much did Russia's wartime foreign debts total by October 1917?

8 billion roubles. (correct)

20 billion roubles.

38 billion roubles.

3 billion roubles.

What happened to the value of the rouble between February and October 1917?

It became the strongest currency in Europe.

It increased by 50%.

It remained stable.

It decreased significantly. (correct)

What was a direct result of the Provisional Government's decision to increase the supply of banknotes?

Erosion of purchasing power. Signup and view all the answers

By how much did economic output per head decrease from 1913 to 1917?

One fifth. Signup and view all the answers

What trend was observed regarding public debt during the Provisional Government period?

It increased due to war expenditures. Signup and view all the answers

Which economic condition in Russia was notable by 1919?

Average economic levels seen only in the poorest countries. Signup and view all the answers

What was referred to as the 'dance of the billions' during this period?

The frenetic printing of paper money. Signup and view all the answers

What economic issue did Russia face by 1917 primarily due to territorial losses?

Loss of access to vital industries Signup and view all the answers

Which social change was introduced by the Provisional Government during its time in power?

Restriction on working hours to eight hours a day Signup and view all the answers

What was one major challenge faced by the Provisional Government by the end of its rule?

Inability to resolve the economic crisis Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the social hierarchy as a result of the fall of Tsarism?

The nobility lost much of their power and influence Signup and view all the answers

Which freedoms were guaranteed during the Provisional Government's rule?

Political, personal, and religious freedoms Signup and view all the answers

By how much time did the Russian economy stabilize after the civil war?

Ten years Signup and view all the answers

What role did the army play during the time of the Provisional Government?

Utilization to maintain order during uprisings Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the removal of censorship during the Provisional Government's time in power?

Freer expression of political opinions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Economic Changes in Russia under the Provisional Government

Russia experienced significant decline between 1913 and 1919, reverting to economic standards akin to the Middle Ages.
By February 1917, Russia faced impending collapse despite being wealthy in 1914, largely due to the strains of World War I.
Key issues included rampant inflation, severe food shortages, public debt, and a broken transport system.
Foreign debts skyrocketed, totaling over 8 billion roubles by October 1917, alongside 3 billion roubles of pre-war debt.
The government resorted to increasing banknotes in circulation, causing drastic depreciation of the rouble from 30 kopecks to 6 or 7 by October 1917.
Estimated wartime costs fluctuated between 38 and 50 billion roubles, leading to national economic insolvency.
Economic output per capita fell by one-fifth from 1913 to 1917 due to workforce depletion as workers enlisted for military service.
Loss of economically vital territories like Poland and Ukraine exacerbated the economic crisis.
The Provisional Government emerged during a severe economic downturn but lacked the relative power to implement effective reforms.
The economy remained unstable until 1924, post-Civil War, indicating lasting impacts extending beyond the Provisional Government’s rule.

Societal Changes in Russia under the Provisional Government

The Provisional Government introduced political and personal freedoms, easing prior constraints.
Citizens gained rights to vote, strike, assemble, and express political views without censorship.
An eight-hour workday was instituted, improving labor conditions.
Despite formal freedoms, societal conditions remained harsh; rationing and wartime suffering continued.
The social hierarchy was disrupted; the nobility lost significant power and land as land was appropriated by peasants.
The lack of censorship and secret police marked a significant shift in personal freedoms, creating the freest environment seen during this period.
Increased freedoms allowed some groups to challenge the Provisional Government, leading to turbulence in governance and social dynamics.

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Description

Explore the economic and social transformations in Russia during the Provisional Government's rule from 1913 to 1919. This quiz provides an overview of the significant changes and their impacts within the broader socio-economic context of the time. Prepare for a deeper analysis in future studies on this theme.